Tarping & Emergency Board-Up Services in Denver, CO

Protect Your Home Fast With Emergency Tarping and Board-Up Services

In Denver, home damage rarely comes with a warning. A summer hailstorm, a kitchen fire, or a midnight break-in can leave your house exposed, vulnerable, and wide open to more destruction. When your roof is torn, windows are shattered, or walls are breached, fast response is critical — and that’s where emergency tarping and board-up services come in.

At ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration, we specialize in helping homeowners across the Denver metro area secure their homes quickly after disaster strikes. From Park Hill to Green Valley Ranch, we’re your trusted partner for rapid emergency response that helps prevent secondary damage and protects your property when it matters most.

What Are Emergency Tarping and Board-Up Services — and Why Do They Matter?

Tarping and board-up services are short-term, high-impact solutions that keep damage from spreading while you arrange for full repairs or insurance processing. Here’s what they do:

• Tarping: Covers damaged roofing with reinforced waterproof materials to prevent water intrusion.
• Board-Up: Seals broken windows, doors, and structural openings with plywood to block weather, animals, and unauthorized access.

These aren’t cosmetic fixes — they’re emergency safeguards. Denver’s fast-changing weather, high-altitude UV exposure, and strong winds can make a small roof hole or window break a big problem in hours. Quick mitigation with proper materials can save you thousands in repairs and avoid complications with insurance coverage.

When Should Denver Homeowners Call for Tarp and Board-Up Services?

You don’t have to wait for full structural collapse to call for help. Here are the most common situations when emergency tarping or board-up is needed:

• After a fire — to seal burned windows, doors, and exposed roofing (more on this below).
• After severe storms or hail — especially common in spring and summer.
• After wind damage or falling tree limbs — common in open areas like Aurora or Lakewood.
• After vandalism, break-ins, or property crime — to quickly secure entry points.
• After a vehicle collision or structural impact — such as a car crashing into a garage or wall.

Most homeowners insurance policies require “reasonable steps to prevent further damage.” That includes covering and securing the structure after the initial event. Delaying could affect your claim — and leave you open to more serious issues like mold, theft, or structural rot.

What Happens During Emergency Roof Tarping in Denver?

Roof damage might be obvious — a missing shingle, a visible hole — or subtle, like a branch-driven puncture that lets in water slowly. In either case, emergency tarping buys you time and blocks the elements.

Our process includes:

1. On-site inspection to locate all damage points and evaluate access.
2. Installation of heavy-duty poly or vinyl tarps, customized for your roof’s shape and pitch.
3. Anchoring with lumber or sandbags, depending on surface and slope.
4. Sealing edges to prevent uplift from wind or water seeping underneath.
5. Safety protocols for working on steep or icy roofs, especially in neighborhoods like Berkeley or Hilltop with older, higher-pitched homes.

Tarping can help prevent water damage from snowmelt, summer rainstorms, or freeze-thaw cycles that are common across the Denver metro area.

How We Secure Windows, Doors, and Structural Openings with Emergency Board-Up

If your windows are broken or your doors compromised, board-up services are your first line of defense. Here’s how we protect your home:

• Measure and cut plywood to fit each opening snugly — no gaps, no sloppiness.
• Bolt-on and nail-on options depending on whether internal bracing is needed.
• Secure large openings in walls, garages, and roof eaves with temporary structural sheathing.
• Cover crawl space vents or attic openings to block pest entry — especially relevant in older Denver homes with exposed ventilation systems.
• Reinforce doorways to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with local safety codes.

We use 5/8" exterior-grade plywood and construction-grade fasteners to ensure your home is protected from wind, rain, and intruders.

Emergency Tarping and Board-Up After a Fire in Denver

After a house fire, your home is exposed in every way — structurally, environmentally, and emotionally. It’s one of the most critical times to bring in professional board-up and tarping services.

Here’s what we do specifically after fire damage:

• Cover burned or blown-out windows that fire crews may have broken for ventilation.
• Seal roof holes where flames burned through decking or shingles.
• Board doors or wall openings to secure the home and protect from vandalism or wildlife.
• Install temporary roof or wall panels if fire has created large breaches in the structure.
• Document all actions with photos and moisture readings for your insurance adjuster.

Homes in central Denver neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Baker often have older electrical systems and lath-and-plaster walls, which are especially vulnerable to post-fire moisture infiltration. Our team understands how to stabilize and protect these structures safely and respectfully.

Prompt boarding and tarping after a fire can:

• Prevent additional water damage from Denver’s unpredictable weather.
• Reduce mold risk.
• Protect against trespassing or looting.
• Help maintain the structural integrity of partially damaged buildings.

Why Delaying Emergency Protection Can Lead to Bigger Losses

Every hour that a damaged structure is left exposed increases the potential for secondary damage. Here’s what could happen:

• Rain or snowmelt leaks in through an unprotected roof, soaking insulation and drywall.
• Freezing temperatures allow water to freeze and expand inside cracks, causing structural movement or damage.
• Mold growth begins in as little as 24–48 hours when moisture gets into hidden cavities.
• Rats, raccoons, or squirrels enter through broken vents, doors, or attic gaps.
• Thieves or vandals target homes that appear abandoned or unsecured.
• Insurance complications arise if the carrier determines you didn’t mitigate loss quickly enough.

Our fast, professional response helps prevent these snowball effects — and protects both your property and your peace of mind.

The Materials and Equipment Behind a Professional Tarp and Board-Up Job

Not all emergency services are created equal. Our team uses commercial-grade materials and techniques designed for Denver’s climate and construction styles.

Materials we use:

• UV-resistant roof tarps that hold up to intense sun and winter freeze cycles.
• Exterior-grade plywood (minimum 5/8”) to withstand wind, snow load, and tampering.
• Moisture barriers to stop water from seeping into insulation or framing.
• Heavy-duty fasteners and braces for reinforced security.
• Fall protection and roof access equipment for safe tarping on high or steep structures.

Our crews are trained in IICRC mitigation standards and use EPA-recommended safety practices when dealing with fire, smoke, or contaminated areas.

Do You Need a Permit for Emergency Tarping or Board-Up in Denver?

In most cases, no permit is needed for temporary emergency mitigation — especially for fire-related protection or storm response. However, any reconstruction that follows (such as replacing windows, doors, siding, or roofing) will require permits.

What we provide:

• Photo documentation of all damage and mitigation steps.
• Moisture meter readings to confirm active water presence or dry-out needs.
• Clear labeling of temporary materials for insurance clarity.
• Communication with your adjuster to streamline claims.

We’ll guide you through what comes next — including recommendations for full restoration if needed.

FAQs

Q1: Can I stay in my home after it’s been tarped or boarded up?
 It depends on the extent of the damage. For small areas, yes — but we’ll assess whether the home is safe to occupy or recommend temporary relocation.

Q2: How long will a roof tarp last?
 Our emergency tarps typically last 30–90 days depending on weather exposure. We’ll give you guidance based on your situation and help you plan for permanent roof repair.

Q3: Is emergency board-up covered by insurance?
 In most cases, yes — especially after a fire, storm, or break-in. We’ll document everything and work with your adjuster to support your claim.