Roof Boarding in Romford (Emergency Roof & Skylight Boarding)

When a roof is damaged, it’s rarely convenient—and it’s often urgent. A missing tile line, broken skylight, or storm-lifted sheet can let water in quickly, increase the risk of further structural damage, and leave your property vulnerable to break-ins.

We provide roof boarding in Romford and across the RM postcodes to help you make safe the opening and protect the inside of the building until permanent repairs can be arranged. If you need urgent help, start here: emergency boarding up.

Need help now? Call 01708 973 306 for immediate assistance.

When do you need roof boarding?

Roof boarding is used when there’s an exposed opening above head height and you need a rapid, practical way to secure it—especially out of hours, in poor weather, or when the building will be unattended.

Common reasons people call us for emergency boarding up on roofs include:

Storm damage: wind-lifted coverings, dislodged sheets, broken rooflights
Fallen debris: branch or loose object impact causing a hole or cracked skylight
Fire damage: openings created during firefighting or from heat damage (we secure—remediation is separate)
Accidental damage/impact: damage from works, access attempts, or vehicle strikes to attached structures
Vandalism: rooflights and skylights targeted on flat roofs or rear extensions
Vacant properties: recurring water ingress or repeated access attempts

If you’re dealing with storm-related issues, see storm damage boarding for what to do next and what documentation to keep.

What “roof boarding” means (and what it doesn’t)

Roof boarding is a temporary boarding solution designed to:

Cover and secure an opening (roof, skylight, rooflight, hatch area)
Reduce water ingress and exposure
Improve security where access is possible via flat roofs/porches/extensions
Provide a stable, fixed barrier until a roofer or glazier completes the permanent repair

It doesn’t replace proper roofing works. We won’t pretend boarding is a long-term roof repair. The goal is to secure property quickly and sensibly, then leave you with clear documentation for your insurer and trades.

Emergency roof boarding in Romford: what we prioritise

When you call us for urgent roof boarding, we focus on four things:

Safety first: access and working-at-height risks, fragile surfaces, and internal hazards.
Stopping the situation getting worse: protecting the building interior where possible.
Security: making it harder for someone to exploit the damage.
Insurance-friendly documentation: photos and clear work notes.

If you need immediate attendance, use the dedicated page: 24/7 boarding up.

Need urgent roof boarding tonight? Call 01708 973 306

Our roof boarding materials (and why they matter)

The right board and fixings make the difference between a secure job and a panel that shifts in wind or can be removed from outside.

We typically use:

18mm exterior-grade plywood for most roof openings and rooflights
- Strong, stable, and better suited to exposure than thinner internal boards
12mm OSB where appropriate for smaller openings or lower-risk areas
- A practical option when the opening size and conditions allow

Fixings and method depend on what we’re boarding:

Timber battens to create a solid fixing point where direct fixing isn’t suitable
Coach screws / structural screws for a firm hold into sound substrates
Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a higher security risk (important for unattended properties)
Weather-conscious detailing to reduce water tracking around the edges (where safe and appropriate)

We’ll always assess what we’re fixing into. If the surrounding structure is too damaged for a safe, secure installation, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Roof boarding methods we use (real-world approach)

Every roof is different, but the process is broadly:

1) Assess access and opening type

We identify:

Whether it’s a flat roof, pitched roof, skylight/rooflight, hatch, or an opening created by damage
The condition of the surrounding frame/decking
The safest working approach (including whether internal access is possible)

2) Measure and cut boards for a tight, secure fit

We avoid “one-size-fits-all” panels. Proper sizing helps:

Reduce movement in wind
Prevent gaps that encourage water ingress
Improve the finished security

3) Fix securely using suitable supports

Depending on the substrate, we may:

Fix into sound timbers around the opening
Use battens to bridge weak edges
Use anti-tamper fixings if there’s a realistic risk of removal from outside

4) Photograph and document the work

You receive:

Time-stamped photos (before and after where possible)
An itemised invoice
A simple work statement describing what was secured and how

This is the kind of documentation insurers commonly ask for (we’re not loss adjusters, but we make the admin easier).

For more on what boarding up involves in plain terms, see what is boarding up?.

Typical roof and skylight problems we secure

People often search for “board up broken window” after a smash—but roof glazing gets overlooked until the rain starts. We regularly help with:

Cracked or smashed skylights / rooflights
Damaged lantern roof panels (common on extensions)
Openings on flat roofs where the edge or upstand is compromised
Roof hatch vulnerabilities on commercial buildings
Re-access attempts on vacant properties via rear flat roofs

If the damage is at ground level too (e.g., a rear door or window was forced), you may also need door boarding in Romford or window boarding in Romford as part of the make-safe.

Roof boarding for different property types

Romford and the wider RM area has a real mix—family homes, flats, and mixed-use buildings—so we tailor the approach.

Residential properties: protecting bedrooms/lofts after storm damage; securing extension rooflights
See also: residential boarding up
Commercial buildings: roof hatches, rooflights above stock rooms, access points above service alleys
See also: commercial boarding up
Vacant/void properties: repeated access attempts and weather exposure; stronger security options may be recommended
See also: vacant property boarding

If a shopfront has also been affected, we can coordinate make-safe across openings: shopfront boarding.

What happens when you call us (roof boarding)

We keep the process simple—especially when you’re stressed and trying to protect a building.

Call and describe what’s happened
Tell us what’s damaged (rooflight, flat roof, hole, hatch), the property type, and whether the building is occupied.
We give a realistic plan and ETA
We don’t promise fixed arrival times—conditions vary—but we prioritise urgent calls and will be honest on the phone.
We attend, make safe, and document the work
We secure the opening using appropriate boards and fixings, then provide photos and paperwork.

Need to secure property now? Call 01708 973 306

Insurance and roof boarding: what to do (practical steps)

If you’re dealing with storm damage, fire damage, or an accident, insurers often want clear evidence of what was done to prevent further loss.

If safe to do so:

Take a few photos before we arrive (inside and outside if possible)
Keep any police reference number (if relevant)
Contact your insurer early and ask what they need for the claim
Don’t climb onto the roof—leave that risk to professionals

We can support with:

Time-stamped photos of the boarded area
An itemised invoice and work statement

For more guidance, visit insurance claims support.

Limitations and safety (straight answers)

Roof work can be complex and sometimes conditions prevent immediate boarding.

We may need to pause or adapt the plan if:

Access is unsafe due to height, fragile surfaces, or severe weather
The surrounding structure is too compromised to fix into securely
There are hazards inside the property (fire damage, unstable ceilings, water through electrics)

If that happens, we’ll explain what’s possible and what isn’t. The goal is always to make the situation safer—not to take risks that create bigger problems.

Roof boarding vs other options (quick guidance)

Sometimes roof boarding is the right immediate fix; other times you may need a different approach:

Roof boarding: best for exposed openings, broken rooflights, and immediate security
Temporary steel doors: when access points at ground level are compromised and the building will be unattended (see door boarding)
Security screens: better for longer-term vacant property security in certain scenarios (we’ll advise if relevant)
Temporary fencing: if the perimeter needs securing due to unsafe areas or repeated access attempts (see temporary fencing)

FAQs: Roof boarding in Romford

Do you offer emergency roof boarding in Romford out of hours?

Yes. If you need out of hours help to make safe a damaged roof or rooflight, call and we’ll advise the next steps and a realistic ETA. For urgent requests, use emergency boarding up.

Can you board up a smashed skylight or rooflight?

In many cases, yes. We can secure the opening with appropriately sized board and suitable fixings so the property is protected until glazing is replaced.

How long does roof boarding take?

It depends on access, opening size, and the condition of the surrounding structure. Small rooflight boarding is usually quicker than complex damage on a flat roof. When you call, we’ll ask a few questions and give a realistic expectation.

Will roof boarding stop rain completely?

Boarding aims to reduce exposure and water ingress, but severe weather and complex roof damage can still allow some water tracking. We focus on the safest, most effective temporary solution until permanent repairs are completed.

Is roof boarding covered by insurance?

Often, emergency make-safe works are covered, but policies vary. We provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. More help here: insurance claims support.

Can you board a roof opening on a commercial building?

Yes. We regularly secure commercial rooflights and openings. If you have site requirements (access procedures, sign-in, RAMS requests), tell us when you call and we’ll confirm what we can provide.

What if the roof structure is too damaged to fix boards safely?

We’ll tell you before proceeding. If non-destructive fixing isn’t possible, we’ll explain the options and any risks so you can make an informed decision.

Do you cover RM postcodes outside Romford?

Yes—our service covers Romford and the wider RM postcode area. If you’re unsure, check areas we cover.

Why choose Boarding Up Romford for roof boarding?

10+ years trading in boarding and property security work
Fully insured
DBS-checked technicians
Practical, straightforward approach focused on secure property and clear documentation

If you’re comparing options and want to understand the broader service, start at boarding up services.

Helpful links

Ready to secure your roof opening?

If you’ve got a broken rooflight, storm damage, or an exposed opening that needs securing, we can help with roof boarding in Romford and across the RM postcodes.

Need help now? Call 01708 973 306 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected]

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