What Is Boarding Up?

Boarding up is the process of securing a building by fixing temporary protective panels—typically timber sheets or steel systems—over damaged, broken, or vulnerable openings. If a window is smashed, a door won’t close after a break-in, or a shopfront is compromised, boarding up prevents further damage, deters intruders, and helps you make safe until a permanent repair can be arranged.

At Boarding Up Watford, we provide professional boarding up across the WD postcodes (WD1–WD25). Our DBS-checked technicians use trade methods and materials suited to each opening and situation, from 18mm exterior-grade plywood to temporary steel doors and sitex-style security screens for longer-term protection. We’re fully insured and have been trading locally for over 10 years.

If you need urgent help, go to our dedicated page: emergency boarding up. For a deeper dive into specific services, see window boarding in Watford, door boarding, and shopfront boarding.

When You Need Boarding Up

You’ll typically need boarding up after an incident that leaves your property exposed:

  • Burglary or attempted break-in: forced doors, damaged locks, smashed panes
  • Vandalism: deliberate damage to windows or shopfronts
  • Storm damage: wind-blown debris, fallen branches, damaged skylights
  • Fire: heat-damaged frames and glazing that’s blown or fractured
  • Flood or water ingress: swollen frames where doors/windows won’t secure
  • Accidents/impact: vehicle strike on a shopfront, ball through a sash window

If any of the above has left you unable to secure the opening, boarding up keeps weather out and makes the property safe while you arrange glazing or joinery repairs. For situations guidance, see: burglary repairs, vandalism repair, storm damage, fire damage, flood damage, or accident damage.

What Boarding Up Involves

The process is straightforward but must be done correctly to be effective and to protect your frames:

  1. Initial assessment

    • We assess damage, measure openings, and decide the safest method.
    • If the frame is sound, we aim for non-destructive fixing wherever possible.
    • If glass remains, we remove loose shards and make the area safe.

  2. Selecting materials

    • Commonly: 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and large panes; 12mm OSB can be used for smaller windows where appropriate.
    • Anti-tamper fixings prevent removal from outside—important if the property will be unattended.
    • For medium-term or high-risk sites, we may recommend temporary steel doors or perforated steel security screens.

  3. Cutting and fitting

    • Boards are cut to size for a tight fit with minimal gaps to shed water and resist prying.
    • We use screw patterns and edge distances that maintain structural integrity without splitting timber frames.
    • On delicate/heritage frames, we can use through-bolt bracing or frame-free solutions to reduce damage.

  4. Finishing and documentation

    • We clear up broken glass where accessible and safe.
    • You receive time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement—useful for insurers.
    • We can leave a temporary access solution (e.g., a keyed steel door) if requested.

Materials We Use and Why

  • Plywood (typically 18mm exterior-grade): Strong, stable, and weather-resistant for most emergency boarding. Good for doors and shopfronts.
  • OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings): Cost-effective for minor windows and internal partitions when suitable.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: Keep boards secure against removal from outside.
  • Timber bracing and spreaders: Distribute load, especially on weak frames.
  • Temporary steel doors: Provide secure, usable access after a forced entry.
  • Steel security screens (sitex-style): Ventilated and robust for vacant or longer-term security.

We match materials to your scenario, timeframe, and budget. If you’re comparing options, our service pages explain the differences in more detail: window boarding in Watford, door boarding, shopfront boarding, roof boarding, and temporary fencing.

How We Secure Different Openings

  • Windows: Sized boards fixed with internal bracing when frames are delicate; anti-tamper screws into sound timber when appropriate.
  • Doors: Boarding over damaged leaves/frames or installing a temporary steel door with a keyed cylinder for controlled access.
  • Shopfronts: Larger spans may need jointed boards, battening, and additional bracing to resist wind and interference.
  • Roofs/skylights: Weatherproofing and safe access are critical; we may coordinate with roofing access or use temporary coverings before boarding. See roof boarding.

Your Responsibilities and Safety

  • If safe, take photos of damage before any clean-up.
  • Keep your police reference number after a burglary.
  • Don’t touch broken glass or unstable frames—wait in a safe area.
  • Call your insurer early. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the documentation insurers typically ask for. See our insurance claims guidance.

How Long Boarding Up Lasts

Boarding is intended as a temporary solution. Duration depends on:

  • Repair lead times for glazing/joinery
  • Site risk level and occupancy
  • Weather exposure

Timber boarding can stay in place for days to weeks if needed, but for vacant properties or medium-term security we’ll often recommend steel screens or a temporary steel door. For void properties, visit our vacant property page.

What You Get From Us

  • Clear, practical advice on the call
  • Realistic ETA based on workload and distance (we don’t promise fixed times, but we prioritise urgent calls)
  • Professional make-safe and boarding
  • Time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice
  • A work statement suitable for insurance
  • Options explained before we proceed, especially if non-destructive methods aren’t possible

To understand cost factors, see our honest overview: pricing.

Our Coverage in the WD Area

We serve all WD postcodes (WD1–WD25), including residential, commercial, and vacant properties across Watford and surrounding areas. We know the mix of town-centre shopfronts, suburban homes, and industrial units common in WD districts and adjust our approach accordingly. Explore our local area pages via areas we cover, including examples such as boarding up in Watford (WD1), North Watford (WD24), and Rickmansworth (WD3).

Frequently Asked Questions About Boarding Up

Is boarding up the same as glazing?

No. Boarding up is a temporary security measure using timber or steel to protect openings. Glazing is the permanent replacement of glass. We secure the property; your chosen glazier completes the final repair. We can coordinate timings if needed.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We aim for non-destructive methods where possible. When fixings are required, we use appropriate screw types, pilot holes, and edge distances to minimise damage. If a frame is too compromised to avoid invasive methods, we’ll explain options and get your approval before proceeding.

How quickly can you attend in the WD area?

Attendance varies by time of day, workload, and location. We prioritise urgent calls and will give a realistic ETA over the phone. If you need help now, go to emergency boarding up.

Can you board up a shopfront the same night?

Yes, we handle out-of-hours shopfront make-safes and can board large panes with bracing as needed. For business continuity, we can also fit a temporary steel door for secure access. See shopfront boarding.

What documents do insurers need?

Insurers typically want evidence of damage and mitigation. We provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement describing what we found and what we did. More details: insurance claims.

Do you offer options for vacant properties?

Yes. For vacant or repeatedly targeted properties, steel security screens and temporary steel doors are often better than timber. Learn more on vacant property.

What if my rooflight or skylight is damaged?

We can make the area safe and board over with weatherproofing considerations. Access and safety are key; see roof boarding.

How much does boarding up cost?

Costs depend on opening size, materials, access, height, time of call (in-hours vs out-of-hours), and travel. We don’t list fixed prices, but we explain the factors here: pricing. Call for a tailored quote.

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Call 01923 311 082 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.