Property Types We Board Up in St Albans (AL1–AL10)

When something happens to a property—whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, or storm damage—the first priority is to secure the opening and make the site safe. At Boarding Up St Albans, we provide boarding up in St Albans and across the AL postcodes for a range of property types, from occupied homes to commercial premises and vacant buildings.

If you need urgent help, we can talk you through the safest next step and give a realistic ETA based on current workload.

Need help now? Call 01727 326 204
Or email: [email protected]

Why “property type” matters when boarding up

Boarding up isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on how the building is used, who has access, and what risks are present once the opening is secured.

A few examples:

  • Homes often need fast securing with minimal disruption, plus clear documentation for insurers.
  • Shops and offices may need out-of-hours work, stronger fixings, and a tidy finish that helps deter further attempts.
  • Vacant properties usually need longer-term protection (often beyond basic plywood), with a focus on repeat access attempts and ongoing risk.

We’ll always explain the method before starting—especially if frames are damaged or non-destructive fixing isn’t possible.

If you’re unsure what you need, our emergency boarding up page explains what happens when you call.

Residential boarding up (houses, flats, maisonettes)

Residential call-outs are often stressful: a break-in, an accident, or wind damage can leave a home exposed. Our job is to secure the property quickly and safely, then leave you with the paperwork you need to move forward.

Common residential scenarios we attend in the St Albans / AL area include:

  • Smashed windows from vandalism or accidental impact
  • Forced front or back doors after a burglary attempt
  • Ground-floor window damage where the property can’t be left unsecured overnight
  • Damage to communal entrance doors for flats (where building management may need a work statement)

How we typically secure residential openings

We’ll assess the opening and choose the most appropriate option, such as:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger window/door openings where strength matters
  • OSB (typically 12mm) for smaller, lower-risk apertures where suitable
  • Anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of removal from outside (especially important if you’ll be away)

Where possible, we aim to protect existing frames and finishes. If the frame is split, rotten, or structurally unsound, we’ll show you what we can and can’t safely fix into and talk through the options before proceeding.

Related services often used for homes:

For event-based guidance, see burglary repairs or vandalism repair.

For full details specific to homes, visit: Residential boarding up

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, restaurants, managed sites)

Commercial properties often have larger glazed areas (shopfronts, side panels, and full-height windows) and higher visibility—meaning a broken pane can attract attention quickly, especially out of hours.

We help:

  • Retail units and shopfronts
  • Offices and business parks
  • Hospitality premises (restaurants, cafés, takeaways)
  • Facilities management and multi-site operators
  • Landlords and managing agents coordinating repairs

What’s different about commercial work?

Commercial boarding up often needs:

  • Bigger sheets, stronger fixing patterns, and careful joins for wide openings
  • Consideration of customer-facing appearance and sightlines (where safe and appropriate)
  • A clear record of work completed for internal reporting and insurance
  • Safe, controlled working around entrances, alarm contacts, shutters, and access routes

If your premises needs to trade again quickly, we’ll explain how temporary boarding works and what the limitations are (for example, boarding is a security and weatherproofing measure—not a glazing replacement).

Services commonly used on commercial sites:

For urgent commercial incidents, see: accident damage securing and storm damage.

For commercial-specific guidance, visit: Commercial boarding up

Vacant and void property boarding up (empty buildings, between tenancies)

Vacant properties can be at higher risk because they’re often unattended, and a single weak point (like a damaged rear door or broken window) can lead to repeated attempts. In these cases, basic boarding may be enough for a short period—but many owners and managing agents prefer a more robust medium-term solution.

We regularly help with:

  • Voids between tenants (private landlords or housing providers)
  • Probate properties awaiting sale
  • Empty shops or offices pending refurbishment
  • Buildings where repairs are delayed due to insurance processes

Securing a vacant property: options and considerations

Depending on risk, access needs, and expected timeframes, we may recommend:

  • Plywood/OSB boarding for immediate make-safe security
  • Temporary steel doors (where a door has been forced or is missing) to provide a lockable, stronger solution
  • Steel security screens (Sitex-style) for longer-term protection on windows/doors where repeat attacks are likely

We’ll be transparent about what each option does well—and what it doesn’t. For example, if the surrounding masonry or frame is compromised, we may need to fix into sound material around the opening to achieve a secure result.

For vacant property guidance, visit: Vacant property boarding up

What you can expect from us (whatever the property type)

Across St Albans and the AL postcode area, our approach is consistent:

  1. A quick assessment on arrival – what’s damaged, what’s safe to fix into, and what needs immediate action.
  2. A clear explanation before work starts – including any limitations if the frame or structure is too compromised.
  3. Appropriate materials and fixings – selected for the opening and the risk level (not “whatever’s on the van”).
  4. A tidy, secure finish – prioritising safety, strength, and deterrence.
  5. Documentation you can use – itemised invoices and a simple statement of work. We can provide time-stamped photos where helpful.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked—important when work involves homes, sensitive sites, or managed buildings.

For an overview of how boarding up works, see: what is boarding up?

Choosing the right solution: boarding vs temporary steel doors vs screens

Not every situation should be solved with plywood alone. Here’s a practical guide:

  • Boarding (plywood/OSB): Best for immediate make-safe after a smashed window or damaged door panel; quick and effective.
  • Temporary steel doors: Best when a door has been forced, removed, or can’t be secured, and you need a lockable entrance for ongoing access.
  • Steel security screens: Best for longer-term protection on vacant properties or repeat-target sites.

If you describe what’s happened on the phone, we’ll talk through which approach is most sensible—and why—before attending.

Some problems are more likely depending on the building:

  • Homes: break-ins, accidental damage, storm-related window failures
    See burglary repairs and storm damage.

  • Shops/offices: shopfront impact, vandalism, security risks after closing hours
    See vandalism repair and accident damage.

  • Vacant properties: repeat access attempts, weather exposure, gradual deterioration of doors/frames
    See fire damage and flood damage (note: we secure the site; we don’t provide remediation).

FAQs: property types & boarding up in St Albans

Do you board up flats and communal entrances?

Yes. We can secure damaged windows and doors on flats and communal entrances. If access is controlled (codes, fobs, concierge), let us know when you call so we can plan entry safely and avoid delays.

Can you board up a shopfront without causing further damage?

In many cases, yes—we use methods designed to secure openings while avoiding unnecessary damage. However, if the surrounding frame is already split or unstable, we may need to fix into sound structure nearby. We’ll explain options before proceeding.

What if my door is too damaged to board—do I need a replacement?

Not necessarily. If the door leaf or frame can’t be safely secured with boarding, we may recommend a stronger temporary solution, such as a steel door. We’ll talk through what’s feasible on site and what’s best as a short-term measure.

Do you help with vacant properties while insurance decisions are pending?

Yes. Boarding up is often required immediately to reduce further loss. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the kind of documentation insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support for guidance.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

It can be, depending on your policy and circumstances. It’s common for insurers to expect you to take reasonable steps to secure the property after damage. Keep your crime reference number (if relevant), take photos if safe, and keep invoices.

How do you decide between plywood and OSB?

It depends on opening size, exposure, and risk. Plywood is generally stronger and more weather-resistant for demanding openings. OSB can be suitable for smaller areas where risk is lower. We’ll choose the most appropriate material for the job.

Do you work out of hours for commercial sites?

Yes—many commercial call-outs happen out of hours. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Ready to secure your property?

If you need boarding up for a home, a business premises, or a vacant building in St Albans or anywhere across AL1–AL10, we’ll help you make it safe and secure with clear communication and proper documentation.

Ready to get started? Call 01727 326 204 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.