Storefront Damaged by Storm? 5 Immediate Steps to Secure Your GTA Business

Severe weather in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area—whether it’s high winds, heavy snow, or an ice storm—can cause sudden, devastating damage to your commercial property. A cracked storefront window or a commercial door that won’t shut leaves your business vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and further weather damage.

A clear response can help limit further damage and make it easier to arrange repairs. Follow these five steps while keeping people away from the damaged opening.

1. Ensure Safety First

Before assessing the damage, make sure the area is safe for you, your employees, and pedestrians.

• What to do: Keep people away from broken glass. Mark off the area from a safe distance and call for make-safe service. Do not move loose glass. If a structural element of the entrance is unstable, keep everyone away. Do not attempt to operate a severely damaged motorized door.

2. Document the Damage for Insurance

Photos and a record of what happened can help you explain the damage to your insurer. Ask your provider what documentation it needs.

• What to do: If you can do so from a safe position, take photos of the damage before repairs begin. Stay clear of loose glass and unstable parts; do not enter an unsafe area or delay urgent make-safe work to take photos. Include visible damage to inventory, equipment, and the doors or glass themselves.

3. Call for 24/7 Emergency Board-Up Services

Your top priority is to physically secure the premises to prevent exposed inventory from being stolen or damaged by rain or snow.

• What to do: Call us immediately for our 24/7 emergency board-up services. We respond fast across the GTA to install secure plywood boarding over broken windows and doors, providing temporary security until permanent repairs can be made.

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once the property is temporarily secured, notify your insurance agent about the incident.

• What to do: Provide them with the claim details and the documentation you gathered in Step 2. They will guide you on the next steps and how to proceed with permanent repairs or glass replacement.

5. Schedule Permanent Repairs and Maintenance

Plywood is only a temporary solution. You need to return your storefront to its professional appearance as soon as possible.

• What to do: Work with our team to coordinate the installation of new tempered glass, new commercial doors, or any necessary hardware repairs. This is also a good time to consider a planned maintenance check to identify weak spots that could be vulnerable in the next storm.

Need Emergency Help Right Now?

If your storefront has been damaged by weather, vandalism, or an accident, don't wait. We are standing by 24/7 to secure your business. Contact us now for immediate emergency board-up assistance anywhere in Toronto or the GTA.