What Is Boarding Up? Property Security & “Make Safe” Work in St Albans (AL1–AL10)

Boarding up is the process of securing a property by fixing strong protective boards (or purpose-made steel systems) over vulnerable openings—most commonly after a smashed window, forced door, or damaged shopfront. It’s often requested as an urgent “make safe” measure to secure property quickly, protect against weather, and reduce the risk of further break-ins.

If you need help now, we can talk you through the safest next steps on the phone. Need urgent assistance? Call 01727 326 204.

We provide boarding up across St Albans and the wider AL area, including AL1–AL10, with fully insured, DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years trading.

Boarding up explained (in plain English)

When people search for “board up broken window” or “board up door”, they’re usually dealing with one of these situations:

A smashed window after vandalism or a break-in
A door that’s been kicked in, forced, or damaged in an accident
A commercial unit where the glazing is gone and the premises can’t be left open
Roof damage where a hole or broken skylight is letting in rain and wind
A property that will be empty for days or weeks and needs temporary boarding to reduce risk

Boarding up is not a repair to the glass, frame, or door itself. It’s a temporary security solution designed to stabilise the situation—especially out of hours—until permanent repairs can be arranged.

If your situation is urgent, our emergency boarding up page explains what happens when you call and what we can do tonight.

Why boarding up matters (security, safety, and weather)

A broken opening isn’t just inconvenient—it can create immediate, compounding problems. Boarding up helps to:

Prevent opportunistic entry while the property is unattended
Reduce the chance of further damage from wind, rain, and debris
Protect occupants, neighbours, staff, and customers from sharp edges and unsafe access
Support insurance requirements by demonstrating you took reasonable steps to secure the property

In St Albans and across AL postcodes, a property left open overnight can attract attention quickly—particularly if it’s clearly unoccupied (lights off, visible damage, or easy access). A proper board-up is about making the property hard to enter and safer to leave.

What gets boarded up?

Boarding up can be used on most external openings. Common examples include:

Windows (domestic and commercial)

This is the most frequent call-out: a cracked or smashed pane, exposed opening, or compromised frame. If you need window-specific detail, see window boarding in St Albans.

Doors and access points

When a door has been forced or the lock area is damaged, boarding can prevent access until a new door/lock can be fitted. In some cases, a more robust option is appropriate—see door boarding in St Albans.

Shopfronts and commercial glazing

Retail and commercial units often need larger sheets, careful fixing, and a plan to keep the site safe for staff/public. More detail is on shopfront boarding.

Roof openings and skylights

Storm damage or impact can leave an overhead opening that’s letting in water. Access and weatherproofing are key considerations—see roof boarding.

Materials used: plywood, OSB, and steel security options

The “board” in boarding up doesn’t always mean the same thing. The right approach depends on the opening, the risk level, and how long you need the property secured.

Plywood boarding (common for higher-risk openings)

We often use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for stronger protection where the opening is large or at high risk of attack. Plywood is tough, stable, and performs well when fixed correctly.

OSB (often suitable for smaller or lower-risk jobs)

12mm OSB (or thicker when needed) can be a practical choice for smaller windows or short-term needs. It’s cost-effective and quick to install while still providing a solid barrier.

Temporary steel doors (for compromised doorways)

If a doorway can’t be secured safely with boards—especially where there’s repeated attempted entry or the property will be vacant—temporary steel doors provide controlled access and better long-term security.

Steel security screens (for longer-term vacant properties)

For void properties or sites needing medium-to-long-term protection, steel screens can be a more durable solution than timber boards.

If you’re unsure which is appropriate, we’ll explain the pros/cons on site. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding.

How boarding up is fixed (and what “anti-tamper” means)

A proper board-up isn’t just “putting wood over a hole”. The fixing method is what makes it secure.

Depending on the opening and access, we may use:

Anti-tamper fixings designed to reduce the chance of removal from outside (important if the property will be unattended)
Through-bolting where appropriate to achieve a stronger hold (particularly on larger openings)
Internal battens or reinforced fixing points when the surrounding frame is compromised
Careful placement and sizing so boards cover the vulnerable area properly without leaving pry points

We aim to keep the property secure while avoiding unnecessary damage. However, when frames are already broken or unstable, the priority is to make the site safe and secure first—then plan the repair work.

What happens when you call us (step-by-step)

People usually call us when they’re stressed, tired, or dealing with police/landlords/tenants at the same time. We keep the process straightforward.

Call and describe what’s happened (window, door, shopfront, roof; size of opening; any hazards).
We’ll give you a realistic ETA based on workload and conditions. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible.
We arrive, assess, and make safe—checking access, stability, and the best fixing method.
We secure the opening using suitable materials (plywood/OSB/steel options as needed).
Documentation: if helpful for insurance or property management, we can provide an itemised invoice and a brief work statement, and time-stamped photos when available/appropriate.

For urgent call-outs, start here: 24/7 emergency boarding up in St Albans.

“Make safe” vs repair: what boarding up does (and doesn’t) cover

Boarding up is about immediate risk control. It typically includes:

Securing broken openings against entry
Reducing exposure to weather (where practicable)
Preventing access to hazardous areas
Stabilising the site for follow-on trades

It usually does not include:

Re-glazing or full window replacement
Door replacement or full joinery repairs
Structural repairs following major impact
Smoke/odour remediation after a fire (we can secure the property after fire damage, but remediation is outside our scope)

If you’re dealing with an incident, our situation guides may help you understand the next steps:

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, boarding up can be claimed as part of emergency or loss-prevention measures—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact. Policies vary, and we’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide documentation insurers typically ask for.

To make your claim smoother:

Take photos before boarding up if it’s safe to do so
Keep any police incident or crime reference number
Notify your insurer early and follow their guidance
Keep receipts and invoices for emergency work

More guidance is on our insurance claims help page.

If you’re cost-checking options, our pricing page explains what affects the cost (without quoting fixed prices).

When should you choose boarding up vs a temporary steel door or screen?

A quick rule of thumb:

Boarding is ideal when you need an immediate, practical barrier after damage.
Temporary steel doors suit damaged doorways where you need repeated access (contractors, landlords, facilities teams) without leaving a weak point.
Steel security screens are better for voids and longer-term risk where timber may be targeted or degrade over time.

If you tell us how long the property will be unattended, whether it’s residential or commercial, and what access you need, we can recommend the best approach.

For property-specific considerations, see:

Safety advice while you wait (especially out of hours)

If you’ve got a smashed window or forced door and you’re waiting for help, keep it simple:

If there’s an intruder risk, call 999 first and wait in a safe place
Don’t touch broken glass—keep children/pets away
If the opening is at street level, avoid leaving valuables visible
If it’s dark, use safe lighting (torches) rather than exposed wiring or unsafe power
Only attempt temporary covering if it can be done without putting yourself at risk

If you call us, we’ll ask a few quick questions to help you stay safe and to arrive with the right materials.

FAQs: What is boarding up?

Is boarding up only for emergencies?

No. Emergency boarding up is common, but planned boarding is also used for vacant properties, renovation projects, and risk management—especially where windows or doors are vulnerable during works.

How long can boards stay up?

It depends on the material, fixing method, and exposure to weather. Some temporary boarding is suitable for short periods, while other solutions (like steel screens) are better for longer-term protection. We’ll advise based on your site.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

We aim to minimise damage and use appropriate fixings. However, if the surrounding frame is already broken or unstable, securing the opening safely may require more robust fixing. We’ll explain options before proceeding where possible.

Can you board up a shopfront the same night?

Often, yes—shopfront boarded up call-outs are a common out-of-hours request. The exact solution depends on access, opening size, and site safety. For the dedicated service, see shopfront boarding.

What if my door can’t be boarded securely?

If the doorway is badly damaged or needs ongoing access, a temporary steel door may be the safer and more secure option. See door boarding for how we handle forced entries.

Do you cover all of St Albans and the AL postcodes?

Yes—our coverage includes St Albans and surrounding areas across AL1–AL10. If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, check areas we cover or call us and we’ll confirm.

What information should I have ready when I call?

If you can, tell us:

The postcode (AL1–AL10 area)
What’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/roof)
Approximate size of the opening
Whether police or fire service are involved
Any access issues (rear access, shared entrance, height, etc.)

Can you help if it’s after a burglary or vandalism?

Yes—these are two of the most common reasons people need to board up a broken window or door at short notice. See burglary repairs and securing and vandalism repair for practical next steps.

Ready to secure the property?

If you need temporary boarding, want to make safe a smashed window, or you’re not sure whether boarding up is the right option, we’ll give you clear advice and a realistic plan.

Need help now? Call 01727 326 204 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected].

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