What boards do
Boards seal smashed glass, doors, and torn walls with plywood or hard panels. No more water, trash, beasts, or thieves get in. It is a shield, not a fix. But the hours between the harm and the true fix are when the worst second harm lands.
DIY when you must
Use 5/8-inch outdoor plywood. Cut it to lap the hole by inches on each side. Nail it to the frame, not just trim. Work from out when safe. Wear gloves and eye gear — glass and trash maim. Photo the harm first with the photo list.
When to call a pro
High holes, big glass walls, torn frames, or what you can't reach from the ground need a pro crew. Pros bring the right panels and ladders. They log the work, which aids your claim. A firm that boards and fixes needs the right Florida license. Check at myfloridalicense.com.
After the boards
Boards halt the bleed. They do not heal the wound. Next: file your insurance claim. Save the board receipt — it is a paid-back urgent cost. Book the true glass or wall fix. Do not let boards sit for months. Hid holes breed water harm and code woes.