Board-up and roof tarping on the Northwest Side

Bungalow roofs are relatively low-pitched, with the gable running parallel to the street ^[2]. Firefighters often vent through the roof above the half-story or through dormers. Tarps are laid over the opening, extended well past it and fastened with wood battens through to the structure.

The gambrel roofs of Gladstone Park's Dutch Colonials are steep on their lower slopes, making tarping harder and more dangerous. Crews use proper fall protection or work from a lift; owners should never try it themselves.

Enclosed front porches often lose their windows in a fire. They are boarded to protect the living room behind them. On two-flats, wooden rear porches serve as the upper unit's second exit; a damaged one is blocked off and shored until it is rebuilt under permit ^[3].

Detached garages are common fire sources here. A burned garage door leaves the yard and alley open. Crews secure the door or fence off a badly damaged garage until it can be rebuilt with a permit.

Bungalow windows sit in brick openings, often with storm windows outside. Crews fasten plywood to the window frames or brace it from inside rather than drilling into the brick.

A winter fire that knocks out the furnace leaves a bungalow at risk of frozen pipes. Securing the openings and protecting the plumbing go together. Shrink wrap holds up better than tarps under snow.

If the family is staying elsewhere, change locks on secured doors, ask a neighbor to watch the house and check covers after storms.

Photograph each opening before and after covering, and keep every receipt for temporary repairs, as the Illinois Department of Insurance advises ^[1].

Ask how they fasten to brick without damage, how tarps will survive wind and snow, how you and the adjuster get in afterward and whether they photograph every opening.

Bungalow basements often have small windows near grade, some replaced with glass block. Firefighters may break basement windows to vent a basement fire. These low openings are a security risk and let in rain and snow; they are boarded from outside or inside and sealed at the edges.

Window wells collect debris and water; clearing them prevents water from pooling against the boards.

Covers usually stay until the insurer inspects and permanent repairs are agreed and permitted. That can take weeks. Check them after every storm and replace tarps with shrink wrap if the wait will be long.

Bungalow lots are narrow, often around 25 feet wide ^[2]. A fire can crack the neighbor's windows across the gangway. With the neighbor's permission, the same crew can board those openings too; each owner claims their own damage.

Ask how they will fasten covers without damaging brick and window frames, how roof tarps will stay put through wind and snow, how you and the adjuster will get in afterward and whether they photograph every opening before and after covering. Ask whether they can coordinate with the restoration contractor so drying and cleaning can start behind the boards right away.

Signing for board-up does not commit you to the same company for the rest of the restoration.

Photograph each opening before and after it is covered and keep every receipt. The Illinois Department of Insurance advises keeping all bills and receipts from temporary repairs and photographing damage before repairs start ^[1].

Northwest Side winters bring snow loads and ice. A tarp laid over a bungalow roof can collect snow and sag into the opening if it is not supported and fastened well. Shrink wrap sheds snow better and is often used when a roof will stay covered through winter.

Ice also makes ladders and roofs dangerous, which is another reason owners should leave roof work to a crew.