Taping is NOT the preferred method of securing cracked windows per First Preston e-mail dated 9/30/02.
The cost of boarding properties is not to be included in the maximum allowable limit per property. Mortgagees shall not board a property unless they have prior written approval from the local M&M contractor, the property is located in one of the pre-approved boarding areas listed in this attachment, or the property is severely damaged by a natural disaster and unsafe (see below). “Before” and “after” photographs are required.
If a property is boarded without prior approval, HUD will not reimburse the mortgagee for any costs associated with the boarding. In addition, HUD will reduce the claim by any amounts that must be expended to remove boards or repair damage caused by unauthorized boarding.
Even when boarding is authorized, generally, there should be no boarding above the first floor unless the opening is accessible. For purposes of this document, accessible means that: 1) entry is possible without the use of a ladder and 2) the opening is large enough for a person to easily pass through. Openings above the first floor that do not meet both of these tests should not be boarded unless otherwise specified in this attachment. If security bars are located on windows/doors, boarding is not required. Openings too small for a person to pass through, particularly pet openings in doors, regardless of location, should be secured but not boarded, unless otherwise specified in this attachment. Second story and higher openings are typically accessible only from attached properties, stairwells or fire escapes. In the absence of such conditions, second story or higher openings shall not be boarded but must be secured to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect against weather damage, unless otherwise specified in this attachment.
Specific boarding instructions and diagrams are provided on pages 17 through 29 of this attachment. Plywood fastened with carriage bolts is the preferred method of boarding property. The use of nails is prohibited. To ensure that no hazards exist, remove all broken glass from the windows, as well as from the surrounding interior and exterior areas.
See the City / State variation to determine the requirements particular to the property being secured. If no requirements are provided in this document for the property being boarded, use local codes. If local codes are different from HUD requirements, local codes will supersede HUD requirements.
For the purpose of this document, the definition of united inch is length plus width.
Fire/Flood Damaged Properties and Possible Demolition Properties
Properties that have suffered severe damage from fire, flood or other natural disaster will need to be secured for safety reasons and to prevent unauthorized entry. All first floor windows and doors and all basement windows and doors will have 3/8-inch plywood covering the entire opening and frame. The covering must be secured with carriage bolts. See Attachment 5 regarding interior debris removal.
The additional costs of securing a property severely damaged by fire, flood, tornado or other natural disasters are not included in the boarding cost limit or the maximum limit per property. However, mortgagees must request prior written approval from the M&M contractor if the cost of securing a severely damaged property will exceed $450.
Mortgagees can only convey damaged properties with prior approval from the M&M contractor.