What Is an Emergency Board-Up?
An emergency board-up secures a broken window, door or storefront so the building is safe, weathertight and locked until permanent glass goes in. It is the first thing that happens after a break-in, a storm or an accident, and it is often the most time-sensitive part of the whole job. An open opening at 2am invites a second break-in, rain, and a cold building by morning.
Our board-ups use 15mm OSB or plywood cut on site to the exact opening, screw-fixed to the frame and sealed around the perimeter with Dow Corning 795. They are built to stay up for days if needed, not just one night.
Board-Up Materials
| Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15mm OSB | Most window, door and storefront openings | Strong, fast, standard for insurers |
| 15mm plywood | Wet locations, smoother finish | Slightly more moisture resistant |
| Clear polycarbonate | Storefronts that need light | Lets the business keep trading |
| 2x4 bracing | Large storefront openings | Stiffens the board against wind and force |
| Carriage bolts | High-risk commercial openings | Through-bolted, hard to remove from outside |
What Happens on a Board-Up Call
- You call. Dispatch takes the address, the opening size if you know it, and any police report or claim number.
- The crew arrives. 2 hours on most 416 calls, 4 hours across the 905.
- Safety first. Hanging glass is removed, the floor and sidewalk are swept.
- Photos. The damage is photographed from inside and outside with time stamps for your adjuster.
- Measure twice. The opening is measured for the board and for the permanent glass.
- Board and seal. OSB is cut, fitted, screwed and sealed with Dow Corning 795.
- Paperwork. You get an itemised invoice and the adjuster gets the photo report.
Why a Proper Board-Up Protects Your Claim
Insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss. If rain gets in through a broken window covered with a garbage bag, or a second thief walks through an unsecured storefront, the insurer may refuse to pay for that additional loss. A professional board-up, documented with photos, shows that the opening was properly secured. That can be the difference between a covered claim and a $5,000-$20,000 loss you pay yourself.
From Board to Glass in 72 Hours
The board-up is only the first visit. Because we measure for the permanent glass on the same call, the replacement is ordered the next business day and scheduled within 72 hours where stock allows. Storefronts go back to glass with storefront glass replacement, and homes with window or door glass. The plywood comes down, the new glass goes in, and the opening is back to normal.
Broken glass right now? Our Toronto glass repair crew answers (416) 555-0100, 24/7.
Written by The Elite Glass Repair Toronto Crew. Last updated .
