Boarding-Up FAQs — Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront, you’ve probably got urgent questions. Below you’ll find clear, honest answers about boarding up in Crawley and the RH10 and RH11 postcode districts—what we do, how it works, and what to expect.

We’re Boarding Up Crawley: local specialists with 10+ years’ trading, fully insured, and DBS-checked technicians. For immediate help, see our 24/7 emergency boarding up in Crawley.

Quick facts at a glance

  • We cover RH10 and RH11 across residential, commercial, and vacant properties.
  • We attend emergencies day and night—typical attendance varies by time and workload.
  • We use exterior-grade plywood/OSB, anti-tamper fixings, and fit temporary steel doors where needed.
  • We provide time-stamped photos and itemised invoices—useful for insurers. See our insurance claims guidance.

General questions about boarding up

What is boarding up and when is it needed?

Boarding up means securing broken, missing, or vulnerable glazing and openings with timber panels (usually 18mm exterior-grade plywood) or steel screens/doors. It’s used after break-ins, vandalism, storm or fire damage, accidents, or while awaiting replacement glazing. Learn more in What is boarding up?

Do you actually cover my part of Crawley?

Yes. We cover the whole of Crawley and surrounding areas across RH10 and RH11, including neighbourhoods such as Maidenbower, Three Bridges, Tilgate, Pound Hill, Ifield, Langley Green, Broadfield, and more. You can browse local pages via Areas we cover.

Can you come out tonight / out of hours?

Yes—out-of-hours and overnight call-outs are part of our service. We don’t quote guaranteed times, but we prioritise urgent calls and give a realistic ETA over the phone. If it’s urgent, go to emergency boarding up or Call 01293 699 986.

What materials do you use?

For most windows and standard openings we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings. Smaller openings may be secured with 12mm OSB if appropriate. For doors and larger entrances, we can install a temporary steel door. For void properties or longer-term protection, we offer steel security screens. See window boarding in Crawley, door boarding, and shopfront boarding.

How long does boarding up take?

Most single-window boards take 30–60 minutes once we’re on site, depending on access and damage. Larger shopfronts, multiple openings, or complex frames take longer. We’ll give you an on-site estimate before work begins.

Will the boards damage my frames?

We use methods designed to minimise damage, such as internal bracing or screw points into solid sections of the frame or masonry. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options and get your approval before proceeding.

Emergencies and “what to do now”

My shop window is smashed—what should I do first?

  • If there’s a crime in progress or you suspect intruders, call 999.
  • If safe, move people away from broken glass and isolate the area.
  • Take a few photos (wide and close-up) for your insurer.
  • Call us to make safe and secure the shopfront. We’ll provide time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice for your claim.

A door has been forced—can you secure it tonight?

Yes. We can board up the opening or fit a temporary steel door with a lock so you can re-secure the property out of hours. See door boarding in Crawley.

There’s glass everywhere—do you clear up?

We clear the immediate working area and remove loose glass associated with the opening we secure. Full site cleaning is outside our scope, but we always leave the area safe.

After a fire or flood, can you help?

We secure openings after fire or flood to prevent unauthorised access and weather ingress. Smoke, odour, and water remediation are outside our scope. For guidance on claims and documentation, see insurance claims and relevant situations: fire damage securing and flood damage.

Coverage: RH10 and RH11 specifics

Which postcode districts do you cover?

All across RH10 and RH11. Typical calls include residential windows in RH10 (Tilgate, Pound Hill, Three Bridges) and shopfronts/commercial units in RH11 (Ifield, Broadfield, Langley Green), plus industrial/retail premises around Manor Royal (RH10). Explore local pages via Areas we cover.

Do you handle residential, commercial, and vacant properties?

Yes. We regularly secure homes and flats, shops and offices, and void properties between tenancies. Read more: Residential boarding, Commercial boarding, Vacant property security.

Process and what to expect

What happens when I call?

  • We ask a few questions: location (RH10/RH11), property type, size of opening, access, and any immediate risks.
  • We provide a realistic ETA and outline likely methods (e.g., 18mm ply with anti-tamper fixings, or a temporary steel door).
  • On arrival we assess, agree the plan, secure the opening, and take time-stamped photos.
  • You receive an itemised invoice and, if requested, a brief work statement for insurers.

For urgent help now: Call 01293 699 986.

Do you liaise with police or insurers?

We often attend after police have left and we’ll work around any scene-of-crime requirements. We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide the documentation insurers typically need: photos, itemised invoice, and a short statement of works. See our insurance claims guidance.

Can I get a quote before you come?

For emergencies, we give clear cost factors over the phone and confirm on site before work begins. For planned works, we can provide a written estimate. See how pricing works on our Pricing page.

Materials, methods, and security options

What fixings do you use—and why?

We use anti-tamper fixings (e.g., security head screws or bolted systems) so the boards can’t be removed from outside—critical if the property will be unattended. Internal bracing can be used where frames are fragile or heritage.

When is a temporary steel door better than timber?

  • After a forced entry where the original door can’t be re-secured
  • When the property will be vacant for days/weeks
  • Where key-controlled access is needed for contractors Learn more: Door boarding and temporary steel doors.

Do you offer steel security screens?

Yes—for void properties or longer-term protection. They allow airflow while preventing unauthorised access. Ask about medium-term options on arrival, or see Vacant property security.

Costs, payment, and documentation

How much does boarding up cost in Crawley?

Costs vary by:

  • Number and size of openings
  • Materials (18mm ply vs. steel door/screens)
  • Access height and complexity
  • Out-of-hours attendance We explain costs before work starts. For a breakdown of factors, visit Pricing.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm, or fire. Policies vary, so call your insurer early, keep your police reference number (if applicable), and take photos before we attend if it’s safe to do so. More help: Insurance claims.

What paperwork do I receive?

  • Time-stamped photos (on request)
  • Itemised invoice with address, date/time, and materials used
  • Brief work statement suitable for insurers

Situation-specific FAQs

After a burglary, what should I do in RH10 or RH11?

  • Call the police and obtain a reference number
  • Photograph damage and keep any CCTV clips
  • Call us to secure the property after burglary
  • Notify your insurer and keep receipts/invoices

We’ve had vandalism to our shopfront—can you board and keep trading?

Usually yes. We’ll secure the opening and maintain safe customer access if possible. For larger retail units, we can section off affected areas. See vandalism repair and boarding and shopfront boarding.

Can you help after storm damage to a skylight or roof?

We can provide emergency weatherproofing and roof/skylight boarding where safe access is possible. Complex or high-access work may require return visits or specialist access equipment. Read more: roof boarding and storm damage securing.

What if structural damage is suspected after an impact?

Safety first. We’ll assess from a safe distance and may recommend a structural check before boarding if the opening is load-bearing or unstable. See accident damage guidance.

Practicalities and access

Do I need to be on site?

It helps, but if you can’t attend we can still secure with your permission, subject to access and verification. We’ll share photos and documentation afterwards.

Can you work around shutters, grilles, or alarm sensors?

Yes—please tell us in advance. We’ll coordinate with you to isolate alarms and safely work around shutters/grilles where possible.

Do you carry tall ladders and access equipment?

We carry standard access equipment for typical domestic and shopfront heights. For higher or complex access, we may need to return with specialist kit—this will be explained on site.

Trust, credentials, and safety

Are your technicians DBS-checked and insured?

Yes. All attending technicians are DBS-checked, and we are fully insured.

Do you provide RAMS for commercial sites?

Yes. We can provide risk assessments and method statements for pre-planned works. For immediate emergencies, we’ll complete a dynamic risk assessment on arrival.

How do you keep the site safe during and after works?

  • We cordon the work area and use PPE
  • We remove loose glass in the immediate area we’re securing
  • We ensure boards are tight, flush, and use anti-tamper fixings
  • We leave clear instructions for access if a temporary steel door is installed

Local and area-focused questions

Do you cover Manor Royal industrial units and Crawley Town Centre shops?

Yes—regularly. We handle industrial, office, and retail premises across Crawley, including busy high-street and estate environments. Explore local area pages via Areas we cover.

Can you help in specific neighbourhoods like Tilgate (RH10) or Ifield (RH11)?

Absolutely. We work across RH10 and RH11 every week, including Tilgate, Pound Hill, Maidenbower, Three Bridges, Ifield, Broadfield, Langley Green, West Green, and more. If you’re unsure, just call—01293 699 986.

Not sure which service you need?

Ready to talk?

If you need guidance or urgent attendance, we’ll walk you through next steps and give a realistic ETA.

Prefer a callback? Send a brief note via our Contact page and we’ll get back to you promptly.