What Materials Are Used for Emergency Property Board-Up?

The main material for a board-up is plywood. Thick sheets, usually 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch, provide strength to resist wind, debris, and unauthorized entry. The pros cut each panel to fit the exact opening, leaving a small gap for expansion in hot weather.

Exterior-grade plywood, often called CDX, resists moisture better than interior types. In dry climates, the boards may stay in place for weeks, so durability matters. The pros may seal the edges with caulk to keep water out.

• 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch exterior plywood
• Cut to fit each window or door opening
• Small gaps for expansion and contraction
• Edges sealed with caulk to block moisture

Screws and nails are the workhorses of a board-up. Pros choose corrosion-resistant screws, like galvanized or stainless steel, to prevent rusting. They may use lag bolts for extra security on doors or large windows, and wood screws for standard frames.

The pros might also use metal brackets or hurricane clips to reinforce the attachment points. These add strength without needing extra thick plywood. For a temporary fix, the goal is to make the board hard to remove from the outside while still allowing easy removal later.

• Galvanized or stainless steel screws
• Lag bolts for high-security areas
• Metal brackets or clips for reinforcement
• Easy removal later with a drill

The pros use standard tools: circular saws to cut plywood, drills for screws, hammers for nails, and levels to keep everything straight. They also bring ladders and scaffolding to reach upper windows. Safety gear includes gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks.

On a job, the pros may need to remove broken glass or debris first. They use heavy-duty gloves and a pry bar to clear the opening. This ensures the board-up fits flush and that no sharp edges remain to cause injury.

• Circular saw and drill
• Ladders and scaffolding
• Gloves, glasses, and dust masks
• Pry bar for debris removal