What Is Boarding Up? Property Boarding Up in Romford (RM)

Boarding up is a practical way to secure a damaged or vulnerable opening—most often a window, door, shopfront, or rooflight—by fixing a strong sheet material over it. If you’ve had a break-in, a smashed window, storm damage, or an accident, boarding up helps you make safe the property quickly, reduce further damage, and deter opportunistic entry while repairs are arranged.

At Boarding Up Romford, we provide boarding up across the RM postcodes (RM1–RM50) with DBS-checked technicians and full insurance, backed by 10+ years’ trading. If you need urgent help, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call now: Call 01708 973 306.

When do you need boarding up?

Most people start searching “what is boarding up?” because something has already happened. Typical triggers include:

Even if the glass is “only cracked”, the opening may no longer be secure or weather-tight. Boarding up is often the quickest route to secure property until a glazier, locksmith, roofer, or insurer-approved contractor carries out permanent repairs.

What boarding up achieves (and what it doesn’t)

Boarding up is sometimes misunderstood as a “repair”. It isn’t, but it is an important first step.

What it does do

  • Makes the property safe by covering sharp edges and preventing access through a broken opening
  • Deters further entry with a visible barrier (especially helpful if the property will be unattended)
  • Reduces weather ingress (wind-driven rain and debris) when installed correctly
  • Creates time to organise proper repairs and manage insurance steps

What it doesn’t do

  • It isn’t a permanent replacement for glazing, doors, or roof coverings
  • It may not fully stop water in extreme weather (especially on badly damaged frames or roofs)
  • It doesn’t remove smoke odours or repair fire damage—after a fire, we focus on securing the building (remediation is outside our scope)

If you’re unsure what’s needed, we’ll talk it through on the phone and explain options before any work starts.

What materials are used for boarding up?

The right material depends on the opening size, location, and risk level.

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood: A common choice for strong, reliable protection on windows, doors, and shopfront areas. It holds fixings well and copes better with rough conditions.
  • OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings): Useful for certain temporary boarding situations where appropriate. It’s typically more cost-effective, but not always the best choice for high-risk or large openings.
  • Temporary steel doors: A stronger solution when a door has been forced, the frame is compromised, or longer-term access control is needed. More on this at door boarding in Romford.
  • Steel security screens: Often used for vacant or void properties where repeated targeting is a concern, or where a medium-term solution is required (availability varies by job and property).

We’ll recommend what’s suitable based on what we can see on arrival and what you need (quick make-safe vs. longer-term security).

How boarding up is fitted (methods and fixings)

How boards are fixed matters as much as the board itself. A sheet slapped over a window can be prised off surprisingly quickly.

Depending on the surface and frame condition, our technicians may use:

  • Non-destructive fixing methods where possible (particularly when you want to preserve frames for glazing repairs)
  • Anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of removal from outside—important if the property is vacant or in a high-traffic area
  • Internal bracing or battening on certain openings to distribute load and improve security
  • Careful sealing and edge management to reduce rattling and help with weather protection

If the frame is too damaged to use non-destructive methods, we’ll explain what’s possible and why, before proceeding.

For specific applications, you can read:

Types of boarding up (windows, doors, shopfronts, roofs)

Boarding up isn’t “one size fits all”. Here’s how it typically differs by opening:

Window boarding

Used when you need to board up a broken window or secure a vulnerable pane quickly. We focus on safe coverage, strong fixings, and leaving the area as tidy as possible for the next trade to complete the glazing. Learn more at window boarding in Romford.

Door boarding

When you need to board up a door after forced entry, the goal is secure access control. Depending on damage, a temporary steel door may be the safer option. See door boarding in Romford.

Shopfront boarding

Retail and commercial glazing often involves wider spans and higher exposure. A shopfront boarded up properly helps prevent repeat targeting overnight and supports safe reopening plans. See shopfront boarding in Romford.

Roof and skylight boarding

Rooflights and skylights are a common weak point after storms or accidents. Access, weather, and safety considerations are key. See roof boarding in Romford.

What to expect when you call us (Romford & RM postcodes)

If you’re dealing with damage, you want clarity quickly. Here’s how it normally works:

  1. Call and describe what’s happened
    Tell us what’s broken (window/door/shopfront/roof), whether anyone is on site, and if there are safety concerns (loose glass, exposed openings).

  2. We give a realistic ETA and talk you through next steps
    We don’t quote fixed arrival times—conditions vary—but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you an honest estimate on the phone.

  3. We attend, make safe, and document the work
    Once the area is secure, we can provide the paperwork and evidence insurers typically ask for (details below).

For urgent situations, use: emergency boarding up or call 01708 973 306.

Insurance and documentation (what you receive)

After a burglary, vandalism, storm, or impact, insurers often ask for proof that you acted to prevent further loss. We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on cover terms, but we can support your claim with clear documentation.

Typically, customers receive:

  • Time-stamped photos (before/after) where practical
  • An itemised invoice
  • A brief work statement describing what was secured and how

More guidance is on our insurance claims help page.

How long does boarding up stay in place?

Boarding up can be a short-term make-safe measure (overnight or a few days) or remain longer if repairs are delayed. How long it should stay depends on:

  • Your repair timeline (glazier availability, parts, lead times)
  • Property risk (occupied vs vacant, location, repeat incidents)
  • Weather exposure (especially for rooflights and upper-floor windows)
  • Whether a stronger option like a temporary steel door is more appropriate

If you’re managing a void property between tenancies, you may want to look at vacant property boarding options.

Safety tips before we arrive (only if it’s safe)

If you’ve got a smashed window or forced door, these steps can help—without putting yourself at risk:

  • If a crime has occurred, call the police first and keep your reference number
  • Take photos from a safe distance (sharp glass is easy to underestimate)
  • Keep people and pets away from the damaged area
  • Don’t climb onto roofs or ladders to “patch” anything in bad weather
  • If you can safely isolate the room, close internal doors to limit draughts and debris spread

If you’re in immediate danger or the building is unsafe to enter, step away and call emergency services.

Boarding up for homes vs businesses vs vacant properties

Boarding up is used differently depending on the building type:

  • Residential: Often focuses on quick make-safe, keeping the home secure, and minimising disruption. See residential boarding up.
  • Commercial: May involve shopfront glazing, out-of-hours callouts, and access planning for shutters/alarms. See commercial boarding up.
  • Vacant/void: Security and repeat targeting are bigger concerns; longer-term solutions may be appropriate. See vacant property boarding.

In Romford and across the RM area, we’re used to everything from flats and houses to high-street units and light industrial properties—each with different access and security challenges.

FAQs: What is boarding up?

What does “make safe” mean?

“Make safe” means taking immediate steps to remove or reduce danger and secure the property—commonly by boarding up broken openings, controlling access, and reducing the risk of injury or further damage.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, emergency measures are covered, but it depends on your policy and circumstances. We’re not able to confirm coverage, but we can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. See insurance claims help.

Can you board up my window tonight in Romford?

If you need out of hours help, we handle emergency boarding up across Romford and the RM postcodes. Call 01708 973 306 and we’ll give you a realistic ETA.

What if the window frame or door frame is badly damaged?

We’ll assess on arrival. If the frame is too compromised for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options (including stronger fixings or a temporary steel door) before doing any work.

Will boarding up stop rain coming in?

Boarding up helps reduce exposure, but in severe weather or where frames/brickwork are damaged, it may not be fully watertight. We fit boards carefully to improve protection, but boarding up is a temporary security and make-safe measure rather than a permanent weatherproof repair.

How long does boarding up take?

It depends on access, the number of openings, and the size/type (e.g., a shopfront vs a small window). We’ll give you an outline on arrival and keep you updated if anything changes.

Do you board up shopfronts as well as houses?

Yes—our work includes homes, flats, and commercial premises. If your shopfront boarded up is urgent, see shopfront boarding in Romford or call us.

What should I do after a burglary if a door or window is damaged?

If safe, report it and keep your police reference number, take photos, and then arrange a make-safe. We can secure the opening and provide documentation for insurers. Start here: burglary repairs and boarding.

Ready to secure your property?

If you’ve had a break-in, vandalism, storm damage, or an accident and need to secure property quickly, we can help across Romford and RM1–RM50.

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