What Is Boarding Up?

Boarding up is the process of securing damaged, vulnerable, or open parts of a property—typically windows, doors, shopfronts, or roof openings—using strong temporary materials so the building is safe, weatherproof, and protected against unauthorised access. In Woking and across GU21–GU24, property owners use boarding up after break-ins, vandalism, storms, fires, floods, and accidental damage, or while waiting for glazing or door replacements.

At Boarding Up Woking, we specialise in fast, practical protection that keeps your property secure until permanent repairs are arranged. We’re local to Woking, fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. For urgent help, see our emergency boarding up page or call 01483 694 663.

When You Need Boarding Up

You typically need boarding up when any opening cannot be secured in the normal way:

  • Smashed or cracked glazing in a window or shopfront
  • Forced doors that won’t close or lock
  • Fire-damaged frames that are unsafe or exposed
  • Storm damage where panes, frames, or roof lights have failed
  • Flood-swollen timber that won’t shut securely
  • Accidental damage from an impact (e.g., a ball, ladder, or vehicle)

Boarding up is also used proactively to secure vacant or void properties, or to protect a property during building works.

For situation-specific guidance, visit:

What Boarding Up Involves (Step by Step)

Every property and opening is different, but a typical visit follows a clear, safety-led process:

  1. Initial assessment

    • We assess the damage, surrounding structure, and any safety hazards (loose glass, sharp edges, compromised frames).
    • We determine the best non-destructive fixing method where possible and confirm any access requirements (ladders, towers).

  2. Measurements and materials

    • We measure each opening precisely to cut a snug, tamper-resistant panel.
    • Common materials include 18mm exterior-grade plywood for primary security and 12mm OSB for smaller or internal openings. We explain our recommendation before fixing.

  3. Fixing method

    • For windows and shopfronts, we use anti-tamper fixings with internal bracing where required to prevent removal from outside—important if the property will be unattended.
    • For doors, we can either board the opening or fit a temporary steel door where daily access is needed.
    • For roofs and skylights, we use weatherproof boarding and safe-access methods; see roof boarding.

  4. Make safe and tidy

    • We remove or secure loose shards, sweep up accessible glass, and make the immediate area safe. Structural repairs are outside scope, but we’ll flag concerns.

  5. Documentation

    • You receive time-stamped photos of the damage and the finished boarding, plus an itemised invoice and a work statement suitable for most insurers. For claims guidance, see insurance claims.

  6. Handover and next steps

    • We walk you through what’s been secured, any limitations, and suggested follow-up (glazier, door replacement, locksmith, roofer). We can reattend if access needs change.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixings, we’ll explain options before proceeding, including through-frame methods or a steel door/security screen solution.

Materials & Methods: What We Use and Why

Choosing the right material and fixing method is critical for security and safety:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (typically 18mm): Strong, rigid, and weather-resistant—our standard for street-facing openings and shopfronts.
  • OSB (typically 12mm): Suitable for smaller openings, internal partitions, or as a secondary barrier.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: Prevent removal from the outside and resist casual attacks.
  • Internal bracing: Spreader bars or timbers across the reveal to stabilise large spans without over-stressing frames.
  • Temporary steel doors: Ideal after a forced entry where you still need daily access; locks can be keyed for tenants or contractors. Learn more under door boarding.
  • Steel security screens: For vacant or void properties that require medium- to longer-term protection. See vacant property.
  • Weatherproofing details: Drip edges, sealant where appropriate, and overlap orientation to shed water, especially for roofs or windward elevations.

Why this matters: Appropriate materials and anti-tamper fixings reduce the chance of a repeat break-in, protect against weather ingress, and help ensure your insurer recognises the property as “made safe.”

What You Get From a Professional Boarding-Up Service

  • Fast, practical security: We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as workload and conditions allow. For out-of-hours help, see 24-hour emergency boarding up.
  • A safe, tidy job: We make safe the immediate area and leave a solid, professional finish.
  • Clear documentation: Time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—useful for insurance and facilities records.
  • Honest advice: We’ll explain any limitations and the most suitable follow-up (glazing, lock replacement, structural work).
  • Local knowledge: We regularly work across Woking and GU21–GU24, from residential streets to commercial parades.

We’re fully insured and all technicians are DBS-checked. Read what local customers say on our reviews page.

Boarding Up vs. Other Security Options

Boarding up is one of several ways to secure a property temporarily:

  • Boarding up only: Best when you do not need to use the opening until repairs.
  • Temporary steel door: Best when the original door is unsecure but you still need daily access—locks can be shared with staff or contractors.
  • Steel security screens: Best for longer-term vacancy or repeated vandalism attempts.
  • Fencing and perimeter control: Useful on some sites; see temporary fencing.
  • Alarm/monitoring: Can be a useful complement; we do not supply alarms but we’ll work alongside your chosen provider.

If you’re unsure which option suits your situation, call us for straightforward guidance or review our property types pages for residential, commercial, and vacant property considerations.

Homeowners, Landlords, and Businesses: How Needs Differ

  • Residential (houses, flats, maisonettes): Often a single damaged window or a forced back door after a burglary. We prioritise privacy and weatherproofing. See residential boarding.
  • Commercial (shops, offices, restaurants): Larger glazing, shopfronts, and out-of-hours requirements. RAMS available where needed. See shopfront boarding and commercial.
  • Vacant/void properties: Medium-term measures like steel screens and temporary doors to deter squatters and vandalism. See vacant property boarding.

Insurance and Documentation

While we’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, we provide documentation insurers typically request:

  • Time-stamped before/after photos
  • Itemised invoice with site address and work details
  • Brief work statement explaining why boarding up was required and what was secured

Top tips:

  • Keep your police reference number if a crime was involved.
  • Contact your insurer early and ask what they need from you.
  • Take your own photos before we arrive if it’s safe to do so.

For more, see our dedicated insurance claims page and general FAQs.

Safety, Access, and Limitations

  • We won’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary, but we’ll give a realistic ETA on the phone and keep you updated.
  • Safe access is essential. For higher openings or roof work, we may need ladders, towers, or to reattend with additional equipment.
  • Structural repairs, glazing replacement, and smoke/odour remediation after fire are outside our scope. We secure the property and signpost you to the next steps.
  • If a frame is too compromised for standard fixings, we’ll discuss alternatives (e.g., internal bracing, through-structure fixings, or a steel door).

How Long Boarding Up Takes and How Long It Lasts

  • On-site time: Smaller domestic windows are often made safe in under an hour; larger shopfronts or multiple openings take longer. Complexity, access, and time of day all affect duration.
  • Duration of protection: Boarding up is a temporary measure. It can remain in place for days or weeks, but we recommend scheduling permanent repairs as soon as practical—especially for street-facing shopfronts.

For cost factors and what affects the final price, visit our pricing page.

What To Expect When You Call

  1. Call us on 01483 694 663 or email us.
  2. We’ll ask about the property type, location (GU21–GU24), what’s damaged, photos if available, and any access issues.
  3. We’ll give a realistic ETA based on workload and the urgency of your situation.
  4. On arrival, we’ll assess, explain the plan, and get straight to work.
  5. You receive photos and paperwork on completion.

If it’s urgent or out of hours, go to our 24-hour emergency boarding up in Woking page.

Common Questions About Boarding Up

Does boarding up damage my window or door frames?

We use non-destructive fixings wherever possible and internal bracing to avoid stressing frames. If a frame is already too damaged, we’ll explain options before using through-frame fixings.

Can you board up my shopfront tonight?

Yes, we provide 24/7 boarding up in Woking. We prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

What materials do you use?

Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for street-facing openings and 12mm OSB for smaller or internal areas. We match materials to the risk, exposure, and span.

Will my insurer cover boarding up?

Many policies do after an insured event, but it varies. We provide photos, itemised invoices, and work statements that insurers usually require. See insurance claims.

How secure is temporary boarding?

With anti-tamper fixings and proper bracing, boarding up is highly resistant to casual attempts. For higher risk or access needs, consider a temporary steel door or steel security screens.

Do you clean up the broken glass?

We make the immediate area safe and remove accessible loose shards. Full site cleaning and specialist remediation are outside our scope.

I’m a landlord—can you provide documentation for my agent?

Yes. We issue itemised invoices, time-stamped photos, and a short work summary—ideal for landlords, agents, and facilities managers.

What areas do you cover?

We cover Woking and the surrounding GU21–GU24 districts. For locality detail, see areas we cover or specific pages such as boarding up in Woking GU21, Goldsworth Park GU21, and Westfield GU22.

If you already know what you need, explore our service pages:

Next Steps