Boarding-Up FAQs for Uxbridge and the UB Area

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, forced door, or need to secure a property quickly, these FAQs explain what happens, what we bring, and how we work across Uxbridge and the UB postcodes (UB1–UB18). We’ve kept answers practical and straightforward, with links to deeper guides where helpful.

About Our Service

Do you offer 24/7 emergency boarding up in Uxbridge?

Yes. We operate a 24/7 service for urgent incidents such as break-ins, vandalism, storm damage, fire and accidents. For immediate help, see our dedicated page: emergency boarding up. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible. On the phone we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on traffic and workload.

Which UB postcodes do you cover?

We cover all UB districts including UB1–UB11 and surrounding localities. Popular requests come from UB3, UB4, UB5, UB7, UB8 and UB10. For localised pages, see:

Who will attend my property?

DBS-checked technicians employed by us. We’ve been trading 10+ years, fully insured, and experienced with residential, commercial and vacant properties. Read more by property type:

Do you guarantee a specific response time?

We don’t quote fixed times because conditions vary (time of day, traffic, workload). We prioritise emergencies and will give you a realistic ETA when you call. If circumstances change, we’ll keep you updated.

What Happens When You Call

What information do you need from me?

  • Your name, contact number and property address (with postcode)
  • What happened (burglary, vandalism, storm, fire, accident)
  • Which openings are affected (window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight)
  • Access details (codes, keys, alarms, neighbours, concierge)
  • Any safety concerns (exposed glass, structural damage, live electrics) If safe, photos sent to info@boarding-up-uxbridge.co.uk help us size materials and plan access.

What should I do before you arrive?

  • If a crime, call the police first and get a reference number.
  • Keep people away from broken glass and unstable frames.
  • If rain is coming in, lay towels or sheets to protect flooring.
  • Do not attempt to remove large shards—wait for our team.
  • Have ID and any keys or alarm codes to hand. For urgent instruction, visit emergency boarding up.

Will you call when you’re on the way?

Yes. We’ll confirm ETA and any access notes. If you’re off-site, we can liaise with neighbours, key holders, facilities managers or security.

How We Secure Your Property

What materials do you use to board up windows and doors?

We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger windows, and 12–18mm OSB for smaller openings where suitable. Fixings are chosen to suit the frame and situation. Where the frame allows, we prefer internal bracing or anti-tamper fixings so boards can’t be removed from outside. Learn more about:

How do you fix boards without damaging the frames?

Where possible, we use compression methods, internal packers, or existing structural points to avoid unnecessary damage. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options and get your approval before proceeding.

Can you install a temporary steel door?

Yes. For forced entries, vacant properties or when a lock can’t be made secure, we can fit a temporary steel door with adjustable frame and lock set. This provides better medium-term security than timber. See temporary door boarding for more on when it’s appropriate.

Do you handle roof lights and skylights?

We can provide roof and skylight boarding and emergency weatherproofing. Access arrangements depend on height and safety; we’ll discuss if a tower, roof ladder or RAMS are required for commercial sites.

What documentation do I receive?

  • Time-stamped photos (before/after)
  • Itemised invoice
  • Work statement describing materials and fixings
  • If requested: a brief insurer-focused summary noting incident type and opening sizes More insurer tips are on our insurance claims page.

Situations We Commonly Attend

I’ve had a burglary—what’s the process?

  • Report to police and obtain a reference number
  • Call us to secure your property after burglary
  • We board up affected windows/doors, and can fit a temporary steel door if needed
  • You receive photos and an itemised invoice for your insurer We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide the documentation insurers typically need.

Someone smashed my shop window—can you make it safe out of hours?

Yes. We regularly secure shopfronts overnight and at weekends. We’ll remove loose glass, board the opening with appropriately sized sheets and anti-tamper fixings, and liaise with your glazier if replacement is booked. See shopfront boarding and vandalism repair.

Do you attend storm damage or fire incidents?

Yes. We board wind-damaged openings and provide temporary weatherproofing for storm events: storm damage support. After fire, we secure doors, windows and compromised openings so the scene is safe (post-fire securing). We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation.

Can you help after flooding?

Yes. We secure openings, consider ventilation requirements, and avoid trapping moisture where it may worsen damp. See flood damage.

What if a vehicle hit my property?

For impact damage we first assess structural risk. If there’s any sign of instability, we’ll advise contacting a structural engineer or the fire service before boarding. Learn more: accident damage.

Pricing, Payment and Insurance

How much does boarding up cost in Uxbridge?

Costs depend on:

  • Size and number of openings
  • Material thickness and type (plywood vs OSB vs steel door)
  • Access and height requirements
  • Out-of-hours attendance We’re transparent about cost factors—see our pricing guide. We can give a ballpark on the phone once we know the details.

Do you charge a call-out fee?

We charge based on attendance, materials and time on site. Out-of-hours and complex access may add to the total. We’ll outline likely costs before dispatch whenever possible. More detail on pricing.

Is boarding up covered by my insurance?

Often, yes—insurers typically cover emergency make-safe after burglary, vandalism, storm or fire. Policies vary, so confirm with your insurer. Keep your police reference number, photos, and receipts. Our insurance claims page explains what we provide. We can take payment from you and issue documentation for reimbursement.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major cards and bank transfer. For commercial accounts, a PO may be required in advance or shortly after attendance. Let us know your invoicing details when you call.

Access, Safety and Compliance

Do you need me on site to board up?

It helps, but it’s not always necessary. With permission, we can meet a neighbour, caretaker or security. For void properties, we can work with your asset manager or agent. We’ll need clear instructions to enter and secure.

Can you work with facilities management requirements (RAMS, permits, inductions)?

Yes. We regularly attend commercial sites and can provide RAMS. If your building requires inductions or permits to work, please advise at the time of booking.

Will you remove all broken glass and debris?

Yes. We clear accessible broken glass and offcuts from our work, bag and remove debris, and leave the area safe. If there’s extensive internal damage beyond the opening, we’ll flag it and recommend specialist clean-up.

How long will the boards be needed?

Timber boarding is a temporary measure—days to a few weeks is typical. For longer periods, consider temporary steel doors or sitex-style security screens for voids. We can advise options on site.

Local Questions (UB Area)

Can you board up my window tonight in UB7 or UB8?

Yes—call us for 24/7 boarding up. We’ll confirm availability and ETA. We regularly attend West Drayton, Yiewsley and Uxbridge town in the evenings and overnight.

Do you cover high streets and business parks in the UB area?

Yes. We routinely secure shopfronts on local high streets and attend retail/industrial units across UB postcodes. For example, we frequently handle out-of-hours calls for commercial premises across UB3–UB11. Explore local pages via areas we cover.

I’m a landlord in UB3—can I arrange boarding up for my tenant?

Yes. We can attend with your tenant’s permission, send photos, and invoice you or your agent. See landlord/vacant property options.

Do you help near transport hubs and busy roads?

Yes. We’re accustomed to roadside incidents, late-night economy areas and properties near major routes. We’ll plan parking, access and safety accordingly and keep you informed if restrictions affect the approach.

Can you coordinate with my glazier or contractor?

Absolutely. We often provide temporary boarding ahead of re-glazing or repairs. Tell us their timeline so we can choose fixings that are secure yet practical for scheduled follow-on works.

Materials and Methods

What thickness of board do you use?

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger panes
  • 12–18mm OSB for smaller windows or internal partitions Choice depends on span, fixing points and exposure. We’ll explain the selection on site.

Why use anti-tamper fixings?

They prevent removal from outside—important for unattended properties and shopfronts. Where frames allow, we’ll use internal bracing so boards can’t simply be unscrewed from the street.

Will the boarding affect my alarm or fire escape routes?

We’ll discuss alarm sensors and egress needs before fixing. For occupied properties, we maintain safe exits and avoid blocking critical detectors where possible. For commercial sites, we’ll liaise with your fire warden or FM.

Aftercare and Next Steps

How do I arrange removal of the boards?

When your replacement glazing or repairs are ready, call us to schedule removal. If another contractor installed the replacement and can safely remove the boards, that’s fine—just keep our invoice and photos for your records.

Can you return to fit a temporary steel door if repairs are delayed?

Yes. If repairs are delayed or you need stronger medium-term security, we can supply and fit a temporary steel door. Ask us for advice during the initial visit.

Do you offer security advice after incidents?

We’ll share basic practical steps (immediate measures, lighting, sightlines, locks) while on site. For comprehensive upgrades, we can refer you to relevant trades or advise on temporary options. See what is boarding up? for context on where boarding fits into a wider security plan.

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, we’re happy to help. You can call us, email photos for quick advice, or read more about our services and situations:

Need help now? Call 01895 696 176 for immediate assistance.

Ready to get started? Call 01895 696 176 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.