Clearboarding Solution



“Clearboarding isn’t just a boarding solution—it’s a transformation in how we protect vacant properties.”

Overview

Vacant and abandoned properties present major risks — from vandalism and trespassing to fire hazards and neighborhood decline. Traditionally, these properties have been secured using plywood boarding, but mounting evidence points to a better alternative: clear polycarbonate boarding, commonly known as Clearboarding. The National Association of Mortgage Field Services (NAMFS) promotes this solution for the mortgage field services industry because it offers improved asset security, enhanced visual integration with neighborhoods, and long-term cost effectiveness.


Why Traditional Wood Boarding Falls Short

  • Plywood boards announce vacancy: they become a signal to squatters and vandals.
  • Boards can warp, rot, or detach, leading to frequent re-boarding and increased maintenance costs.
  • First responders (fire, EMS, police) cannot see inside ply-boarded homes, reducing safety and situational awareness.
  • Plywood-boarded properties can suppress neighboring property values by 20-25% or more.


Clearboarding: The Better Alternative

Clearboarding consists of high-impact polycarbonate panels installed over window and door openings—designed to mimic the look of glass while offering superior protection.


Benefits at a Glance

  • Visual Appeal & Neighborhood Integration: Instead of a boarded-up stigma, Clearboarding presents a transparent effect that does not signal vacancy.
  • Intrusion Resistance: Polycarbonate is significantly harder to breach than plywood, reducing vandalism and squatting.
  • Safety for First Responders: Firefighters and EMS can see inside properties secured with Clearboarding, improving situational awareness.
  • Weather & Decay Resistance: Unlike plywood, polycarbonate resists moisture, rot, warping, and can last much longer.
  • Long-Term Cost Efficiency: While initial install cost is higher, the lifecycle cost is lower due to fewer re-boards and less neighborhood impact.

NAMFS Recommendation & Implementation

NAMFS recommends Clearboarding as part of a comprehensive vacant property preservation program. Key implementation guidelines include:

  • Use Clearboarding in windows, doors or openings vulnerable to intrusion.
  • Maintain proper installation, including compression bolts and interior bracing systems for safe egress.
  • Integrate Clearboarding specs into field service vendor contracts, local code enforcement procedures and HOA maintenance programs.
  • Consider the full value proposition: lower long-term maintenance, reduced liability, enhanced asset protection, and community value.


Industry Impact

By adopting Clearboarding, field service providers, servicers, municipalities and HOAs can:

  • Prevent further deterioration and devalue of vacant properties.
  • Reduce the burden on code enforcement and property preservation teams.
  • Improve neighborhood aesthetics and curb appeal.
  • Strengthen overall asset security and reduce risk costs.