Residential Boarding Up in St Albans (AL1–AL10)

When something happens to your home — a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a sudden leak that’s warped the frame — the priority is simple: secure the property and make it safe. Boarding up is often the fastest way to protect your home from opportunistic entry, weather damage, and further loss while you arrange repairs.

Boarding Up St Albans provides residential boarding up across St Albans and the AL postcode area (AL1–AL10). If you need emergency boarding up St Albans, call us and we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on current workload and travel conditions.

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

When do homeowners and landlords need boarding up?

Residential boarding up isn’t only for extreme situations. We’re often called when a small incident leaves an opening that simply can’t be left overnight — especially in winter, during heavy rain, or when a property will be empty.

Typical reasons people call us include:

• Burglary or attempted break-in (damaged door, broken locks, shattered side panels)
• Vandalism (a smashed window at street level or at the rear of a property)
• Accidental damage (football through a window, DIY mishaps, impact cracks)
• Storm damage (blown-in panels, debris impact, dislodged glazing)
• Fire damage (openings after the fire service has attended; we secure, not remediate)
• Flood damage (swollen timber frames, doors that won’t close, compromised glazing seals)

If you’re dealing with a break-in, our situation guidance may help you plan the next steps: burglary repairs and boarding up. For weather-related issues, see storm damage boarding.

Why residential boarding up matters in St Albans and the AL area

In and around St Albans, many homes mix older building styles with modern glazing. That means the “right” way to board up can vary a lot from one street to the next:

• Older timber frames and sash-style windows can be more fragile after impact and may not take heavy fixings in the same way as modern uPVC.
• Ground-floor and side access windows/doors are higher risk for repeat attempts once an opening is visible.
• End-of-terrace and corner plots can be more exposed to wind-driven rain, making fast temporary boarding and weatherproofing important.
• Rental properties and void periods create additional risk if a home is left unsecured, even briefly.

The aim is to stabilise the situation quickly: board up broken window openings, board up door damage, and make safe anything that presents a hazard to occupants, neighbours, or passers-by.

Common residential scenarios we attend

1) “My window is smashed — can you board it up tonight?”

This is one of the most common calls. A smashed window can happen from vandalism, accidents, or a failed break-in. Even if the rest of the home is secure, an open window is an obvious vulnerability.

What we typically do:

• Assess the opening size and condition of the frame
• Remove loose/sharp glass only where safe and necessary to make safe
• Fit temporary boarding (usually exterior-grade plywood or OSB depending on the location and risk)
• Use fixings suited to the frame and access, with anti-tamper fixings where appropriate

If your main concern is the glazing itself, see window boarding in St Albans.

2) “The door’s been forced and won’t close”

With residential break-ins, door damage isn’t always obvious until you try to lock it. A split frame, broken keep, or damaged multipoint mechanism can leave the home insecure even if the door still “looks” intact.

What we typically do:

• Inspect the door leaf, hinges, locking points and frame
• Secure the opening with boarding where needed
• If the doorway is too compromised for a straightforward board, discuss options such as a temporary steel door (often better for medium-term security)

Learn more about door boarding in St Albans.

3) “We’re between tenants and there’s been damage”

Landlords and letting agents often call when a property is vacant, keys have just changed hands, or repairs are scheduled but the home can’t be left open.

In these cases, we focus on:

• Non-destructive securing methods where possible
• Stronger fixings and more robust boarding if the home will be unoccupied
• Clear documentation for property managers and insurers

If you’re securing an empty home for longer, you may also want to look at vacant property boarding.

4) “Storm damage has exposed part of the roof or a skylight”

Residential roof openings and skylights can cause rapid internal damage during rain. Safe access and temporary weatherproofing are crucial.

What we typically do:

• Risk assess access (height, ladder points, fragile surfaces)
• Install boarding to protect the opening, prioritising weather resistance
• Advise on next steps for permanent repairs

See roof boarding for how we handle overhead openings.

How residential boarding up works (what to expect)

When you call, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can arrive prepared:

• What’s damaged — window, door, shop-style glazing, roof/skylight?
• Size of the opening (roughly) and whether it’s ground floor or upper floor
• Whether anyone is inside and if there are safety concerns (glass, exposed wiring, structural damage)
• Whether police have attended (if relevant) and if the property is safe to access

We don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary, but we prioritise urgent calls and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

On site, a typical visit looks like:

1. Safety check and “make safe”
   We identify hazards such as loose glass and unstable frames. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

2. Measure and select materials

   • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for larger or higher-risk openings.
   • 12mm OSB may be suitable for smaller openings or lower-risk areas (subject to assessment).

3. Fit the boarding securely
   We aim for a neat, tight fit with fixings that reduce the risk of removal from outside. We choose the method based on frame type, access and condition.

4. Document the work
   If you need it for insurance or property management, we can provide:

   • Time-stamped photos of the damage and the secured opening
   • An itemised invoice and a clear statement of work completed

If you’re dealing with an insurer, our guide here may help: insurance claims support.

Materials and methods we use in homes (and why)

There isn’t one “best” board-up method for every home. The right approach depends on risk, frame condition, and how long the property needs to remain secure.

Plywood vs OSB (what’s the difference?)

• Plywood (especially exterior-grade) is generally stronger, more durable in poor weather, and better suited to higher-risk openings.
• OSB can be cost-effective for certain jobs and is often used for smaller openings, but may not be the best choice for prolonged exposure to heavy weather.

Anti-tamper fixings and secure installation

Where an opening is accessible from outside, anti-tamper fixings reduce the chance of boards being removed. This matters when a property is unoccupied or has already been targeted.

Non-destructive vs through-frame fixing

• Where possible, we aim to secure without unnecessary damage — especially on well-kept homes and newer frames.
• If the frame is already split or too unstable, a more robust approach may be required to properly secure property and prevent further movement.

Temporary steel doors (when boarding isn’t enough)

If a front or rear doorway is heavily compromised, a boarded door opening can be less practical for homeowners who need regular access. In those cases, a temporary steel door can provide a safer, more usable solution while repairs are arranged.

Residential boarding up for different home types

Houses (terraced, semi-detached, detached)

Houses often have multiple access points: front door, rear doors, side gates, garages, and ground-floor windows. We’ll talk through which openings actually need boarding to reduce risk without over-securing areas unnecessarily.

Flats and maisonettes

We can board up windows and doors in flats, but access and permissions matter (shared entrances, communal corridors, management company rules). If you’re a tenant, it can help to notify the landlord or managing agent early.

Rental homes and HMOs (with permission)

Where multiple occupants are affected, we prioritise safe access and clear communication. We can also provide documentation for agents and landlords who need proof of works.

What to do right now if your home is damaged (practical steps)

If you’re reading this in a panic after an incident, focus on the basics:

1. If there’s danger, call emergency services
   If someone is inside, there’s a fire risk, or the building feels unsafe, don’t enter.

2. If it’s a crime, call the police and get a reference number
   Keep it handy — insurers often ask for it.

3. Take photos if safe
   A few clear images of the damage can help with insurance and repairs. Don’t handle broken glass unnecessarily.

4. Call for emergency boarding up
   If you need to board up broken window openings or a board up door job out of hours, we can help. We’ll ask a few questions and arrange attendance.

5. Contact your insurer early
   We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically need.

For urgent help: emergency boarding up

Where we cover for residential call-outs (AL1–AL10)

We cover St Albans and surrounding areas across AL1 to AL10, and we regularly attend residential properties in neighbourhoods and villages across the district.

If you’re looking for a local page, these may be helpful:

• boarding up in St Albans (AL1)
• boarding up in Harpenden (AL5)
• boarding up in Hatfield (AL9)

For a full overview, see areas we cover.

FAQs — Residential boarding up in St Albans

How quickly can you board up a smashed window in St Albans?

Attendance depends on time of day, demand, and travel conditions. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Can you board up a window without damaging the frame?

Often, yes — it depends on the frame type and the condition after the incident. If the frame is split, rotten, or already moving, a more secure fixing method may be necessary. We’ll explain what’s possible before we start.

What if the police have taken fingerprints — can you still board up?

Yes. If police attendance is planned or ongoing, tell us when you call. We can work around that, and we’ll avoid disturbing areas where evidence may be present wherever practical.

Is residential boarding up covered by insurance?

Many policies include emergency securing, especially after burglary, vandalism, or storm damage, but cover varies. We can provide photos and an itemised invoice for your claim. More detail here: insurance claims support.

Do you do out of hours boarding up for homes in the AL postcodes?

Yes — if you need out of hours help to secure property, call and we’ll talk through what’s happened and arrange attendance if appropriate. For urgent requests, use: 24/7 emergency boarding up in St Albans.

How long does temporary boarding last?

It depends on exposure and how soon permanent repairs are arranged. Properly fixed exterior-grade boards can hold up well as a temporary measure, but they’re not a substitute for glazing/door repairs. If you need longer-term options for an unoccupied home, we’ll discuss more robust solutions.

Can you board up doors and windows in flats?

Usually yes, but access and permissions can affect the job. If the flat is in a managed building, it may help to notify the management company/agent. We’ll work safely in communal areas and keep disruption to a minimum.

Can you help if the opening is on an upper floor?

Often, yes — but it depends on safe access. We’ll ask questions about height and access when you call. If safe access isn’t possible without specialist equipment, we’ll be honest about limitations and suggest next steps.

Helpful Links

• emergency boarding up
• window boarding in St Albans
• door boarding in St Albans
• roof boarding
• burglary repairs and boarding up
• areas we cover

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