After storefront glass or an entry door is damaged, the priority is to protect people, isolate the opening, document the condition, and arrange temporary securing without blocking required access. Property managers should also separate the board-up scope from permanent glazing, door, and structural repairs.
What should happen before anyone approaches the opening?
Keep customers and employees away from loose glass and unstable frames. Use cones, barriers, or another safe method to redirect foot traffic if the damaged area is beside a sidewalk or entrance. If the damage followed a vehicle impact, fire, or structural event, wait for the appropriate authority or qualified professional to confirm safe access.
What information should a property manager collect?
Record the property address, tenant or business name, contact person, affected opening, approximate dimensions, and whether the space is occupied. Photograph the opening from safe angles and note whether glass remains in the frame. If there are multiple panels, label them so the written scope clearly matches the site.
How should access be handled?
A storefront board-up should not casually block the only usable entrance or a required exit. Identify alternate entrances before covering a damaged door or sidelight. For multi-tenant properties, consider shared corridors, loading areas, and public walkways. The temporary plan should fit how the property actually functions.
What should be included in the temporary scope?
List each opening, temporary panel material, attachment approach, and any cleanup that is included. Clarify whether the board-up is intended only for exterior exposure or also to restrict interior access. If special equipment is needed because of height or panel size, that should be discussed before work begins.
How should insurance documentation be handled?
Keep pre-work photographs, the written estimate, invoices, and material receipts. Minnesota’s Department of Commerce recommends documenting damage and keeping records of temporary repairs. See the state’s residential claim guidance for the general documentation principles; commercial policies may have different requirements, so follow the instructions of the property’s insurer.
What should happen after the storefront is secured?
Arrange permanent glass, framing, door, lock, or structural repairs. Tell the permanent-repair contractor how the temporary material is attached so removal can be planned safely. Inspect the board-up if it remains for more than a short period, especially after wind, rain, snow, or repeated use of nearby doors.
What mistakes should property managers avoid?
Do not assume plywood makes the building secure against every type of entry. Do not cover evidence needed by police or an insurer without documenting it first when safe. Do not leave the tenant guessing about which entrance to use. And do not allow a temporary solution to become a substitute for scheduling the correct permanent repair.
For the service page, visit Commercial Storefront Securing. To describe a damaged commercial opening, use the estimate request form.
Who published this guide?
Shoreview Emergency Board Up Pros publishes this checklist as general educational information for commercial property owners, managers, and tenants.