How Much Does a Board-Up Cost? A Complete Guide to Pricing and Services

Broken glass, a kicked-in door, storm damage, or a fire scene creates two urgent needs: secure the opening and protect what’s inside. That’s the purpose of professional board-up. If you own property in Buffalo, NY, you’ve probably seen crews working after a windstorm on Delaware Avenue or outside a commercial storefront near Elmwood Village. Prices vary, and fast decisions can feel stressful. This guide gives you clear numbers, real cost drivers, and local insight so you can budget, compare quotes, and choose the right level of service.

A-24 Hour Door National Inc provides emergency board-up services in Buffalo and surrounding neighborhoods. We’re available day and night. The goal here is to explain costs in plain language so you understand what you’re paying for and when the higher price tag makes sense.

What “Board-Up” Includes and Why It Matters

Board-up service means installing temporary barriers over openings in doors, windows, and storefronts. We use plywood, structural fastening, and sometimes bracing to protect people, secure the building, and limit further damage. For homes, this might be a single basement window and a back door. For commercial spaces in Allentown or North Buffalo, it could be a full glass storefront, side windows, and a roof hatch access.

A proper board-up does three things: it prevents entry and looting, it shields interiors from weather, and it satisfies insurers and inspectors that the property is secured. A sloppy board-up costs less on day one and more later, due to water intrusion, warping, or easy tampering.

Typical Price Ranges in Buffalo, NY

Pricing depends on the opening size, height, materials, and urgency, but these averages reflect what we see across Buffalo and nearby suburbs:

• Single standard window board-up: $175 to $325 per opening
• Large picture window or sliding door: $275 to $600 per opening
• Commercial storefront glass (per panel): $350 to $900 per section
• Full residential board-up after a fire or break-in: $600 to $2,000+
• Extensive commercial board-up with bracing: $1,500 to $5,000+

Emergency calls after midnight, specialized hardware, and lift equipment increase costs. If you only need one small pane covered at ground level during daytime hours, expect the low end. A multi-panel storefront at 2 a.m. on a windy night runs higher.

How Contractors Build the Price

Time, materials, distance, and risk set the price. Here is how we estimate in practice across Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Amherst.

Openings and size. Each opening requires measuring, cutting, and fastening. Larger glass or door frames use more plywood, screws, and sometimes 2x4 bracing. Complex shapes, transoms, or damaged frames add labor time.

Height and access. Ground-level board-ups cost less. Once ladders, scaffolding, or a boom lift enters the picture, the price moves up. Boarding a second-story window on a narrow city lot off Grant Street costs more than a ranch home in West Seneca.

Material choices. Standard exterior plywood is typical. For high-traffic storefronts near Elmwood or Chippewa, we may use thicker sheets, tamper-proof hardware, or interior bracing to deter break-ins. That hardware and lumber add to the material bill.

Emergency timing. Rush charges apply for overnight, weekends, or holidays. Our crews are ready 24/7, and that readiness has a real cost. If the site is safe and you can wait until morning, you can often save 10 to 20 percent.

Site conditions. Fire scenes require respirators, gloves, and extra cleanup to handle soot, glass shards, and nails. Flooded basements need pumps or at least safety measures before work starts. Insurance work sometimes requires more documentation, photos, and coordination with adjusters, which adds time but can protect your claim.

Travel and parking. Within Buffalo city limits, travel fees are often minimal. If parking is limited or we need a temporary lane closure for a downtown project, expect that to be factored in.

Daytime vs. After-Hours Pricing

Clients often ask if they should wait until morning. If you can lock the property safely and you’re dealing with a small pane or interior-only damage, waiting may reduce the total by $75 to $250. If the opening faces the street, if weather is moving in off Lake Erie, or if the property is vacant, waiting usually costs more in the long run. We see too many cleanups after a second incident. Police in Buffalo will confirm the same: unsecured storefronts and vacant homes are repeat targets.

Residential Examples With Real Numbers

Two quick scenarios based on recent service calls across Western New York:

• North Buffalo single-family: A wind gust on a Sunday afternoon cracked a 34-by-46-inch double-hung window. Ground level, easy access, same-day daylight. We cut a sheet, screwed into the framing, and sealed the edges. Total: $245, including materials and labor. No emergency add-on.

• South Buffalo break-in: Back door kicked in at 1:30 a.m., frame split, glass panel shattered. We installed a reinforced plywood door cover with interior 2x4 bracing into secure studs and added a hasp for a temporary lock. Total: $485, including after-hours response.

These numbers aren’t promises. They reflect common ranges, which helps you budget and spot outliers.

Commercial Board-Up: Why It Costs More

Storefront glass is larger, heavier, and sits in aluminum frames without much structural backing. We often need thicker plywood, more bracing, and sometimes a lift for higher transoms or second-story display glass. If your shop sits on Elmwood, Hertel, or Niagara Street and you have multi-panel glazing, prices stack by panel and size.

Retailers also need interior coverage to block visibility, reduce theft temptation, and shield inventory from UV exposure if repairs take a few days. That adds materials and time. Expect $1,200 to $3,500 for a multi-panel storefront when several panes are compromised.

How Long Does a Board-Up Take?

A single window can be boarded in under an hour. A back door with bracing runs 60 to 90 minutes. A full home after a fire can take 3 to 6 hours, depending on access and how much debris we must clear before installing boards. Large commercial jobs range from two hours to a full day for multiple openings.

In winter, lake-effect snow and wind slow production. On tight urban lots with overhead lines, we move carefully and may need extra hands, which affects labor time.

Materials That Drive Quality and Price

Most jobs use 7/16 to 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood. Thicker sheets resist prying and warping, which is essential on busy corridors or longer durations. For high-risk areas or long-term vacancy, we use carriage bolts with interior washers and nuts through 2x4 braces rather than screws into the frame. That through-bolted method stops easy removal.

We avoid particle board or interior-grade wood. It fails in rain and invites mold. We also carry weather-resistant screws, structural 2x lumber, and foam or sealant to reduce water infiltration. The right materials protect both the opening and the surrounding finishes.

Insurance: Will It Cover Board-Up?

Most homeowners and commercial policies cover emergency board-up when it follows a covered loss such as wind, vandalism, fire, or vehicle impact. The claim typically falls under dwelling coverage for residential and building coverage Buffalo glass replacement service for commercial. If a tenant breaks a window, check your lease and policy details. Deductibles apply. If your deductible is high, you might self-pay for a low-cost board-up and keep the claim off your record. We document everything with photos and invoices to support reimbursement when you do file.

In our experience with Buffalo carriers, adjusters appreciate same-day mitigation. Securing the property helps contain the loss. That documentation often smooths the path for glass replacement or door repairs later.

How Long Should You Leave a Board-Up in Place?

Short term is best: 24 to 72 hours for residential openings, longer if special-order glass is involved. In winter, supply chains can push lead times out. If your board-up needs to stay for more than a week, choose thicker plywood and through-bolting. For storefronts, consider a temporary polycarbonate panel as an interim solution if you need visibility and light for operations.

Permits and Code Notes in Buffalo

Temporary board-ups typically do not require permits in an emergency. That said, the work must not block egress routes, fire escapes, or required ventilation. If a door is a primary exit, we secure it in a way that allows controlled entry or an alternate safe route. For commercial spaces, we coordinate with property managers and sometimes the fire department after a fire to avoid code conflicts.

Buffalo’s inspectors focus on safety and nuisance prevention, especially for vacant properties. If your building is under watch in the Vacant Property Registry or has prior violations, contact us. We’ll secure it to meet maintenance standards and document the work.

Hidden Costs You Can Avoid

We see avoidable expenses on follow-up visits. A few examples:

• Boards screwed into crumbling masonry. This looks solid at install, then pulls out within days. We use proper anchors for brick or concrete and check the substrate before fastening.

• Untaped edges and gaps. Water blows in off the lake and soaks flooring and drywall. We seal edges and check for flashing where needed.

• Lightweight panels on busy streets. Thin plywood warps and invites prying. It saves $30 today and costs hundreds after a second break-in.

• No interior bracing on large openings. Plywood bows in the wind and cracks. We brace when span and wind exposure call for it.

• DIY jobs with nails and no security hardware. Nails pull out easily. Screws or bolts resist tampering.

What We Do On-Site: A Simple Walkthrough

On arrival, we assess hazards first: glass shards, electrical risks, unstable frames. We measure the opening and framing points. We cut plywood cleanly, avoiding splintered edges that invite water. We fasten into structural members, not just trim, and we add interior bracing if the span or exposure requires it. We seal weather edges and verify doors, egress paths, and alarms still function. We photograph each opening and share a simple invoice with line items for materials, labor, and any after-hours factor. If you’re filing a claim, we send documentation to your adjuster on request.

Comparing Quotes: What to Ask

You’ll see different numbers from different providers. Low bids sometimes skip hardware or bracing. High bids might include lift equipment or multi-crew rush work that you do not need. Ask about:

• Material thickness and hardware type
• Whether interior bracing is included for large spans
• After-hours or holiday surcharges
• Lift or ladder requirements and who supplies them
• Documentation for insurance

Two clear answers and a photo example tell you more than a paragraph of sales talk. We can show you samples from recent board-up services in Buffalo so you know what you’re getting.

How Season and Weather Affect Price and Timing

Lake-effect snow, freezing rain, and wind gusts mean more setup time and sometimes slower travel. In January, crews handle more emergencies at night. That spikes demand and can push up costs slightly. In summer, thunderstorms bring sporadic surges. If a storm is forecast, schedule early and you may secure daytime rates.

Wood prices also fluctuate. In 2020–2022, plywood doubled at times. Today, costs are more stable, but we still see month-to-month changes of a few dollars per sheet. For large commercial projects, quotes reflect market pricing at the time of service.

Choosing Between Board-Up and Immediate Replacement

If a small double-pane window shatters and your supplier has your size in stock, immediate replacement might be practical. That saves a board-up fee. For specialty glass, tempered storefront panels, or custom doors, replacement usually takes several days. In that case, a board-up is the safe bridge.

Cost-wise, a modest residential pane might cost $300 to $500 to replace, while a board-up is $175 to $300. For a storefront, replacement can be $1,200 to $6,000 per panel depending on size and type, so protecting the opening for a few days is a small fraction of the final repair.

Homeowner Tips to Control Costs Without Cutting Safety

If it’s safe to do so, sweep large glass shards into a box and move furniture away from the opening before we arrive. Clear a path for ladders and tool bags. If you own a multi-unit property on the West Side, share details by text: photos, measurements, and door or window counts. Accurate information reduces trips and guesswork.

If you expect a long wait for replacement, tell us. We’ll step up to thicker plywood or through-bolts so you don’t need a second visit. If the unit is vacant, consider temporary lighting and a motion sensor to deter trespassers. Police and insurers look favorably on documented security measures.

How A-24 Hour Door National Inc Prices Board-Ups in Buffalo

We keep our estimates simple and transparent:

• Service call and assessment covers the dispatch and initial site work.
• Materials billed per sheet, hardware, and bracing lumber.
• Labor calculated by opening complexity and height.
• After-hours factor applied only when the call is outside standard hours.
• Equipment fee only if a lift is necessary and discussed upfront.

For many residential calls, we can give a firm phone estimate once we see photos. For commercial properties, we often provide a not-to-exceed number that holds unless scope changes. That way you can approve work quickly without surprises.

Neighborhood Notes: What We See Across Buffalo

Delaware District and Elmwood Village: lots of storefront glass and vintage wood windows. Frames can be brittle. We use careful fastening and bracing so we don’t split trim.

Allentown and West Side: taller properties, narrow access, and mixed masonry. Anchors and ladder work are common, so allow some extra time and budget.

South Buffalo and Kaisertown: frequent wind damage on older homes with larger picture windows. Thicker plywood helps in open exposures.

North Buffalo and Hertel Avenue: retail corridors with night traffic. Tamper-resistant hardware is worth the small upcharge.

Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda: faster access, easier parking, and mostly ground-level openings. Jobs finish quickly and usually price on the lower end of the range.

Red Flags When Choosing a Provider

Watch for vague quotes with no material specs, no mention of bracing, or “cash only tonight” offers. If a crew avoids photos or cannot explain how they’ll fasten into structure without damaging your finishes, move on. A board-up that looks secure but uses undersized screws will fail under the first strong gust or a pry bar. Ask for a quick description of the fastening plan. Clear answers show experience.

How Soon Should You Call?

If the opening faces the street or you can see daylight through a frame, call now. If you have an interior door panel cracked but still within a locked unit, you can send photos and we’ll schedule the next day. Burglarized storefronts and fire scenes should be secured immediately. Weather in Buffalo turns fast, and unsecured openings turn a small job into a remodeling project.

Frequently Asked Pricing Questions

Is there a minimum charge? Yes. Every provider has a base to mobilize a crew. For us, it covers dispatch, first hour on-site, and basic materials. That keeps pricing fair for single-window jobs.

Can I reuse the plywood later? If it’s clean and undamaged, yes. We can label panels for later temporary use while you wait on custom glass.

Do you remove the boards when replacement is ready? We can return to remove boards and haul debris for a small fee. If we handle the replacement, removal is often included.

Can I save money by pre-cutting wood? We prefer to measure and cut on site for a tight fit. Poor fits cost more because we end up re-cutting and increasing labor time.

Does board-up hurt my siding or frames? Proper fastening targets structural members, not just trim. We use the right screws and backer boards where needed to keep finishes intact. Damage usually occurs only when frames were already compromised.

A Quick Cost Checklist Before You Approve a Quote

• Confirm material thickness and whether bracing is included for large spans.
• Ask if after-hours or weekend factors apply and what that adds.
• Identify height and access needs. If a lift is required, get the number in writing.
• Request photo documentation for your insurance claim.
• Verify who removes boards and what that costs later.

Ready for Fast, Professional Board-Up in Buffalo?

If you’re facing storm damage, vandalism, or a fire scene, call A-24 Hour Door National Inc. We handle board-up services in Buffalo and every nearby area, from Riverside to South Park, day and night. You’ll get clear pricing, solid materials, and a crew that respects your property and your time. Send us photos for a quick estimate, or request immediate dispatch if the opening is exposed. We’ll secure your building, document the work for your insurer, and lay out next steps for repair or replacement.