Plywood isn’t just a short-term solution.
For a lot of vacant properties, it becomes a repeat problem.
Here’s what that looks like.
Step 1: Board it up
Everything gets covered. It feels secure. Done.
Step 2: It gets breached
What many property owners don’t expect:
- Plywood can be pried, cut, or kicked in with basic tools
- Once one opening is compromised, the entire property is exposed
In short, plywood provides a false sense of security because of how easily it can be breached.
Step 3: Now you’re in a cycle
This is where costs start stacking:
- Re-boarding
- Cleanup and repairs
- Possible insurance claims
- Complaints from neighbors or municipalities
This isn’t theoretical — it shows up in real portfolios.
In DAWGS case work, traditional plywood board-ups led to break-ins within days, triggering repeated repairs, claims, and community complaints.
Step 4: The hidden costs add up
Plywood looks cheap upfront, but the downstream impact is where it hurts:
- Recurring labor → board it, fix it, board it again
- Asset degradation → theft, vandalism, interior damage
- Aesthetic issues → properties look abandoned, not protected
- Potential violations → some municipalities flag boarded properties
Even internally, plywood is often associated with ongoing maintenance, liability concerns, and repeat cost exposure — not just a one-time expense.
The real issue
Plywood doesn’t just fail once.
It creates a pattern of failure:
- Install
- Breach
- Repair
- Repeat
And every cycle makes the property harder to manage — and more expensive to maintain.
DAWGS is here to talk you through how best to manage your vacant property needs.
FAQ
How quickly can plywood be breached?
It can happen within days depending on location and exposure.
Is plywood actually cheaper long-term?
It may be lower upfront, but repeated failures, repairs, and re-boarding often increase total cost over time.
Why does plywood need to be replaced so often?
Because of weather exposure, damage from entry attempts, and structural weakening over time.
