Tarped and Boarded

We went to the house today and it has been tarped and boarded up.  I'm not really sure why they put the tarp over - it's not going to keep the snow out or anything - it is already ripping over the dormers, there is a hole flapping in the corner, etc.  I guess at least we don't have to look at as much burned house when we go by.  They are just going to tear the house down anyways, so I am not sure what the point of this is....