Portland Board Up Experts provides emergency board up services throughout Portland for homes, businesses and property managers. We secure broken windows, sliding glass doors and garage openings damaged by storms, vandalism, break-ins or fire. Whether it's a single window or a full storefront, we cover it all to keep out weather, intruders and further harm. Contact us for a free quote today.
What Situations Call for an Emergency Board Up?
If an opening leaves the building exposed to weather, intruders, or animals overnight, it needs to be boarded up. That includes windows shattered in a break-in, doors kicked off their frames, walls burned through in a fire, and damage from storms or vehicles. Even one night with an open gap lets rain soak into the drywall and gives looters an easy way in. Many insurers also expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
- Shattered or missing windows
- Forced or broken doors
- Fire-damaged wall openings
- Storm or vehicle impact holes
How Is a Broken Window Boarded Up?
First we clear out the loose glass. Then we cut 1/2- to 3/4-inch exterior plywood or OSB so it overlaps the opening by a few inches on every side. On wood-framed openings, we screw the panel into the framing with long construction screws. On brick or block, we usually bolt through the panel to 2x4 braces inside, so nothing gets drilled into the masonry. We use screws rather than nails because the glazier can back them out later without tearing up the trim.
Is It Normal for Water to Get In Around a Boarded Window?
No. Plywood sheds rain well, so a leak usually means the panel was cut flush instead of overlapping, or wind is driving water behind the top edge. The fix is flashing tape or a poly sheet tucked under the siding above the board, plus a bead of sealant along the top. Don't wait on it. Water trapped behind a board sits against the sill and can start rot or mold within days.
Can a Board Up Be Done in the Middle of the Night or During a Storm?
Yes, and that's when most of our calls come in. Our trucks carry generators, work lights, and precut plywood, so a typical residential window or door is secured within an hour or two of arrival. The exception is active high wind or lightning. In those conditions, we tarp and brace the opening from inside until it's safe to get on a ladder.
How Much Does Emergency Board Up Cost in Salem, OR?
Emergency board-up in Salem, OR typically runs between $296 and $1,924, and most single-window or single-door calls land near the low end. Price depends on how many openings need covering, how large they are, and whether the panels fasten into wood framing or have to be bolted through to braces on brick or block. Expect a surcharge on after-hours and storm calls. Fire-damaged wall openings also take more plywood and bracing than a broken window.