What Happens After a Commercial Break-In?
A smashed storefront at 2am leaves an owner with three problems at once: the building is open, there is broken glass everywhere, and the insurer will want proof. Most businesses also need to open in the morning. The temptation is to call whoever answers first and nail some plywood up. Nailed boards come off easily, leak in the rain, and leave the frame damaged for the permanent fix.
Emergency board-up is the only fast-response service we offer as a commercial door contractor in Toronto, because it is the one door problem that cannot wait for a site measure.
What Is Included in Emergency Board-Up?
Same-day temporary securing of the damaged opening, damage documentation, and a written plan for the permanent replacement.
Every board-up includes:
- Clearing loose and broken glass from the opening
- 3/4-inch CDX plywood cut to the opening
- Carriage bolts through the frame and tension bracing on the inside
- Sealing to create a temporary weather-tight enclosure
- An access door built into the board-up where staff need entry
- Photos and measurements for the insurer
- A written install plan and CAD quote within 2 business days
Technician confirms specs and price at your free on-site measure for the permanent work.
Types of Board-Up We Handle
Smash-and-grab storefronts
Broken storefront doors and lites on retail strips such as Queen West, Yonge Street and plaza frontages.
Warehouse and service doors
Forced steel doors and damaged frames on industrial and logistics buildings.
Vehicle impact
Openings damaged by cars or trucks, often needing frame replacement in the permanent fix.
Storm and weather damage
Glass and doors damaged by wind or falling debris.
How Much Does Emergency Board-Up Cost?
| Scope | Typical range | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Single door opening | $450-$800 | Size, time of call |
| Storefront door with sidelite | $700-$1,100 | Glass clearing, bracing |
| Large storefront opening with access door | $1,000-$1,500 | Size, access door |
The permanent replacement is quoted separately in the written install plan.
From Board-Up to Permanent Fix
Board-up buys time, it does not solve the problem. The same crew that secures the opening measures it for the replacement. Within 2 business days you have a written plan for the permanent door, leaf, frame or glass. Many owners use the incident to upgrade to laminated glass or a stronger door.
Insurance
We direct-bill major commercial property insurance claims. The adjuster gets photos, measurements and a written install plan, which usually speeds up approval.