When you need an emergency enclosure

After a storm, any opening in the building envelope lets water in. The goal is to stabilize and contain until permanent repairs are made. Choose methods that are fast, secure, weather‑aware, and reversible without damaging the structure.

• Common triggers: broken windows or doors, blown‑off shingles or decking, soffit or siding failure, garage door failure.
• Primary risks: water intrusion, wind uplift, debris entry, and interior humidity spikes leading to mold.
• First steps: power safety check, document damage with photos and video, protect contents, then enclose.

Types of temporary enclosures

1) Poly sheeting (visqueen) with tape and battens

Clear or reinforced poly is fast, inexpensive, and versatile. Best for short spans and interior containment.

• Use on: window openings, sliding doors, interior dust and moisture containment.
• Avoid on: large wind‑exposed openings without mechanical fastening.
• How: clean and dry the surface; apply sheathing tape to create a seal; add wood battens with screws every 6–8 in to mechanically lock the edge. Create a drip edge at the top so water sheds away.

2) Rigid board‑up (plywood or OSB)

The classic board‑up offers impact resistance and better wind performance than poly alone.

• Use on: doors, windows, garage openings when tracks or frames are compromised.
• Material: 1/2 in exterior‑grade plywood minimum; 5/8 in in high‑exposure zones. Seal cut edges.
• Fastening: preferred into framing. If surface‑mounting to masonry or stucco, use Tapcon or sleeve anchors with washers. Space fasteners 6–8 in along edges and 12 in in the field.

3) Shrink wrap and reinforced film systems

Heat‑shrink polyethylene or reinforced wraps create a tight weather skin. Excellent for roofs and large façades.

• Use on: roof decks, long exterior spans, complex shapes, and projects needing days to weeks of protection.
• Benefits: continuous membrane, UV‑resistant options, zipper doors for access, better wind hold with perimeter anchoring.
• Note: requires trained installers with heat tools and fire safety gear.

4) Tarping (roof and wall)

Tarps are quick but must be secured correctly to prevent leaks and wind damage.

• Use on: missing shingles, small decking losses, damaged flashing zones.
• Best practice: use sheathing tape and underlayment at seams, then batten the tarp with 1x3s. Screw into structural members, not just sheathing. Create drainage paths, avoid water pockets.

Doors and windows: fast closures

Plywood board‑up patterns

• Cut panels to overlap the opening by at least 1 in on all sides.
• Pre‑drill and mark panels for a faster reinstall if another storm approaches.
• Use corrosion‑resistant screws and fender washers. Do not rely on nails alone.

Poly and zipper access

• For short‑term weatherproofing with access, install heavy poly and add a stick‑on zipper door. Reinforce edges with tape and battens.
• Keep a secondary interior layer to catch drips and direct water to a tub or bin if glazing is still leaking.

Garage openings

• If the door is off tracks or damaged, remove loose sections and frame a temporary wall with 2x4s and sheathing. Add a lockable service door panel or zipper access.

Roof openings and containment

• For missing shingles: install self‑adhesive underlayment (ice‑and‑water shield) from bottom‑up under the remaining courses, then tarp with battens oriented perpendicular to water flow.
• For decking loss: infill with temporary sheathing, then underlayment, then tarp or shrink wrap. Seal fastener penetrations.
• For ridge and vent failures: cap with underlayment and add a temporary ridge cover. Ensure attic ventilation later to avoid condensation.

Rapid deployment checklist

• Safety first: treat downed lines as live. Wear eye, hand, and fall protection. Use proper ladder footing and tie‑off.
• Weather window: avoid installs when sustained winds exceed safe ladder or roof thresholds, or during lightning.
• Surface prep: dry and clean edges so tapes and membranes adhere. Remove loose debris.
• Edges matter: use battens or mechanical fastening on all windward edges. Tape alone is not enough outdoors.
• Drainage: shingle laps and tarps should shed water. Avoid reverse laps and water pockets.
• Documentation: photo the opening before, during, and after enclosure for insurance and warranty.

What to expect if we install

1. Free assessment: share photos or schedule a quick visit. We measure openings and check structure.
2. Recommendation and quote: good‑better‑best options based on exposure, budget, and timeline.
3. Scheduling: we target a safe weather window. If winds or lightning exceed thresholds, we reschedule for safety.
4. Install day: protect interiors, stage materials, install enclosure, verify anchors, and walk you through care.
5. After install: photo documentation and next‑steps for permanent repair.

FAQs