When the fire trucks drive away, your home is often left wide open. Firefighters break windows to vent smoke, force doors to get inside, and cut holes in the roof to stop the fire from spreading. That is exactly what they should do, but it leaves the house exposed to rain, snow, animals and people. Emergency board-up is the step that closes it up again.
This guide explains what board-up involves, why it needs to happen fast, how it connects to your insurance claim, and what to expect when a crew arrives at your Ontario home.
What is emergency board-up?
Emergency board-up means securing a damaged building with plywood, tarps and temporary fencing so it is closed to weather and intruders. It usually includes:
- Covering broken or missing windows with plywood fitted to the opening
- Securing damaged or forced doors, often with a lockable plywood door
- Tarping roof openings and damaged sections of roof
- Covering holes in exterior walls
- Installing temporary fencing around the property when needed
Board-up is a temporary fix. It protects the home until the damage can be assessed, cleaned and repaired.
Why board-up matters so much
It stops weather damage
An open roof or broken windows let rain, snow and wind into a home that is already damaged. In an Ontario winter, water from firefighting can freeze in the structure, and snow blowing in adds more water. In summer, a single rainstorm through a roof opening can soak insulation, drywall and floors that were untouched by the fire. Every bit of extra water adds to the drying work and raises the risk of mould.
It prevents theft and vandalism
A home that has clearly been in a fire and is standing open can attract theft and vandalism. Securing doors and windows protects your belongings, tools and appliances that survived the fire.
It reduces liability
Broken glass, unstable floors and holes in the roof are dangerous. If someone enters an unsecured property and gets hurt, the owner can face problems. Board-up and fencing keep people out.
It protects your insurance claim
Most home insurance policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage after a loss. If more damage happens because the home was left open, your insurer may question paying for it. The cost of emergency board-up is usually treated as part of the claim. Keep the invoice and photos, and see how we handle insurance claims.
It keeps animals out
Raccoons, squirrels, birds and mice move into empty, open buildings quickly. Once they are inside, they cause more damage and bring health risks of their own.
What to expect when the board-up crew arrives
- Safety check. The crew confirms with the fire department that the property has been released and checks for hazards like unstable floors, hanging materials and live wires.
- Photos first. The damage is photographed before anything is covered, so your adjuster has a full record.
- Roof tarping. Openings in the roof are covered with heavy tarps, secured with wood strapping so they hold up to wind.
- Windows and doors. Plywood is cut to fit each opening and fastened securely. At least one door is usually fitted so it can be locked and opened, giving access to the adjuster and crews.
- Fencing. Temporary fencing goes up if the site is unsafe or easy to walk into.
- Utilities. The crew makes sure unsafe utilities are shut off and flags anything that needs an electrician or your gas utility.
- Documentation. You get a record of the work done for your insurer.
For most homes, emergency board-up can be done the same day the property is released.
What comes after board-up
Once the home is secure, the restoration process begins: inspection, water removal and drying, contents pack-out, soot and odour removal, and rebuilding. Read the full process in from soot to rebuild: the fire restoration process explained. If you are tempted to start cleaning on your own, first read why DIY cleaning makes smoke damage worse.
Firefighting water also needs attention right away, because wet drywall, insulation and floors can grow mould within 24 to 48 hours. See how to prevent mould after water damage.
Board-up is not just for fires
The same service protects homes and businesses after other emergencies:
- Windstorms and fallen trees that damage roofs and windows. See storm and wind damage.
- Vehicle impacts into a building
- Break-ins that leave doors or windows broken
- Structural damage from severe weather
What you can do right after a fire
- Stay out until the fire department says it is safe to go in.
- Call your insurer or broker to report the fire and get a claim number.
- Call a restoration company to secure the property as soon as it is released.
- Take photos of the outside of the home from a safe distance.
- Find a safe place to stay, and keep receipts for hotels and meals.
- Let your neighbours know the home will be boarded and who to call if they see anything.
How to choose a board-up company
After a fire, you may get calls or visits from companies you have never heard of. Before you hire anyone, ask:
- Can you come out today, including nights and weekends?
- Are you insured, and are your workers covered by WSIB?
- Will you photograph the damage before covering it?
- Will you give me an invoice and a record of the work for my insurer?
- Can you also handle the cleanup and restoration, so I am not dealing with several companies?
- Do you work directly with insurance adjusters?
Be careful with anyone who asks you to sign over your insurance claim or pay a large amount in cash upfront just to secure the home. You have the right to choose who works on your property.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should a home be boarded up after a fire?
As soon as the fire department releases the property. The longer a home sits open, the more likely it is to suffer weather damage, theft or animal entry.
Does insurance pay for emergency board-up?
In most cases, yes. Board-up is a reasonable step to prevent further damage, and most Ontario home policies treat it as part of the fire claim. Keep your invoice and photos, and confirm with your adjuster.
Can I board up my home myself?
You can, but it is often unsafe after a fire. Roofs and floors may be weakened, and working on ladders around broken glass and damaged structure is risky. A professional crew has the right materials and safety equipment.
How long does the board-up stay on?
Until the damaged windows, doors and roof are repaired or replaced during the rebuild. For larger fires, this can be several weeks or months.
Will I still be able to get into my home?
Yes. Crews usually install a lockable access door so you, your adjuster and the restoration team can get in when needed.
Need emergency board-up? Call now, day or night
999 Restoration answers live 24 hours a day with a 60-minute target response across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Kitchener and London. See all locations, or call +1-888-999-0292 and a restoration manager will be on the line in seconds.