Board-up and window securing in the Loop and South Loop

When a window breaks on a high floor, wind can drive rain and cold deep into the unit and push loose debris outward. Crews install framed plywood or temporary panels from inside, sealed at the edges. Management usually coordinates permanent glass replacement with the building's window contractor.

Firefighters may force a unit door. A temporary secure door or reinforced plywood with a lock lets the owner and contractors in while keeping the unit closed to the corridor.

Printers Row lofts have large windows in masonry openings. Boards are fastened to the frames, not drilled into brick. In the landmark district, permanent window replacement may need review ^[4].

South Loop townhomes may need roof openings tarped and windows boarded like any house, coordinated with the townhome association for roofs and exteriors.

Wind at upper floors is strong. Temporary covers must be fastened well and checked after storms.

Change locks on secured doors and tell management the unit is vacant.

Photograph every opening before and after and keep receipts ^[1].

Permanent window and door replacement may need permits ^[3] and building approval.

Windows, exterior walls and corridor doors are usually common elements, so the association arranges their temporary and permanent repair under its master policy. A unit’s interior door may be the owner’s responsibility. Check the declaration, and photograph everything before covers go up.

If your rented unit was secured after a fire, ask management how and when you can get in to retrieve essentials, and who holds the key to any temporary lock.

Some downtown units have balconies or terraces. Fire or firefighting can damage railings, doors and glass. Access is blocked until the building's engineer or a qualified professional confirms they are safe, and permanent repairs go through the building and, where required, a permit.

Mixed-use buildings may have storefront glass broken during firefighting. Wide openings need framed plywood panels to secure them against the sidewalk. The business arranges this under its own policy, often with the same crew.

Ask whether they have worked in high-rises, how they will fasten interior panels, whether they carry the insurance the building requires and whether they photograph every opening before and after.

Loft buildings in Printers Row have large windows and sometimes roof hatches or skylights. After a fire, broken loft windows are covered with framed panels fastened to the frames, not drilled into brick. Roof hatches and skylights on flat roofs are covered and sealed so rain cannot pool through them. On designated buildings, permanent replacement may need review.

A broken window on a high floor lets in driving rain and, in winter, extreme cold. Water reaches floors and walls far from the window, and fan coils can freeze. Securing the opening the same day protects both the unit and those below.

Photograph every opening before and after it is covered and keep every receipt. The Illinois Department of Insurance advises keeping all bills and receipts from temporary repairs ^[1].

Interior panels on broken high-rise windows usually stay until the building's window contractor installs new glass, which can take weeks if custom units must be ordered. Check panels after storms, and report any leaks or loosening to management.

Ask whether they have secured high-rise units before, how they fasten interior panels without damaging frames, whether they carry the insurance the building requires and whether they photograph every opening. Ask whether they can coordinate with the restoration crew so drying and cleaning can start behind the panels.

If you are staying elsewhere, change the lock on any temporary door, tell management the unit is vacant and ask them to note it for security staff. Remove valuables, documents and medications as soon as it is safe. Check the unit after storms, or ask management to.