What Is Boarding Up?

Boarding up is the process of temporarily securing damaged or vulnerable openings on a property—typically windows, doors, shopfronts, roof lights or other access points—using timber sheets or steel systems. The goal is to make the building safe, weather-resistant and secure until permanent repairs can be arranged. In Uxbridge and the UB postcode area, boarding up is most often required after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage, fire, flood, or accidental impact.

If you’re dealing with smashed glazing, a forced door or an unsafe opening right now, our team can help you secure the property. For urgent help, see our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.

Why Boarding Up Matters

A broken window or door isn’t just untidy—it’s a security and safety risk. Boarding up helps you:

  • Make safe: Remove hazards, cover sharp edges and stabilise damaged areas.
  • Secure property: Deter trespass and prevent opportunist theft.
  • Protect from weather: Keep out rain and wind to minimise further damage.
  • Maintain privacy: Shield interiors from view until glazing or repairs are arranged.
  • Meet insurer expectations: Most policies require you to mitigate further loss.

Across UB postcodes (UB1–UB18), we frequently see properties with accessible ground-floor glazing, shopfronts with large panes and shared entrances to flats requiring prompt temporary protection.

What Boarding Up Involves: Materials and Methods

We select materials based on opening size, risk level and how long the property will be unattended.

  • Timber sheets:
    • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is the standard for most windows and doors due to its strength and screw-holding capacity.
    • 12mm OSB can be used for smaller, less exposed openings where weight or substrate limits apply.
  • Anti-tamper fixings:
    • Coach bolts, security screws or through-bolted systems are used so boards can’t be removed from outside—important for vacant properties or out-of-hours scenarios.
  • Friction-free protection:
    • We protect frames and finishes before fixing to reduce the risk of cosmetic damage.
  • Temporary steel solutions:
    • Temporary steel doors provide secure, lockable access where a door leaf or frame is compromised.
    • Steel security screens (Sitex-style) are suited to void properties that need medium- to longer-term protection and ventilation.

Why we choose certain methods:

  • Through-bolting spreads load across the opening, ideal for large shopfront glazing.
  • Anti-tamper fixings increase security for unattended sites.
  • Exterior-grade timber resists moisture, reducing warping and delamination.
  • Weather seals and tape help reduce water ingress around irregular openings.

Learn more about specific applications:

When You Might Need Boarding Up

Typical scenarios we attend in Uxbridge and UB districts include:

  • Burglary or forced entry: Damaged doors, smashed panels or frames compromised by prying.
  • Vandalism: Cracked or shattered glass on street-facing fronts.
  • Storm damage: Wind-blown debris, fallen branches and dislodged roof lights.
  • Fire damage: Windows and doors weakened or removed to ventilate—security needed after crews leave.
  • Flood impact: Swollen frames and failed glazing requiring temporary protection and ventilation control.
  • Accidents: Vehicle strikes on shopfronts or accidental breakage during works.

For situation-specific guidance:

Our Approach: Step by Step

Here’s what to expect when you contact us to board up a property in the UB area.

  1. Call and triage
    • We’ll discuss what happened, your address and any safety issues. If urgent, we prioritise attendance. We don’t guarantee specific times, but we’ll give a realistic ETA on the phone.
  2. On-site assessment
    • We assess the opening, glazing type, frame condition and surrounding structure. We’ll identify hazards (loose glass, unstable frames) and make safe.
  3. Method agreement
    • We explain options: timber boarding, through-bolting, temporary steel doors or security screens for longer-term needs. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain implications before proceeding.
  4. Installation
    • Boards are cut to size and installed with anti-tamper fixings. Edges are packed to prevent rattle and to maintain pressure without crushing frames. Where needed, we add weather seals.
  5. Documentation
    • You receive time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice and a work statement—useful for insurers and property managers.
  6. Handover and next steps
    • We’ll advise on permanent repair options, temporary access arrangements, and any further security measures.

If this is urgent now, head to emergency boarding up.

What You Get From a Professional Boarding-Up Service

  • Safety-first approach: Glass clearance and hazard control before boarding.
  • Correct materials: 18mm exterior plywood as standard; 12mm OSB for suitable openings; steel options for higher risk.
  • Secure fixings: Anti-tamper screws or through-bolted systems, selected for the opening and risk profile.
  • Respect for property: Frame protection, careful measuring and clean-up on completion.
  • Clear paperwork: Photos, itemised billing and statements that align with insurer expectations. See our guidance on insurance claims.
  • DBS-checked technicians and full insurance cover for peace of mind.

Boarding Up vs. Alternatives

  • Temporary sheeting (polythene/tarpaulin): Useful for very short-term weather protection but offers minimal security. Often paired with timber in exposed roof openings.
  • Tape-crossing broken panes: Not safe or effective; shards can still fall.
  • Leaving it until morning: Risky—unsecured openings can invite trespass, weather damage and insurer disputes.

If your property will be empty for a while, consider:

  • Personal safety first: Don’t handle large broken panes without proper PPE. Keep children and pets away.
  • Structural concerns: If the frame or lintel is unstable, we may recommend a temporary propping or referral to a builder or structural specialist.
  • Access rights: For shared entrances or common parts, we’ll coordinate with managing agents where possible.
  • Insurer requirements: Most policies expect you to secure the property promptly and keep a record—photos, police reference (if applicable), and invoices.

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the documentation insurers typically need. Read more: insurance claims.

Costs and Factors That Influence Price

We don’t publish fixed prices because every job is different. Typical cost factors include:

  • Size and number of openings
  • Material choice (plywood vs OSB vs steel solutions)
  • Fixing method (surface-fixed vs through-bolted)
  • Access complexity (upper floors, restricted areas)
  • Time of day and urgency
  • Clean-up and glass removal requirements

For transparent pricing principles and what’s included, see our pricing page. We’ll give a clear estimate and realistic ETA when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does boarding up take?

A single standard window can often be measured and boarded within an hour on site, but larger shopfronts, multiple openings or complex access will take longer. We’ll give a realistic estimate once we’ve assessed the property.

Will boarding up damage my window or door frames?

We protect contact points and use appropriate fixings to minimise risk. If frames are already damaged, we’ll explain options and any implications before fixing. Through-bolting may be required on large panes or weak substrates.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Many policies cover emergency make-safe and boarding after an insured event. Keep your claim number, take photos (if safe), and ask us for an itemised invoice and work statement. See our guide to insurance claims.

Can you board up out of hours?

Yes. We operate 24/7 for urgent call-outs across UB postcodes. For immediate help, visit emergency boarding up.

What materials do you use?

18mm exterior-grade plywood is our standard, with 12mm OSB used for smaller or less exposed openings. For higher risk or longer-term needs, we may recommend temporary steel doors or steel security screens.

Can you leave a temporary door so I can still get in and out?

Yes, we can install lockable temporary steel doors where a door leaf or frame is compromised. Ask about options on our door boarding page.

Do you cover my area in Uxbridge?

We cover the UB area, including Uxbridge and surrounding districts. Explore local pages from our areas we cover hub or see the Uxbridge page: boarding up in Uxbridge UB8.

What should I do before you arrive?

If safe: take photos, keep your police reference (if applicable), move valuables away from the damaged area, and avoid handling large shards. If there’s live wiring or structural issues, wait in a safe place and call us.

Who We Help

  • Residential: Houses, flats and maisonettes needing quick security and weather protection. See residential properties.
  • Commercial: Shops, offices, restaurants and light industrial units requiring out-of-hours attendance and RAMS where needed. See commercial properties.
  • Vacant: Empty or void properties requiring medium-term boarding, steel doors or security screens. See vacant property.

Next Steps