Board up Service: Time to Secure the Building

Events such as natural disasters, high-speed winds, and vandalism do occur. Whatever the reason may be, if your windows are damaged you will need the damaged windows to be boarded up to prevent further damage or unlawful entry. Our board up services will secure and limit access through broken or damaged windows.

The damaging properties of a fire may leave walls, doors, windows, and roofs compromised. This leaves your home or business vulnerable to break-ins, vandalism, or further damage, whether from the elements or from lack of structural security. American Catastrophe Emergency Services has more than 21 years of experience in the restoration industry, including board-up services to protect your security after a disaster. We will board up and seal off any missing walls, doors, or windows with plywood and cover damaged roofs with tarps.

Boardup-Services-Fire-Restoration-Services

Our Am-CatEms expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency services. We will arrive promptly, assess the situation, and develop a plan for our board-up services. These services are useful and may be necessary in situations where your home or building has been compromised.

Situations that may call for board-up services include:

Fire damage
Water damage
Vehicle impact
Crime scenes
Vandalism
Extreme weather
Riots

It is important to secure the building as soon as possible after a disaster! By boarding up we can protect your home & belongings from further damage & theft, keep out rain, wind, and debris after a disaster as well as keep curious neighbors & children out and away from harm. by having our expert American Catastrophe Emergency Services technicians and or our preferred vendors board up the compromised areas. We also offer full property restoration services to get you back on track, as well as Public Adjusting in proving you the best value of the loss that your experiencing.

Am-Cat Ems Procedures in Boarding Up Windows & Doors and Barricades.

How to install plywood panels to keep flying debris at bay and unwanted visitors from entering.

1. We at Am-Cat Ems and our preferred vendors Mark the location of the studs closest to each side of and underneath the window. (If there are no nail heads in the siding to give away where the studs are, you'll have to do some probing with a drill and bit.) Plywood fastened just to trim, or sheathing can go flying.

2. If there is not any preexisting frame, we frame out the open area with 2x2 and or 3x3 sticks to allow the board panels to be secured. Am-Cat Ems cuts each panel so it will extend at least one inch beyond the framing on all sides of the window. Am-Cat Ems then numbers each panel to indicate which opening it will cover. Add an arrow showing which end goes up, allowing other team members to follow are standards.

3. Am-Cat Ems uses corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to reach at least 2 inches into the framing. They hold far better than nails and are easier to remove. The best screws for this purpose are galvanized pan-heads or lags, which have flat-bottomed heads that will not sink into and weaken the plywood. Am-Cat Ems team members are there in assisting in holding the plywood up against the opening and drill pilot holes through it and into the framing every 16 inches. Be sure each hole is at least one inch away from the panel edge.

4. Ready for an Am-Cat Ems team associate to use a cordless drill/driver or impact driver to drive all the screws home.

Take The Quiz To Learn More!

Created on March 05, 2022 By

Andy

Boardup Services Fire Restoration Services 1

Boarding Up Windows, Doors and Barricades and Traping Holes

Am-Cats Ems certification program is designed to provide the correct techniques in securing openings cause by natural forces, unexpected catastrophes and or break-ins.

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Q. What is the meaning of board up?

A. DEFINITION; To open window or door with force.

DEFINITION. To cover a window or door with wooden boards. All openings including windows and doors need to be boarded up, to close or lock secure all openings.

DEFINITION. To cover window or door with, whatever is available to cover the windows lock secure door.

DEFINITION. To cover doors, only the doors get boarded up, to close or lock secure the door.

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Q. Should I Nail or Screw OSB sheets?

A. Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.

B. OSB is pretty much a sponge when it comes to moisture. While the drywall screws will be fine, you're going to find 1 1/4" are not going to have a real good hold.

C. When deciding between nails and screws, keep in mind that nails are less brittle, so they provide greater shear strength. Screws, on the other hand, may not be as forgiving, but their threaded shafts hold better in wood and draw boards together much more tightly and they have greater tensile strength.

D. When you drive screws into wood without drilling pilot holes, you're essentially pushing wood out of the way to make room for the screw. That displaced wood puts more pressure on the wood surrounding the screw, which can lead to splitting and cracking, weakening the wood over time.

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Q. What is a wooden barricade?

A. A defensive, deployable object used to block your base from looters and break ins

B. When used as a subfloor, either product will work for many flooring surfaces, especially carpet where there will be no noticeable difference.

C. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up.

D. To Barricade a Door, use a rope, power cord, or belt to tie the doorknob to a nearby heavy object, tape a broom handle perpendicular to the door frame, tying the handle to the doorknob to hold the door shut, if applicable, secure a belt around the top of the door hinge.

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Q. Can you use 2x3 instead of 2x4 when boarding up?

A. There is a BIG difference between 2x3 and 2x4, and I would never use 2x3 for wall framing. I ended up using 2x3's for the roof trusses to save weight, and still spaced them every 2 feet.

B. Yes, 2x3 are preferred, because they can fit perfect in the window ledge in securing your boards.

C. No, 2x4 will not fit in some window frames and doorways so you must cut them to fit.

D. 2x3 are only used to build a doghouse.

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Q. Are flat roofs high maintenance?

A. Avoid Power-Washing Shingles, concentrated spray can loosen the granules from the products' top coating—and resulting damage might not be covered by the warranty, check the ventilation, clean gutters regularly, insulate attics and cathedral ceilings properly, fortify the roof.

B. The biggest disadvantage of a flat roof is the lack of drainage, and this is why it is important to check your roof regularly. If you do not inspect it regularly, your drains may become clogged with snow and water.

C. Water pools on flat roof will eventually cause leaks. That's when flat roof repair becomes necessary. While flat roofs are a little more prone to leaks, they don't always develop them.

D. Depending on the quality of the original installation and continued maintenance, flat roofs can in actual fact easily last for up to 50 years at a time before needing to be replaced. This lifespan is almost as long as a tiled roofs, which themselves can last for up to 60 years.

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Q. How do you secure a tarp down on a flat roof?

A. Use OSB panels rated for the distance between the floor joists. Run a bead of construction adhesive along each joist and lay the OSB panel on the joists. Nail the panels with 10d common nails or #10, 2 1/2-inch wood screws spaced 6 inches apart along the edges and 12 inches apart in the middle.

B. Nails are less brittle than screws, which leads to an increase in shear strength for nails. ... The sheathing panels brace the framing to stop the wall from toppling over and increasing the number of fasteners increases the wall's shear resistance.

C. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up.

D. Attach 2 x 4 boards to both edges of the tarp, just on the peak side perpendicular to the anchor board. This will hold the tarp tight to the roof and keep the water out. Extend the top edge of the tarp over the roof. If needed, cut off the excess tarp from the other end, leaving about a 4' overhang.

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Q. Do flat roofs always leak?

A. No, flat roofs are the best roofs.

B. Flat roof, keep unwanted animals, like squirrels and birds, from nesting or foraging in your home.

C. Sometimes water pools on the roof, and this will eventually cause leaks. That's when flat roof repair becomes necessary. While flat roofs are a little more prone to leaks, they don't always develop them or develop them about as often as other roof types.

D. Tarping your flat roof is a standard practice.

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Q. Why are roof tarps blue?

A. Black, Gray, Dark Blue) Some of our heaviest and strongest materials (Hypalon, Neoprene, Vinyl) come in black and or darker colors. Often treated with UV Ray coatings to protect from the Suns Damage light. These darker tarps also absorb heat allowing covered items to remain cool.

B. The closer to black a color gets, the lighter and heat it will absorb. The closer to white, the less it absorbs. So, a dark blue blanket, for instance, would absorb more heat than a neon green one. And something reflective will bounce most of that light off it.

C. The blue tarp was invented in 1894 by Liverpool baker and Presbyterian Joseph Cunningham who wanted to provide young working men from Toxteth with an affordable holiday.

D. Blue tarps are easily the most popular form of tarp and the most easily found, these colored tarps typically reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. White is the best color tarp to reflect heat. Black and dark gray tarps absorb sunlight, rather than reflect it.

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Q. What size thickness of wood is used for boarding up windows doors and store fronts?

A. The recommended thickness of plywood, used, is 1/4 of an inch. When it comes to the plywood's size, start by measuring the size for boarding up windows. Then, when it's time to cut the plywood, make it so that it's 4 inches bigger than the window on all sides.

B. The recommended thickness of plywood, used, is 1/2 of an inch. When it comes to the plywood's size, start by measuring the size for boarding up windows. Then, when it's time to cut the plywood, make it so that it's 4 inches bigger than the window on all sides.

C. The recommended thickness of plywood, used, is 5/8 of an inch. When it comes to the plywood's size, start by measuring the size for boarding up windows. Then, when it's time to cut the plywood, make it so that it's 4 inches bigger than the window on all sides.

D. The recommended thickness of plywood, used, is 3/4 of an inch. When it comes to the plywood's size, start by measuring the size for boarding up windows. Then, when it's time to cut the plywood, make it so that it's 4 inches bigger than the window on all sides.

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Q. Should I use 2x4 or 2x3 for board ups?

A. 2x3s for all exterior walls (or walls with one side you know you'll never need to finish). And 2x4s for all interior walls or walls with doors that need to be finished on both sides.

B. 2x3s for all interior walls (or walls with one side you know you'll never need to finish). And 2x4s for all exterior walls or walls with doors that need to be finished on both sides.

C. 2x4s for all interior walls (or walls with one side you know you'll never need to finish). And 2x4s for all exterior walls or walls with doors that need to be finished on both sides.

D. 2x3s for all interior walls (or walls with one side you know you'll never need to finish).

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24/7 emergency services; American Catastrophe Emergency Services 7101 w Gunnison suite #126 Chicago IL, 60656 Phone 1-888-832-4139

Securing unsafe doors and windows making sure not compromised. and protecting the premises from unauthorized entry.

Tarping will prevent the entry of water through any roof breaks. Roof damage issues are dangerous and require thorough inspection and evaluation.

YOU’RE GOING TO NEED TEMPORARY LIGHTING. When entering the building to view the damages, as well as retrieving personal contents, and itemize the damage at hand.

Patching will prevent the entry of water through any roof Leaks based of the manufactures use. Roof damage issues are dangerous and require thorough inspection and evaluation, form a licensed roofer.

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Board-Up and Roof Coverings

Secure doors from unwanted entry

More than 8 openings a box a nails are required

Ladder needed over 25-30 ' is considered additional hazard pay

patching holes and covering small cracks and or leaks comes with 1 gallon of roofing cement

Barricade is a minimum of 10 sheets 15 sticks and 1 box of nails

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Material Used

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2x4 '8 sticks are used to frame out all openings for the plywood

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2x4 '12 sticks are used to frame out all openings / or barricades for the plywood

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2x3 '8 sticks are used to frame out all openings for the plywood

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To cover openings in the roof to prevent leaks

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To cover openings in the roof to prevent leaks

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To cover openings in the roof to prevent leaks

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To cover openings in the roof to prevent leaks

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To cover openings in the roof to prevent leaks

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Used to seal tarps down on roofs to prevent leaks and or to cover small cracks and holes on flats roofs.

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used to secure doors, key will be placed in a lock box or handed to owner

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each strand of lights come with 5-8 lights

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winterization with RV antifreeze is used for each fixture hold water.

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Fasteners specially requested to secure coverings

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when need to cover and protect a large 10-15' opening s

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If a need to block a driveway with a vehicle as a barricade

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to remove large amount of debris 1-5 tons per truck load .

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover all openings

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Plywood is used to cover openings

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Used to seal tarps down on roofs to prevent leaks and or to cover small cracks and holes on flats roofs.

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used to secure door with the a lock.

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Used to create a functional door, to secure and lock.

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per Labor man hour for Clean up.

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Clean up area of problem and or issue.

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Fasteners to secure plywood over openings

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Fasteners to secure plywood over openings

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Special headed Fasteners to secure plywood over openings

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Fasteners to hold down tarps

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1x2 '6 furring sticks are used to hold down tarps on roofs

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Roof Coverings and or Patch

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Choose your Am-Cat Emergency Service call

24/7 emergency services; American Catastrophe Emergency Services 7101 w Gunnison suite #126 Chicago IL, 60656 Phone 1-888-832-4139

BOARDUP SERVICE CALL ONLY - 20 miles within the city 1st opening covered with 1 sheet of plywood.

BOARDUP SERVICE CALL ONLY - 20-30 miles out of the city 1st opening covered with 1 sheet of plywood.

ROOF COVERING ONLY SERVICE CALL - Within 20 miles in the City includes 1st opening 5x6 tarp and or 3/4 gallon of roofing cement.

ROOF COVERING ONLY SERVICE CALL - 20-30 miles out of the City includes 1st opening 5x6 tarp and or 3/4 gallon of roofing cement.

PATCHING ROOF ONLY SERVICE CALL - Within 20 miles in the City includes 1st opening 5x6 tarp and or 3/4 gallon of roofing cement.

PATCH ROOF ONLY SERVICE CALL - 20-30 miles out of the City includes 1st opening 5x6 tarp and or 3/4 gallon of roofing cement.

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Roof Coverings and or Patch (1)

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Questions?

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water restoration is a specialized service that removes water from your home and restores it to a livable, pre-damaged condition. Restoring a home after a water damage emergency must happen quickly. Standing water and moisture create a perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth.

How do you mitigate water damage in your home?

If your home is subject to serious water damage, due to burst pipes, flooding, fire-extinguishing water hoses or some other unforeseen catastrophe, we must locate the cause of the water leak to turn off or terminate source of water

leakage. Remove surface water then start drying methods before we can start to do a Thorough clean of the compromised area.

What happens when water compromises my Drywall?

more often than usual water damaged causes drywall to be replaced, depending on the rating of the drywall installed / used. Wet drywall will lose its structural integrity if left alone for long enough period of time it will develop mold spores, between the insulation and the drywall.

How Long Is the Drying Process for Water Damaged Home or Office?

Unfortunately, there is no exact estimate on how long the drying process would take. But, in general, a water damaged Home or Office can dry out for around 5-7 days. In some cases, it would take as little as 2-3 days, and other times it takes several weeks to dry out a home or Office.

Why is mold a problem?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

How expensive is mold removal?

$500 to $4,000 to remove mold from crawlspaces only. $2,000 to $6,000 to remove mold from ducts, crawl spaces, walls, and attics. $10,000 to $30,000 (or more) to repair widespread structural damage.

Board-Up Service

Board up Service: Time to Secure the Building

Situations that may call for board-up services include:

Am-Cat Ems Procedures in Boarding Up Windows & Doors and Barricades.

Take The Quiz To Learn More!

Your Service order has been submitted, and you will receive a copy shortly….

Choose your Am-Cat Emergency Services

Board-Up and Roof Coverings

Material Used

Roof Coverings and or Patch

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Roof Coverings and or Patch (1)

Final cost

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