Residential Boarding Up in Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or damage after a storm at home, you need the property made safe quickly and properly. We provide residential boarding up across Crawley and the RH10 and RH11 postcode districts—houses, flats, maisonettes, and shared entrances. Our DBS-checked technicians secure windows, doors, skylights and vulnerable openings using professional methods and materials, with clear documentation for insurers. We’ve been trading for 10+ years and are fully insured.

Need urgent help tonight or out of hours? For immediate assistance, see our dedicated page: emergency boarding up or Call 01293 699 986.

When Homeowners and Tenants Call Us

Residential properties face a different set of risks to commercial buildings. Here are typical scenarios where boarding up is the right first step:

• Burglary or attempted break-in: Forced doors, splintered frames, jemmy marks, or smashed panes where entry was attempted.
• Vandalism: Smashed patio doors, front bay windows cracked by thrown objects, communal entrance doors damaged.
• Storm damage: Wind-blown debris breaking panes, swollen and warped frames that won’t close securely, skylight damage.
• Accidental impact: Lawn equipment flicking stones through glass, children’s footballs into sash windows, moving furniture cracking panes.
• Fire or flood aftermath: Openings left insecure after the fire service or drying contractors finish; we secure and weatherproof while remediation proceeds.
• Void/short-term security: Between tenancies or while waiting on glazing or door replacements, you may need secure temporary protection.

If any of the above applies, your immediate priorities are to make safe, prevent further damage, and document the incident. We can help you secure the property and provide insurer-friendly paperwork.

How We Secure Residential Properties

Residential boarding is about safety, security and minimal disruption. We choose the right method based on the opening, frame condition and how long you need the protection.

Materials We Use and Why

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most windows and doors: robust, weather-resistant, and secure.
• 12mm OSB for small internal openings or where weight is a concern and risk is lower.
• Anti-tamper fixings (clutch-head or security Torx): prevent removal from outside—essential if the property will be unattended.
• Through-bolt systems for weak or damaged frames: spreads the load without relying on compromised timber.
• Temporary steel doors: lockable, adjustable steel doors for forced entries or when the door slab is beyond repair.
• Weatherproofing: bead, tape, or membrane where needed around roof lights and exposed openings to keep rain out.

For a deeper look at each method, see:

• window boarding in Crawley
• door boarding
• temporary steel doors (steel door option explained on call)
• roof and skylight boarding

Our Residential Boarding Process

1. Make safe: We clear loose glass, check for hazards, and isolate the area.
2. Assess the frame: If the frame is sound, we use surface fixings; if not, we switch to through-bolting to avoid further damage.
3. Cut to size: Boards are measured and cut on-site to fit closely without fouling brickwork or services.
4. Secure with anti-tamper fixings: We place fixings so they resist levering and don’t create new weak points.
5. Access and egress: On lived-in homes, we’ll ensure you can still enter/exit safely, fitting a temporary steel door if the main door is compromised.
6. Weatherproof: For external openings, we seal or flash as appropriate to reduce water ingress.
7. Document: You receive time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a short work statement—useful for insurers.

If the frame is too damaged for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain options and likely costs before proceeding.

Practical Considerations for Homes and Flats

• Privacy and light: Where possible, we position boards to preserve privacy and discuss short-term options if a bedroom is affected.
• Child and pet safety: We sweep up glass fragments carefully and advise on safe areas while adhesive cures or fixings settle.
• Noise and timing: We work efficiently; evening and out-of-hours calls are handled with consideration for neighbours.
• Communal entrances: For flats, we coordinate access with residents and can liaise with managing agents if needed.
• Temporary living: If a main bedroom or entrance is affected, we can prioritise that opening first so you can use the space safely.

What You Get From Us

• A secure property: Properly fitted boarding that deters entry and keeps weather out.
• Clear communication: Realistic ETAs given on the phone; no fixed guarantees, but urgent calls are prioritised.
• Professional paperwork: Photos, itemised invoice, and a work statement that typically satisfies insurers. We’re not adjusters, but we know what they usually need. See our guidance: insurance claims.
• DBS-checked technicians: Sensible, respectful tradespeople in your home.
• Fully insured service with 10+ years’ trading in Crawley and the RH10/RH11 area.

For pricing factors (without fixed quotes), visit: pricing.

After a Break-In or Damage at Home: Immediate Steps

• If a crime is in progress, get to safety and call 999. For non-emergencies and reports, use 101. Keep your police reference number.
• Take photos (only if safe): wide shots and close-ups of damage, inside and out.
• Call us to secure the property. We’ll advise on the quickest way to make safe.
• Contact your insurer early. Ask what they need—usually photos, an invoice and a brief statement of works.
• Don’t dispose of damaged parts until your insurer says it’s fine.
• If glass is scattered indoors, keep children and pets away. We’ll help clear the danger zone when we arrive.

Typical Residential Scenarios We Handle

• Bay window smashed on a semi-detached in RH10: We board the central and side panes, using anti-tamper fixings into solid timber and sealing at the cill to stop rain ingress.
• UPVC patio door shattered in RH11: Glass cleared, temporary over-boarding fitted with through-bolts to avoid stressing the damaged frame. We can fit a temporary steel door if the locking stile is compromised.
• Loft skylight cracked after high winds: External over-board with exterior-grade ply and weatherproof tape until the roofer replaces the unit. See roof boarding.
• Communal door forced at a block of flats: Temporary steel door installed to maintain controlled access while the managing agent arranges replacement.

If you’re unsure which approach suits your situation, we’ll talk it through on the call and bring options.

Where We Work in Crawley

We cover residential properties across RH10 and RH11, including neighbourhoods such as Maidenbower, Pound Hill, Tilgate, Three Bridges, Southgate, Furnace Green, Broadfield, Bewbush, Ifield, Langley Green, Gossops Green, West Green, and Northgate.

Looking for area-specific information? See a few nearby pages:

• boarding up Maidenbower RH10
• boarding up Ifield RH11
• boarding up Three Bridges RH10

You can also browse all areas we cover.

FAQs for Homeowners and Landlords in Crawley

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up for homes in RH10 and RH11?

Yes, we provide 24/7 boarding up for residential properties across Crawley. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but urgent calls are prioritised. For immediate help, visit emergency boarding up.

Will boarding up damage my window or door frames?

We aim to use non-destructive fixings into sound timber. If frames are weak or shattered, we’ll explain why through-bolting is safer and agree the approach before we proceed.

Can you board up a broken double-glazed unit on a UPVC frame?

Yes. We clear glass safely and over-board using methods that don’t rely on damaged beads. We select fixings and positions to avoid deforming the UPVC.

How secure is temporary boarding for a ground-floor window?

Properly fitted 18mm exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings is a strong short-term deterrent. Placement of fixings and board sizing matter—we install to resist levering and re-entry attempts.

My front door was kicked in—can you keep the home usable tonight?

Usually yes. We can over-board or fit a temporary steel door so you can lock up and use the entrance while you arrange a permanent replacement. See door boarding.

What documentation will my insurer want?

Typically: time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a short work statement. We provide these as standard. For guidance, see insurance claims. We’re not loss adjusters, but our paperwork usually meets requirements.

How long should I keep the boards on?

As short as practical. Boarding is a temporary measure to secure property and make safe. We’ll advise based on the opening, weather exposure, and your glazier or joiner’s lead times.

Do you cover flats and communal entrances in Crawley town centre and nearby estates?

Yes. We regularly secure flats and shared doors in RH10 and RH11, including Crawley Town Centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. We can liaise with managing agents where needed.

Internal Services You Might Need Next

• Broken pane or cracked sash? Read about our window boarding in Crawley.
• Forced entry or failed locks? See door boarding.
• Damage after high winds? Visit storm damage support.
• After a break-in? See burglary repairs and securing.
• Shop or home office affected too? Our shopfront boarding covers commercial openings if needed.

Our Promise to Residential Customers

• Local, established team serving Crawley RH10 and RH11 for 10+ years
• Fully insured, DBS-checked technicians
• Honest advice, clear documentation, and practical, secure temporary solutions

Ready to talk through your situation? We’ll explain options and give a realistic ETA.

Ready to get started? Call 01293 699 986 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.