How Much Does It Cost To Board Up Windows After A Fire?

After a house or building fire, the first priority is safety. The second is securing the property fast. Open windows and blown-out doors leave your Buffalo home vulnerable to weather, theft, vandalism, and liability. Boarding up is the standard emergency step. The question most homeowners ask us on the first call is simple: how much does it cost?

The short answer is that board-up pricing in Buffalo, NY usually ranges from $250 to $1,500 for a small job and can reach $2,500 to $5,000 for larger homes or multi-unit buildings with heavier damage. The wide range reflects square footage, window count, height and access, material choice, and timing. Below, we break down real cost drivers, what you can expect on site, how insurance treats board-up services, and why hiring a local crew that understands Buffalo conditions saves money and stress.

A-24 Hour Door National Inc has handled thousands of emergency board-ups across Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Lackawanna, and North Buffalo. We’ll use that experience here so you can make a clear decision, even on a tough day.

What “Board-Up” Means After a Fire

Board-up is the temporary installation of solid panels over windows, doors, and other openings to protect a structure. After a fire, glass is often shattered, frames are charred, and some walls may be compromised. A proper board-up does three things: it prevents entry, sheds rain and wind, and stabilizes weak points until permanent repairs begin. For a typical Buffalo single-family home, this may include front and rear entry doors, first-floor windows, basement hopper windows, and any damaged garage openings.

Boarding up is more than “screw a few sheets to the siding.” Technicians assess structural stability, verify utilities are off where necessary, and use methods that do not create further damage. If there’s active investigation by fire officials, crews coordinate so access remains available.

Cost Ranges You Can Use Right Now

Here Visit this website is how pricing often shakes out for board-up services in the Buffalo area, based on actual jobs:

• Small job with 2 to 4 openings on the first floor: $250 to $600.
• Medium job with 5 to 10 openings, some ladder work: $600 to $1,500.
• Large job with 10+ openings, two stories, and an entry door: $1,500 to $3,500.
• Extensive damage across large homes or mixed-use buildings: $3,500 to $7,500.

For strip retail or small commercial spaces along Elmwood, Hertel, or Niagara Street, expect $600 to $2,500 depending on glass size, storefront height, and sidewalk access.

Emergency board-ups at night, on weekends, or during storms may add an after-hours premium. In Buffalo, that premium usually ranges from 15% to 40% over standard rates, depending on how many technicians are required and how long the job takes.

Keep in mind: square footage alone doesn’t set the price. One ranch home might need 12 window panels, while a larger house with fewer openings might cost less. The plan should reflect the actual openings and the labor to secure them safely.

What Drives Cost Up or Down

Several specific factors determine the final bill. These are the same details we evaluate during the first call and on arrival.

Number and size of openings. A large picture window blown out by heat can take two sheets of plywood and extra framing. Basement windows are smaller but may require masonry anchors. A door opening without a door slab needs a reinforced board-up instead of a simple surface panel.

Height and access. Second-floor windows add time for ladder setup and carry risk, especially in winter. If the ground is icy or snow-packed, crews move slower. Tight side yards in North Buffalo doubles or narrow driveways in South Buffalo also affect set-up.

Material choice. Standard board-ups use exterior-grade plywood. For long-term security or rough weather exposure, oriented strand board (OSB) with framing cleats or thicker plywood may be used. If the building will sit vacant for weeks, crews might install tamper-resistant fasteners or security screws, which adds cost.

Damage conditions. Fire hoses saturate walls and floors. Charred studs crumble. Crews may need to add backing blocks or light framing to make panels bite, especially if the window frame is gone. If the building has a partial collapse, a board-up can include bracing or temporary barricades at ground level.

Doors and garage openings. A damaged entry door often needs a reinforced panel with interior bracing so it can serve as a temporary door or at least resists forced entry. Garage openings are large and require multiple sheets and longer fasteners. These are big drivers in the overall ticket.

After-hours response. Night calls between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. or during storms see higher labor rates. Overtime for a two-person crew adds up. That said, the added cost is often lower than one night of exposure to theft or water intrusion.

Permits and coordination. Most Buffalo board-ups after a fire do not require permits if they are temporary safety measures. However, if the city issues a violation or a building inspector requires specific measures, there may be administrative time baked into the price. In multi-unit buildings, coordinating with property management or insurance adjusters can add site time.

Travel and parking. Within the City of Buffalo, this is usually minor. In the suburbs, distance and tolls are rarely a substantial factor, but in heavy snow with restricted roadways, travel time can influence the quote.

Typical Line Items on a Buffalo Board-Up Invoice

Homeowners often ask what exactly they’re paying for. A transparent invoice usually includes materials, labor, equipment, and disposal.

Materials. Exterior-grade plywood or OSB sheets, furring strips, structural screws, anchors for masonry or concrete, tamper-resistant screws if requested, and weather-resistant caulk in some cases.

Labor. Time on site for assessment, measuring, cutting, installation, securing, cleanup, and photos for insurance documentation. For a basic home job, expect a two-person team for two to six hours, depending on scope.

Equipment. Ladders, portable lights for night jobs, cordless saws and drills, safety gear, and possibly a generator if the building has no power.

Disposal. Broken glass removal and debris bagging sometimes fall under a separate line item. After a fire, debris can be waterlogged and heavy, which impacts dump fees. If there are hazardous materials or structural hazards, a remediation company may be required before full cleanup.

Emergency premium. If applicable, it is quoted upfront and explained before work begins.

How Insurance Usually Treats Board-Up Costs

Most homeowner policies cover reasonable emergency measures that protect the property from further damage. Insurance companies refer to this as mitigation. In the Buffalo market, we see carriers reimburse board-up services in the majority of fire claims.

Important points:

• Save your invoice and photos. Ask your board-up company to take clear photos of each opening and the exterior after boarding. Adjusters appreciate concise documentation.
• Do not wait for adjuster approval to secure the home. Delays that cause further damage can complicate claims. Carriers generally accept prompt mitigation.
• If a carrier directs you to use a specific vendor, you can still choose a local provider. Most policies give you that right, as long as pricing is reasonable.
• If you rent, contact your landlord. The property owner’s insurance usually pays for structural protection. Your renter’s policy covers contents and displacement.

A-24 Hour Door National Inc works with claims every week. We document clearly and provide itemized invoices so your adjuster can verify scope and cost.

Plywood vs. Clear Polycarbonate: Does It Change the Price?

Plywood is the standard for cost-effective board-ups. It is quick, strong, and widely available in Buffalo year-round. Clear polycarbonate panels are sometimes used in commercial districts where visibility inside matters, or in high-crime areas where sightlines deter break-ins. Polycarbonate is roughly three to five times the material cost of plywood. Labor is similar, but the fasteners and trimming add a bit. For a single residential picture window, polycarbonate might add $150 to $300. For a storefront, the premium can be several hundred to a few thousand dollars across multiple windows.

For most homes, plywood remains the practical choice after a fire, especially if restoration will begin within a few weeks.

Timing: Why Same-Day Board-Up Matters in Buffalo

Buffalo weather is a factor in every decision. Even in mild seasons, fast changes in wind and rain can push water into exposed cavities and ruin insulation and flooring that survived the initial fire. In winter, freeze-thaw cycles split framing and buckle sheathing. In summer, sudden storms drive water past open studs and create mold within days.

Same-day board-up reduces secondary damage. It also calms the scene. After a fire, neighbors worry. So do you. Getting the home buttoned up the same day changes the whole rhythm of recovery. It sets a boundary for the property and buys time to make smart repair decisions.

What Happens During a Professional Board-Up

First, the crew does a quick safety walk. We look for live wires, compromised porches or steps, and any hazards that would stop work. If the fire department has taped off an area, we maintain those boundaries.

Next, we measure openings and decide on the right install method for each: exterior surface-mount, cleat sandwich (interior and exterior boards with carriage bolts), or interior bracing where frames are weak. On brick or block, we use masonry anchors or a compression method that does not blow out the mortar.

We cut panels on site, pre-drill to prevent splitting, and use structural screws for a tight fit. On doors, if there is no working slab, we can create a temporary access panel for owners or adjusters with a secure screw pattern, or install a temporary rolling or hinged solution for repeated entry.

We clean broken glass in walkways and inside rooms where we worked. We take photos and walk the perimeter with you if you’re present. If you are off site, we text or email photos and a copy of the invoice.

How Long a Board-Up Should Stay in Place

For a typical home fire in Buffalo, board-ups remain for one to four weeks, until windows and doors are repaired or replaced and the site is stable. In deeper restoration projects, panels can stay for several months without issue if they were installed correctly. If long-term vacancy is expected, tamper-resistant fasteners and reinforced door coverings are worth it, especially in higher-traffic areas or near commercial corridors.

If panels loosen after high winds or a heavy freeze, call for a quick re-secure. This is rare when crews attach to sound structure, but it’s easy to correct and protects the home.

DIY vs. Professional Board-Up: Real Pros and Cons

Some homeowners consider doing board-up themselves. If the damage is small, you have tools, and the building is safe, it can work. In our climate, and with fire-damaged materials, there are real risks.

DIY advantages: lower material cost if you already own tools, immediate control if crews are delayed, and a learning experience for small openings like a single broken basement window.

DIY drawbacks: ladder work on wet or icy ground, fasteners pulling out of charred framing, poor panel fit that lets water in, and liability if someone enters later and gets hurt. There is also the time cost of buying lumber, cutting in the driveway, and handling glass and nails in a stressful moment.

Professional crews carry insurance, bring the right anchors for wood, masonry, and metal frames, and know how to secure openings without creating new damage. On larger jobs, time to completion is far shorter. Most homeowners we talk to choose professional board-up after a fire, then take on cosmetic tasks later in the rebuild.

What You Can Do Before the Crew Arrives

If you are safe and cleared to re-enter by the fire department, you can take small steps that help the board-up go faster:

• Photograph the openings from inside and outside. This helps with remote quotes and insurance.
• Pick up large glass shards away from footpaths and place them in a bucket or bin.
• If rain is imminent, drape a plastic sheet or heavy trash bags over a blown-out window and tape to the wall, not the burned trim.
• Move valuables or sensitive documents away from openings.
• If utilities are live, switch off affected circuits. If you are unsure, wait for a professional.

These are optional. Do not re-enter if the structure is unstable or smoky. Safety comes first.

Typical Time on Site for Board-Up in Buffalo

Small jobs wrap up in under two hours. Medium jobs take two to four hours. Large or multi-level projects can run four to eight hours, especially at night or in tight weather windows. Two technicians handle most residential board-ups. For big homes or commercial storefronts, a three or four-person crew shortens the timeline and reduces ladder exposure.

Winter adds time. Working with gloves, dealing with early darkness, and clearing snow from ladder feet all slow the pace. We plan for it and bring the right gear.

Signs You’re Getting a Solid Board-Up (Not a Quick Patch)

You can judge quality without being a contractor. Panels should sit flat with no big gaps along edges. Screws should be spaced regularly and drive into solid backing, not just brittle trim. On brick, panels should not sag or pull away. On doors, a reinforced board should feel rigid with no flex when pressed at the center. From the street, the work should look tidy, not haphazard.

Ask for photos of every side. Ask where the screws are anchored on each opening. You’re looking for clear answers like “into the king stud” or “into the masonry with sleeve anchors,” not vague replies.

Cost Examples From Around Buffalo

Single-family on a quiet street in South Buffalo: front picture window and two side windows blown, back door intact but charred. First-floor access only. Standard plywood board-up, two techs, three hours. $725 to $925.

North Buffalo duplex near Hertel: six windows total, two on the second floor, one rear entry door destroyed. Requires reinforced door panel and ladder work. Four hours on site. $1,200 to $1,600.

Amherst colonial: eight windows and garage man door, strong wind with blowing snow. Extra time for setup and safety. $1,500 to $2,200.

Small storefront in Allentown: two large panes and an aluminum door sidelight. Busy sidewalk, evening traffic control, clear documentation for insurer. $1,800 to $2,800.

These are real-world ranges. Exact pricing depends on time of day, access, and material choices.

How A-24 Hour Door National Inc Approaches Fire Board-Ups

We treat every call like a safety response. You get a clear quote range on the phone based on your description and photos. On site, we confirm scope and price before cutting. We use exterior-grade materials, structural fasteners, and proven patterns that stand up to Buffalo weather. We label any temporary access panel, document for your insurer, and provide a direct line if you need us back for adjustments.

Most importantly, we show up when we say we will. A lot happens in the hours after a fire. Securing your property should not be one more problem to solve.

If you’re searching for board-up services Buffalo after a fire, call us for immediate help. We serve the city and surrounding suburbs, 24 hours a day.

Budgeting Tips If You’re Planning Next Steps

If you expect a longer restoration timeline, adding tamper-resistant screws during the initial board-up can save future re-secure visits. If an insurer is covering the cost, confirm whether they prefer a specific documentation format; we can match it to speed reimbursement.

If you have several undamaged but sticky windows or doors from swelling, mention it. Sometimes a low-cost adjustment right then prevents a return trip. If the garage door sustained smoke but still moves, consider disconnecting the opener until a tech inspects it. The heat can weaken springs and cables.

If you plan to replace windows with a new style, you may want to wait on measuring until demo is complete. Temporary board-ups do not prevent accurate measurements later.

Common Questions We Hear From Buffalo Homeowners

Will boarding up hurt my siding or brick? We aim to fasten into structural members or use anchors that leave minimal, repairable holes. On brick, we use masonry anchors placed in mortar joints where possible. The goal is security with the least future repair work.

Can I leave a panel off one window for ventilation? After a fire, you want controlled ventilation. Leaving an opening unsecured invites water and theft. If you need air exchange, ask for a screened temporary vent location. We can build that safely.

What if I need to get inside regularly? We can create a secured access panel with a screw pattern you can open and close with a driver. For frequent access, we can install a temporary door panel with interior bracing and a hasp.

Do you remove the boards later? Yes. Removal is quick, usually an hour or less for a small home. If new windows and doors are ready, we can coordinate with your installer or handle door replacement ourselves.

The Value of Local Knowledge

Buffalo buildings vary: older balloon-framed homes near Delaware Park, brick two-families on the West Side, post-war ranches in Tonawanda. Window sizes, sill conditions, and wall assemblies differ. In winter, road salt and slush complicate site work. In summer, fast-moving storms test edge seals. A crew used to these conditions boards up differently than a team that works mostly on warm, dry sites.

Local experience also helps with city protocols. If a fire inspector or code officer requests a specific measure, we know the drill and comply without delay.

What To Do Right Now If You Need Help

If the fire department released your property and you need board-up services in Buffalo, call A-24 Hour Door National Inc. We will ask a few quick questions:

• What is the address and cross street?
• How many openings are damaged, and on which floors?
• Are utilities off, and is the property cleared by the fire department?
• Do you have photos you can text or email?

We dispatch immediately, day or night, and arrive with materials on the truck so there is no back-and-forth to the yard. Pricing is explained before we start, and we keep you updated until the last panel is secured.

Final Thought: Cost vs. Risk

It is natural to weigh a few hundred dollars against a stressful week. Fires are disorienting. We have seen homes that survived flames but took on thousands in extra damage from one rainstorm through broken windows. We have also seen theft in the first 24 hours. Board-up is a small, fast step that protects what the fire spared.

If you need immediate board-up services Buffalo, or you want a price range before you make calls, reach out. We are ready to secure your home so you can focus on what comes next.