Boarding-Up FAQs for Woking (GU21–GU24)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window or a forced door, you probably want straight answers fast. Below you’ll find clear, practical FAQs about our boarding-up work across Woking and the GU21–GU24 postcode districts. If you can’t find what you need, call us on 01483 694 663 or see our FAQs index below for quick navigation.

Quick Help: Common Emergency Questions

Who do I call first if my window is smashed tonight?

If a crime has taken place, call the police first and get a reference number. Then call us for emergency boarding up. If it’s clearly accidental (storm damage, impact), call us directly and notify your insurer once safe. If you’re unsure, we can advise on the phone: 01483 694 663.

Can you board up my property out of hours?

Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up Woking across GU21–GU24. We don’t quote guaranteed response times, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Is it safe to stay in the property after boarding up?

Boarding makes openings secure and weather-resistant, but it’s not a permanent repair. If structural damage is suspected (e.g., after a vehicle strike), stay clear of the area and wait for our assessment. We’ll advise if additional measures are needed.

Will you provide documentation for my insurer?

Yes. We supply itemised invoices, time-stamped photos on request, and a work statement noting cause where known. See our dedicated guide: insurance claims for boarding up.

How quickly can you “make safe” a smashed window or door?

Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload. We’ll always prioritise emergencies and provide an ETA when you call. Our goal is to make safe and secure the property on the first visit.

Service & Process

What exactly is “boarding up”?

Boarding up is the temporary securing of broken or vulnerable openings using materials like 18mm exterior-grade plywood or 12mm OSB, fixed with anti-tamper screws and appropriate internal bracing. It protects against entry, weather and further damage. Learn more: what is boarding up.

Which materials do you use and why?

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and weather resistance on doors and large panes
  • 12mm OSB for smaller windows or internal panels where suitable
  • Anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal from outside
  • Temporary steel doors for compromised entrances needing controlled access
    See our service pages for detail: window boarding, door boarding, shopfront boarding, roof boarding.

Do you remove damaged glass before boarding?

Where safe and appropriate, yes. If shards are loose or hazardous, we’ll clear the opening to avoid injury and ensure a flush fit. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options and get your approval before proceeding.

Can you install a temporary steel door?

Yes. For forced entries or when a door is beyond quick repair, we can fit a temporary steel door to maintain access while keeping the property secure. See: door boarding and temporary steel doors.

Do you handle shopfronts and larger panes?

We do. Commercial call-outs are common in central Woking and retail parades around GU21–GU24. We carry over-length boards, internal bracing, and can liaise with alarm/monitoring teams. More info: shopfront boarding.

Do you offer roof or skylight boarding after storm damage?

Yes. We can secure roof lights, skylights and roof openings, with weatherproofing as needed. Access arrangements (ladders, towers) are discussed on the call. See: roof boarding.

Coverage & Local Questions

Which areas do you cover?

We cover Woking and the surrounding GU21, GU22, GU23 and GU24 postcode districts, including residential streets and commercial premises. For local details, see areas we cover or specific pages like boarding up in Horsell (GU21), Goldsworth Park (GU21), and Old Woking (GU22).

Can you attend same day across GU21–GU24?

In most cases, yes. We prioritise emergencies and aim for same-day attendance. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times due to traffic, workload, and out-of-hours conditions. Call for an ETA: 01483 694 663.

Do you work with landlords, agents and facilities managers?

Yes. We handle residential, commercial and vacant/void properties. We can provide photos, keyholder coordination, and RAMS where required.

Practicalities, Costs & Insurance

How much does boarding up cost in Woking?

Costs vary with opening size, materials, access, time of day, and whether glass removal or temporary doors are required. We’re transparent about cost factors but don’t publish fixed prices. For guidance, see our pricing page or call for an estimate.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm or fire damage. Policies differ, so check yours or call your insurer. We’ll supply documentation typically required. Read more: insurance claims.

Do you take payment on site?

We accept common payment methods from property owners, tenants, and businesses. For managed properties and insurers, we can invoice with supporting documentation. We’ll confirm payment terms before starting work.

Will you come back to remove the boards?

We can return to de-board when your permanent glazing or door is ready. Some customers prefer their glazier to remove them—either is fine. We can also coordinate with your chosen contractor.

Safety & Standards

Are your technicians DBS-checked and insured?

Yes. We’re fully insured and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been trading locally for 10+ years and follow safe systems of work appropriate to the property type.

How do you “make safe” a hazardous opening?

  • Assess the frame and surrounding structure
  • Remove or secure loose shards where safe
  • Fit measured boards with anti-tamper fixings and internal bracing
  • Weatherproof edges where needed
  • Provide photos on request for your records
    If anything requires a different approach, we’ll explain and agree next steps before proceeding.

Do you handle smoke or odour after a fire?

No. We secure access points and protect from weather. Smoke or odour remediation is a specialist service outside our scope. See: post-fire securing.

Specific Situations

Burglary: what should I do right now?

  • Ensure everyone is safe and call the police
  • Don’t tidy until photos are taken (if safe)
  • Call us for post-burglary boarding
  • Contact your insurer and keep your police reference number handy

Vandalism: can you attend late at night?

Yes. We offer out of hours emergency boarding up. We’ll [make safe], photograph on request, and provide an itemised invoice for the claim. See: vandalism repair.

Storm damage: can you secure smashed roof lights?

We can often board over or beneath the opening depending on access and structure, then weatherproof. Learn more: storm damage boarding and roof boarding.

Flooding: should I board or ventilate?

It depends. After flood damage, swollen frames may not close properly. We can secure property after flood and advise on short-term ventilation without compromising security.

Accident/impact: a vehicle hit our shopfront—what now?

Keep people away from the area, check for utilities hazards, and call us. We’re experienced with large-pane shopfront boarding and can liaise with structural assessors if required. See: accident damage.

Materials & Methods

Do you always screw into frames?

Not always. Where frames must remain untouched, we can brace boards to internal structural points or use compression methods. If a frame is too compromised for non-invasive options, we’ll discuss alternatives first.

Will boarded windows still allow light or ventilation?

Standard timber boarding blocks light. If medium-term ventilation is required (e.g., after flood), we can plan suitable apertures or consider temporary steel screens on vacant properties. We’ll explain pros and cons before installation.

Aftercare & Next Steps

How long should boards stay in place?

As short as possible—ideally until your glazier or door supplier completes replacement. Many customers in Woking keep boards for a few days to a couple of weeks. For longer-term security (e.g., vacant properties), ask about steel security solutions.

Can you recommend permanent repairs?

We’re not glaziers, but we can highlight what a glazier or joiner will likely need to do and what measurements they may ask for. Our focus is to secure safely and provide documentation to keep your project moving.

What To Expect When You Call

  1. We confirm your location (GU21–GU24), situation, and safety
  2. We advise whether police or utilities should be called first
  3. We give a realistic ETA (no fixed guarantees)
  4. We attend, assess, and make safe using suitable materials
  5. We provide photos on request and an itemised invoice for your records or insurer

Still have questions?

Call 01483 694 663 or email us. We’re local, fully insured, DBS-checked, and here 24/7 to secure your property across Woking and GU21–GU24.