Phone answered 24/7 · Bellingham, WA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (360) 685-7801
Whatcom Creek Water Damage HelpBellingham, WA · Answered 24/7

Can You Stay in Your Home While It's Boarded Up?

Last updated October 26, 2026

Call Now (360) 685-7801

The short answer

Safety First

Before deciding to stay, walk through your home carefully. Look for sagging ceilings, cracked walls, or water pooling near electrical outlets. If you see exposed wires or smell gas, leave immediately and contact the utility company. Your safety matters more than belongings.

Boarding up windows reduces natural light and fresh air. Use battery-powered lights and keep a window cracked if possible, weather permitting. If you have health conditions like asthma, poor ventilation can worsen symptoms. Have a plan to leave quickly if conditions change.

Practical Concerns

You can still use your kitchen and bathroom if water and electricity are working. But if water damage affected those areas, avoid using them until a pro checks for hidden moisture and mold. Standing water can harbor bacteria, so keep children and pets away.

Boarding limits your view of the outside, making it harder to spot hazards like falling debris. Keep a flashlight and phone charged. Wet conditions can make boards slippery, so use caution when moving around outside, especially in rainy seasons.

What to Check

Inspect the boarding job yourself. Boards should be securely fastened with screws, not just nails, to withstand wind. Check for gaps that let in rain or pests. If you notice loose boards, ask the installer to reinforce them. A secure board job keeps your home dry and safe.

Consider your heating and cooling. Without windows, indoor temperatures can fluctuate. Portable heaters or fans can help, but never leave them unattended. Also, check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work, as blocked windows can trap fumes. Replace batteries if needed.

  • Check for sagging ceilings and cracked walls
  • Ensure boards are screwed in, not just nailed
  • Look for gaps that let in rain or pests
  • Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work
  • Keep a flashlight and phone charged
  • Have an exit plan in case of emergency

When to Leave

Leave your home if you notice new cracks, creaking sounds, or water entering through the boarding. These signs indicate structural instability. Also, if you feel dizzy, have headaches, or trouble breathing, that could signal mold or gas exposure. See a doctor if you feel unwell.

If the damage was from flooding, sewage, or chemicals, staying may be risky. Floodwater can carry contaminants that harm your health. Even if it looks clean, hidden bacteria may linger. In such cases, consider staying elsewhere until a pro assesses the situation and cleans up.

Getting Help

Local pros can inspect your home to determine if it's safe to occupy. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water. This inspection helps you understand the extent of damage and what repairs are needed. You can then decide whether to stay or leave.

If you decide to stay, keep the pros' contact information handy for follow-up work. They can also advise on drywall repair, flooring removal, or other fixes after the boarding comes down. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy for details.

  • Ask about moisture detection and structural checks
  • Keep contact info for follow-up repairs
  • Review your insurance policy for coverage details
  • Plan for drywall and flooring repairs later

Water damage does not wait

Call (360) 685-7801 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

Call Now (360) 685-7801

Frequently asked questions

How long is it safe to stay in a boarded-up home?

You can stay as long as the structure is safe and utilities work. But boarding reduces light and airflow, so it's not ideal for long periods. If you have health issues or the damage is severe, consider staying elsewhere until repairs are done.

Is it okay to open a boarded-up window for air?

You can open a window if the boarding is hinged or removable, but that may expose your home to weather or intruders. If not, rely on doors or fans for ventilation. Never force a board open, as it could damage the frame or cause injury.

What if you smell mold inside?

A musty smell suggests mold growth, common after water damage. Mold can affect your health, especially with allergies or asthma. If you notice it, leave the room and contact a mold professional. They can assess the extent and recommend safe cleanup.

Call Now (360) 685-7801