# Board-up and roof tarping after a fire in Fort Worth > Board-up and roof tarping after a Fort Worth house fire: securing windows and doors, temporary roof covers, storm prep and insurance records. URL: https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/board-up-and-tarping/ Section: Home > Services > Board-Up and Tarping Last updated: 2026-10-31 Disclosure: Fire Damage Restoration Fort Worth is a call-in referral service. Your call is connected to an independent, licensed local contractor who speaks with you on that call; we do not perform the work ourselves. After a fire, broken windows, forced doors and holes in the roof leave a house open to rain, wind, animals and people who should not be there. Temporary board-up and tarping close those openings until permanent repairs happen. Call and an independent local contractor will talk through securing your home on the same call. Mention any roof holes and broken windows so they know what to plan for. ## Key facts - Most homeowners policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage after a loss; your insurer can confirm what your policy requires. - The U.S. Fire Administration notes that roofs and floors damaged by fire may be weakened, so roof work after a fire needs care [1]. - Board-up and tarping are temporary measures; permanent repairs follow once the claim and scope are settled. - The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth issues local severe weather forecasts, useful for timing roof protection [2]. ## Why a fire-damaged house needs securing right away Fires and firefighting open a house up. Windows break from heat or are broken to vent smoke. Doors are forced to reach people or flames. Firefighters cut holes in roofs to release heat and gases, and the fire itself may burn through the roof deck. Once the trucks leave, those openings remain, and the house is exposed to the weather and to anyone passing by. Rain is the most obvious threat. Water entering through an open roof or broken window soaks materials that may already be wet from firefighting and spreads damage into rooms the fire never touched. Wind can lift loose roofing and debris. Animals can move in. And an empty, open house can attract theft and vandalism. Insurance is the other reason. Homeowners policies commonly expect the owner to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage after a covered loss. Board-up and tarping are the standard way to do that. Your insurer can tell you exactly what your policy requires and how these temporary measures are handled in the claim. Securing the house is also about peace of mind. In the first days after a fire, families are dealing with shelter, clothing, paperwork and shock. Knowing the house is closed up against weather and intruders takes one worry off the list. Securing the house early also protects the rooms that the fire never reached. ## Openings that usually need board-up or tarping - **[Broken windows](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/what-to-do-after-a-house-fire/):** Plywood is cut to fit the opening and fastened from outside, or from inside on upper floors, to keep weather and people out. - **[Forced or damaged doors](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/is-it-safe-to-stay-after-a-fire/):** Entry doors forced during the fire are secured with plywood and a lockable access point so the crew can get in. - **[Ventilation holes in the roof](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/is-it-safe-to-stay-after-a-fire/):** Openings cut by firefighters are covered with tarps, sometimes over plywood, sealed to shed water away from the hole. - **[Burned roof sections](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/water-damage-from-firefighting/):** Areas where the roof deck burned through are covered with plywood and tarps after the structure is checked. - **[Garage doors](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/smoke-damage-cleanup/):** Damaged roll-up or panel garage doors may be secured with plywood or temporary framing to close off the opening. - **[Damaged siding and walls](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/water-damage-from-firefighting/):** Holes in exterior walls are covered with sheathing or plastic to keep rain out until permanent repairs. Roof and garage openings are common after a fire and need temporary protection. ## How board-up and tarping are carried out 1. **Wait for the fire department's release:** No one works on the structure until the fire department has finished and released the property. Hot spots and unstable areas must be clear first. 2. **Assess the structure:** The contractor checks roof framing, walls and floors near openings. Fire can weaken roof members, so a damaged roof is not walked on until it is judged safe [1]. 3. **Photograph every opening:** Each broken window, forced door and roof opening is photographed before it is covered. These photos support the claim and show why each board-up was needed. 4. **Cut and fasten plywood:** Plywood is cut to cover window and door openings, overlapping the frame, and fastened securely. A door panel is often hinged or fitted with a lock so the crew can get in. 5. **Cover roof openings:** Tarps are laid over roof openings, extended well past the damage, tucked or wrapped over battens, and fastened so water runs off rather than under. Large holes may get plywood first. 6. **Check drainage and seal edges:** The tarp is positioned so water flows toward gutters and away from the opening. Loose edges are secured against wind. 7. **Inspect after storms:** Temporary covers can shift in strong wind. Checking them after storms and re-securing loose sections prevents new leaks until permanent repairs begin. ## Temporary protection options and how they are used | Material | Used for | Strengths | Limits | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Plywood sheathing | Windows, doors, roof holes | Strong, secure, blocks entry | Heavy; needs solid fastening | | Heavy-duty tarp | Roof openings, damaged sections | Sheds water, covers large areas | Can tear or lift in high wind | | Wood battens | Holding tarp edges | Spreads fastening load, reduces tearing | Fasteners penetrate the roof | | Plastic sheeting | Wall openings, interior separation | Light, quick, keeps rain out | Not secure against entry | | Temporary framing | Large openings like garage doors | Supports plywood across wide spans | Takes longer to install | The contractor chooses materials based on the size of the openings, the roof pitch and the weather expected. ## What you can do while the house is being secured - **Remove valuables if allowed:** If the fire department allows brief entry, retrieve medicine, documents, phones and keepsakes before the house is closed up. - **Tell your insurer:** Let your insurance company know the house is being secured. Ask how temporary protection is handled in your policy. - **Keep receipts and photos:** Keep any receipts for materials or services and the photos of each opening. They belong in the claim file. - **Stay off the roof:** Fire can weaken roof framing in ways that are not visible. Leave roof work to people with the right equipment and training. - **Let neighbors know:** A neighbor who knows the house is empty can notice anything unusual. Share a contact number with someone you trust. - **Check the covers after storms:** If you pass by after strong wind or heavy rain, look for loose tarps or panels and call the contractor if something has moved. ## Tarping for North Texas storms, wind and heat North Texas sees strong thunderstorms, especially in spring, with heavy rain, high wind and sometimes hail. A roof opening covered only loosely can take on a great deal of water in a single storm. Tarps on Fort Worth homes need to be fastened to handle gusts, with edges secured under battens rather than just weighted. Summer heat breaks down lightweight tarps faster than you might expect. Sun exposure makes them brittle, and heat can soften roofing materials that tarps are fastened over. For a fire claim that may take time to settle, heavier tarps and regular checks matter. The National Weather Service office for the Fort Worth area publishes local forecasts and severe weather alerts [2]. If a storm is coming, call the contractor before it hits so covers can be checked and reinforced. Winter in Fort Worth is usually mild, but freezing rain and the occasional hard freeze do happen. Ice can weigh down tarps and pull fasteners loose. Water that freezes in an open wall or ceiling can also damage pipes. If the house is open in cold weather, ask about protecting plumbing as well. ## Why fire-damaged roofs are dangerous to walk on A roof that looks fine from the street can be badly weakened underneath. Fire burns or chars rafters and decking from below, and [firefighting water](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/services/water-damage-from-firefighting/) can soak the deck. The U.S. Fire Administration warns that roofs and floors damaged by fire may be unsafe [1]. Stepping in the wrong spot can mean falling through into the house. Contractors assess the roof from below, from the attic if it is safe, and from a ladder before deciding where to stand. They may work from roof jacks, planks or lifts rather than walking on damaged decking. Homeowners should never go up on a fire-damaged roof to place a tarp themselves. - Inspect from below first - Avoid walking on burned decking - Use planks or lifts when needed - Homeowners stay off the roof ## Keeping an empty house secure while repairs wait A house that is boarded up still needs a way in for the restoration crew, the adjuster and you. A common approach is to secure one door with a plywood panel that can be locked, so access is controlled without leaving an opening. Keys or codes should be shared only with people who need them. Remove or secure anything of value that the fire spared, especially tools, electronics and jewelry. Fire scenes can attract theft, and boarded windows signal an empty house. If you can, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the property, and visit regularly yourself. Utility status matters for security too. Lights on timers are not possible when the power is off, but a working exterior light, if the electrician has cleared the circuit, can help. Ask the contractor whether temporary lighting makes sense for your property. ## Boarding up older homes in Fort Worth historic districts Several central Fort Worth neighborhoods, including [Fairmount](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/areas/fairmount/), [Ryan Place](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/areas/ryan-place/) and parts of [Arlington Heights](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/areas/arlington-heights/), have historic designations, and their homes often have original wood windows, decorative trim and old-growth wood siding. Board-up can be done in a way that protects those features: fastening through the window frame rather than the sash, padding contact points and avoiding unnecessary holes in original trim. Temporary protection does not usually require historic review, but replacing windows, doors or siding later may. The City of Fort Worth's historic preservation office can confirm what applies to your property [3]. Ask the contractor to keep damaged original pieces where possible; they may be needed to match replacements or to show the condition to reviewers. If your home has original windows that survived, tell the contractor before board-up starts so they can protect them rather than cover them with fasteners. ## From temporary protection to permanent repair Board-up and tarping are the first physical step of a fire restoration, not the last. Once the house is secured, the contractor can plan water extraction, smoke and soot cleanup, demolition of ruined materials and eventually rebuilding. The temporary covers stay in place until roofing, windows and doors are permanently replaced. How long that takes depends on the extent of the damage, the claim process and permits. Keep the temporary protection maintained throughout. A tarp that fails three weeks in can cause more damage than the original fire did in some rooms. When permanent repairs start, the boards and tarps come off in stages. Make sure the photos of the original openings are in your files before that happens. ## Documenting temporary protection for the claim Ask the contractor for photos of each opening before and after it was secured, a list of materials used and the dates of installation and any later checks or repairs. That record shows the insurer that reasonable steps were taken to prevent further damage. If storms damage the temporary protection and more water enters, document that separately with dates and photos. Keep everything in one claim folder with the rest of the fire paperwork. The Texas Department of Insurance encourages homeowners to keep receipts and records throughout a claim [4]. ## Glass, debris and the yard around the house Broken glass from windows that failed in the heat or were broken for ventilation ends up inside and outside the house. Before board-up, loose shards still hanging in frames are removed so they do not fall later, and glass on walkways and the yard is cleaned up so the crew, your family and your neighbors are not injured. Firefighting also leaves debris outside: pieces of roofing, burned insulation, charred furniture pulled out of the house and ash. Some of it may be needed as evidence for the fire investigation or the [insurance adjuster](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/working-with-your-insurance-adjuster/), so ask before anything is hauled away. Once released, debris can be gathered in one area or a dumpster so the yard is safe. If you have pets that use the yard, keep them away until glass and debris are cleared. Ash and debris can injure paws and are not safe for animals to ingest. Gates and fences damaged during the response should be secured too, both for pets and to discourage people from wandering onto the property. ## Power, gas and water while the house is closed up After a fire, utilities are often shut off by the fire department or the utility company. Before a house is closed up for days or weeks, it is worth confirming the status of each one. Gas should stay off until a qualified professional inspects lines and appliances. Electrical service may be disconnected at the meter until an electrician checks the damaged circuits. Water is easier to overlook. If the water supply is on and a pipe was damaged in the fire, a slow leak can run unnoticed inside a closed house. If the house will be empty, ask whether the main water valve should be turned off, and whether any pipes need protection if freezing weather is possible. The restoration crew may need temporary power for equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers. This is sometimes provided by a generator or a temporary panel set up by an electrician. Ask the contractor how they plan to power equipment if the house's electrical service is off. ## Townhomes, duplexes and shared walls In attached homes, a fire in one unit can damage the neighbor's roof, attic or shared wall. Board-up and tarping may involve coordinating with the neighboring owner, an HOA or a landlord. Roof tarps often have to extend across a shared ridge or over a party wall to keep water out of both units. If you live in an attached home, let the neighbor and any HOA or management company know about the fire and the temporary protection. Each owner's insurer may handle their own side, but the temporary work is usually most effective when it is planned across the whole damaged area at once. ## Interior protection once the outside is closed Securing the outside is only half of protecting a house. Inside, plastic sheeting can separate damaged areas from rooms that survived, so soot and dust from later work do not spread. Floors in undamaged rooms can be covered with protective film or paper, and doorways can get zippered plastic doors that let the crew pass through while keeping air separated. If any rooms are dry and clean, they can sometimes be used to store contents that are not part of a pack-out. Ask the contractor before moving items, because the room may be needed for equipment or access later. Interior protection also helps with odor. [Smoke smell](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/smoke-odor-that-won-t-go-away/) travels on air currents, and closing off affected areas keeps it from settling into furniture and clothing in the clean part of the house. That is especially important if you plan to stay in part of the home during repairs. ## What happens if a tarp blows loose Even well-installed tarps can loosen in severe wind. If you see a tarp flapping or partly off the roof, do not climb up to fix it. Take a photo from the ground, note the time, and call the contractor. If water is coming in, put containers under drips and move belongings away from the leak if it is [safe to enter](https://firedamagerestorationfortworth.com/guides/is-it-safe-to-stay-after-a-fire/). A loose tarp that is reattached quickly usually causes little extra damage. One left flapping through several storms can let in a lot of water and tear the roofing it was fastened over. Regular checks, particularly after storms, are the simplest way to avoid that. Keep the contractor's number saved in your phone and somewhere outside the house, so you can reach them quickly when the weather turns. ## Board-up and tarping questions from Fort Worth ### How soon should a house be boarded up after a fire? As soon as the fire department releases the property. Openings left overnight expose the house to rain, wind, animals and intruders, and insurers usually expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage. ### Can I put a tarp on my own roof after a fire? It is not safe. Fire can weaken rafters and decking in ways you cannot see, and roofs have collapsed under people after fires. Leave roof work to a contractor with the right equipment. ### Will insurance cover board-up and tarping? Many homeowners policies treat temporary protection as part of the fire loss, but every policy differs. Tell your insurer the house is being secured and keep receipts and photos. ### How long can a tarp stay on a roof? Tarps are temporary. They can last for weeks if well installed and maintained, but sun, wind and storms wear them down. Check them after storms and plan permanent roofing as soon as practical. ### How will the crew get into a boarded-up house? Usually one door is secured with a lockable plywood panel. Agree on who holds keys or codes, and share them only with people who need access. ### Is my call connected to a contractor? Yes. When you call, you speak with an independent local contractor on that call. This site does not perform the work and does not keep your details for later contact. ### Does a boarded-up house need checking? Yes. Visit or have someone you trust check the property regularly, especially after storms. Look for loose tarps, panels that have moved, signs of entry or new leaks, and call the contractor if anything has changed. ### Should original windows in an older home be boarded over? They can be protected rather than damaged. Tell the contractor about original wood windows before work starts so plywood is fastened through the frame instead of the sash, and keep any broken original pieces for matching later. ## Scorched eaves to clean, repaired brick ## Close up your house before the next storm Call and speak with an independent local contractor about securing your home on the same call. ## Sources 1. [U.S. Fire Administration: After a fire](https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/after-a-fire/) 2. [National Weather Service: Dallas/Fort Worth forecast office](https://www.weather.gov/fwd/) 3. [City of Fort Worth: Historic districts](https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/historic-preservation/historic-districts) 4. [Texas Department of Insurance: Additional living expenses](https://tdi.texas.gov/tips/additional-living-expenses.html) ## Talk to someone Call (817) 753-1164 (+18177531164). Your call connects to an independent local contractor who speaks with you on that call.