Key facts: Board-Up and Tarping in Black Forest
- Black Forest homes on five-acre and larger lots are often out of sight of neighbors, which makes an open house more vulnerable.
- Outbuildings such as barns and workshops need securing too, especially if they give access to the house.
- Roof tarps are fastened under battens; large openings are decked with plywood first to carry snow.
- Fallen or fire-weakened trees near the house and driveway should be assessed before crews work beneath them.
Why it matters here
Why an open house in the pines needs securing quickly
On a large wooded lot, an empty, fire-damaged house can go unnoticed for days. Broken windows and an open roof let in snow, rain and wind, and animals move in quickly: birds, squirrels and mice in the attic, larger animals in a garage left open. Trespassers and scrappers also look for empty properties. Insurers generally expect owners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, so covering openings early protects both the house and the claim.
The general methods are on the board-up and tarping page. In Black Forest, the job usually includes outbuildings, longer travel and attention to trees that may have been weakened by the fire.
Checklist
What to secure on a Black Forest property
- Broken windows and forced doors on the house, including basement doors.
- Roof openings cut by firefighters and any burned-through decking or skylights.
- Detached garage, barn and workshop doors, especially if tools or vehicles are inside.
- Gates at the driveway, if they were opened for fire crews.
- Damaged fences that keep animals in or out.
- Propane tank area, if it needs to be kept clear until the supplier checks it.
The visit
How board-up usually works on a rural lot
- 1
Check trees and access
Before working, the crew looks for scorched or leaning trees over the house, driveway and parking area.
- 2
Photograph every opening
Doors, windows, roof and outbuildings are photographed before they are covered.
- 3
Cover windows and doors
Plywood is screwed into framing; one entry gets a lockable plywood door.
- 4
Tarp and deck the roof
Large openings get plywood decking, then tarps fastened under battens and over the ridge.
- 5
Secure outbuildings
Barn and garage doors are closed, braced or boarded.
- 6
Hand over keys and photos
You receive the padlock key or code and a list of what was done.
Weather
Wind, snow and sun on a forest roof
Black Forest sits on a high ridge north of the city, and it gets wind and heavy snow. A tarp held only by weights will not last; battens screwed through the tarp edges into the roof, with the tarp wrapped over the ridge, hold much better. Large holes are decked with plywood over sound framing so snow does not pool in a sagging tarp. Strong high-altitude sun breaks tarps down over months, so if permanent repairs will be delayed, plan for replacement and regular checks.
Pine needles and branches falling on a tarp can trap moisture and tear it; ask whether nearby trees should be trimmed while the crew is there.
Trees
Fire-damaged trees and safety
After a fire in or near the forest, trees close to the house may be scorched at the base or dead while still standing. A tree that burned at its roots can fall without warning onto a roof, a vehicle or a person. Have hazard trees near buildings, driveways and work areas assessed before crews spend time beneath them, and remove them if needed. The 2013 fire left many standing dead trees on burned lots across the community, which shows how long this risk can last.
Keeping watch
Watching an empty property from a distance
If you are staying elsewhere, arrange regular visits, especially after storms. Tell nearby neighbors the house is empty and ask them to call you or the sheriff if they see anyone. Remove firearms, valuables and documents as soon as the property is released. The Black Forest area page covers the community's layout, utilities and fire history.
FAQ
Board-up questions for Black Forest properties
Do outbuildings need to be boarded up after a house fire?
If they hold tools, vehicles or valuables, or give access to the house, yes. Close and brace or board their doors and windows.
How do tarps stay on in Black Forest wind?
They are fastened under wood battens screwed into the roof and wrapped over the ridge. Large holes are decked with plywood first.
Are burned trees near my house a danger?
They can be. Trees burned at the base can fall without warning; have them assessed before work starts beneath them.
How often should I check a boarded house in the forest?
Regularly, and after every storm or windy night. Photograph any changes and call the contractor if something has moved.
Will animals get into a fire-damaged house?
Easily, through broken windows, roof holes and open doors. Prompt board-up is the best defense.