Boarding Up for Vacant Property in Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

Vacant properties in Crawley—whether between tenants, awaiting sale, under refurbishment, or standing empty for other reasons—need deliberate, practical security. We specialise in making empty homes, flats, shops and industrial units safe and secure across RH10 and RH11. Our DBS-checked technicians have more than 10 years’ experience protecting void premises with the right mix of temporary boarding, steel doors and security screens. We work 24/7, prioritise urgent calls, and give a realistic ETA when you ring. If you need to secure a vacant property now, call 01293 699 986.

We know that an unoccupied building can attract the wrong kind of attention—trespass, vandalism, attempted squats, or opportunist theft. Our job is to reduce those risks quickly and cleanly, using methods appropriate to the building, timeframe and insurer requirements. We’re fully insured, provide time-stamped photos, and issue itemised invoices and work statements suitable for insurance claims.

When and why vacant properties need boarding up

Vacant doesn’t always mean long-term empty. You might need to secure a property for just a few nights or for several months. Typical triggers in Crawley include:

• Between tenancy voids where locks are compromised or windows don’t close properly
• Post-eviction situations where re-entry risk is high
• Following a burglary or attempted break-in while the property is empty
• After storm, fire or flood damage leaves openings exposed
• Shop units awaiting new glazing or refit on a busy parade
• Industrial units in Manor Royal left between occupants
• Properties awaiting sale or probate, especially where multiple keyholders exist

Unattended openings escalate risk. A single smashed pane, a kicked-in rear door, or a prised fire exit is often all it takes for trespassers to move in. Boarding is about rapid risk reduction—making it visibly and physically difficult to get inside—while keeping the building weather-tight and compliant with your insurer’s conditions.

Our approach to securing void premises

Every empty property is different. We start by assessing access points, likely attack routes, the condition of frames and walls, and how long the building will be empty. Then we recommend one or a combination of the following methods:

• Window boarding: 18mm exterior-grade plywood or 12–15mm OSB (for smaller openings) cut to size and fixed with anti-tamper coach screws and security washers. External fix when the frame is sound; through-bolt or internal brace if the frame is compromised.
• Door boarding up: Heavy-duty boards over damaged doors; where doors are missing or unreliable, we fit a temporary steel security door with multi-point locking and an owner/agent key set.
• Shopfront boarding: Larger spans braced to steel or timber mullions, with internal spreaders to protect weak frames. If overnight display protection is needed, we add anti-tamper fixings not removable from the street side.
• Roof and skylight boarding: Overboarding and weatherproofing of damaged rooflights or skylights, with safe access plans. We use temporary coverings to keep out water while you arrange permanent repair.
• Steel security screens (Sitex-style): Perforated steel screens mechanically fixed into masonry for medium-to-longer term voids, allowing airflow and visibility while resisting forced entry. Ideal for high-risk locations or repeatedly targeted properties.
• Perimeter measures: Where appropriate, we can integrate temporary fencing panels at access points to discourage casual entry while you plan works.

Why these methods work:

• Anti-tamper fixings prevent removal from the outside—critical when a site is unattended.
• Temporary steel doors provide controlled access for contractors or viewings without leaving the property vulnerable.
• Steel security screens are harder to attack than timber and deter return visits, especially on longer voids.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding—this can include through-bolting with backing plates or installing internal braces that won’t rely on the existing frame.

Explore related services:

• window boarding in Crawley
• door boarding in Crawley
• shopfront boarding in Crawley
• roof and skylight boarding
• For urgent call-outs, see our emergency boarding up page.

What you get from us

• A practical plan: We’ll agree which openings to secure, the materials to use, and how long you expect to keep them in place.
• Time-stamped photos: Before and after images for your records and insurers.
• Itemised paperwork: Clear description of materials, fixings, and labour with the property address and date/time.
• Keys and access control: For temporary steel doors, we hand over labelled keys and record who receives them.
• Sensible finishing: Clean edges, minimal damage methods wherever possible, and neat bracing that won’t impede later reinstatement.
• Removal when you’re ready: We can return to take down screens/boards and dispose of waste responsibly.

For insurance-related queries, we’re not loss adjusters, but we provide documentation insurers usually need. See our insurance guidance for what to expect.

Typical vacant property scenarios we handle

• Short void between tenancies: Front door latch is unreliable and a ground-floor sash won’t close. We install a temporary steel door, board the sash with exterior plywood using anti-tamper fixings, and leave keys with the managing agent.
• Probate property in RH10: Rear glazed door smashed by vandals. We overboard the door with timber and fit a steel security screen to the most vulnerable side window to deter repeat visits.
• Empty retail unit in Crawley Town Centre: Shopfront awaiting replacement glass. We fit braced shopfront boarding overnight to “make safe” and reduce public liability risk.
• Industrial unit in Manor Royal: Fire exit repeatedly forced. We fit a temporary steel door with multipoint locking and reinforce the frame area with internal bracing.

If a property has structural issues or suspected asbestos from damaged soffits or panels, we’ll pause, make the area safe, and advise you to bring in the appropriate specialists. We don’t undertake structural repairs or hazardous materials remediation.

How our boarding process works

1. Call us on 01293 699 986. Tell us the address, what’s happened, and access considerations (keys, alarm, agent).
2. We give a realistic ETA based on time of day and workload. We prioritise urgent calls.
3. On arrival, we assess all vulnerable openings—not just the obviously damaged ones—to prevent easy re-entry elsewhere.
4. We measure and cut boards on site. For longer-term voids or higher risk, we discuss steel doors or security screens.
5. We fix using anti-tamper methods and internal bracing where needed. For shopfronts, we brace across mullions to protect frames.
6. We photograph the work, tidy up, and hand over keys/documentation. You receive an itemised invoice and work statement.

Materials and fixings we use

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger windows
• 12–15mm OSB for smaller openings and internal bracing
• Anti-tamper coach screws/bolts with security washers
• Internal spreader bars to avoid crushing frames
• Temporary steel doors with multi-point locks and adjustable frames
• Perforated steel security screens and proprietary fix systems
• Temporary weatherproof membranes for roof/skylight protection

We select materials based on risk level, exposure to weather, and duration of the void. For longer-term security in exposed or repeatedly targeted properties, steel options are usually the best value over time.

Staying compliant with insurers

Most insurers require you to take reasonable steps to secure an unoccupied property. Practical tips:

• Notify your insurer when the property becomes vacant and after any incident.
• Keep your policy number and any police reference number if applicable.
• Photograph damage and our completed works.
• Retain itemised invoices and work statements—these show dates and actions taken.
• Check any policy conditions about heating, water isolation, or inspection frequency while vacant.

For more detail, see our page on insurance claims.

Safety, access and neighbours

• We’ll liaise with your agent or keyholder to access the property.
• Where glass is cracked but still in place, we’ll remove loose shards safely before boarding.
• For busy pavements or near schools, we manage the working area to protect passers-by.
• If noise is a concern, we’ll explain the brief period of cutting/drilling so you can notify neighbours or centre management.

Emergency vs planned works

• Emergency: Smashed window, forced door, or unsafe opening—call any time. We attend as quickly as possible and “make safe” with temporary boarding or a steel door. See emergency boarding up.
• Planned: You know the property will be empty for weeks or months. We can survey and propose a mix of screens, steel doors and targeted boarding that balances cost and risk.

Local knowledge: RH10 and RH11 vacant property risks

Crawley has a mix of residential streets, retail parades and busy industrial zones. In RH10, void homes near town-centre routes and blocks with shared entrances often benefit from steel doors to control access for contractors and viewings. In RH11, garden access and rear service paths can create hidden entry points—boarded side windows and reinforced rear doors reduce that risk. Manor Royal’s units can be quiet in the evenings; a visibly secured unit is a proven deterrent when plant or copper has been targeted nearby.

If you’re handling a void in Maidenbower, Pound Hill, Tilgate or Three Bridges (RH10), or in Gossops Green, Bewbush, Broadfield or Ifield (RH11), we can advise which openings are typically tested first and the most cost-effective way to secure them.

Documentation you’ll receive

• Time-stamped before/after photos
• Itemised invoice with materials and fixings
• Work statement outlining what was secured and how
• Key log for any temporary steel doors fitted

These are suitable for landlords, housing associations, facilities managers and insurers.

FAQs: Vacant property boarding in Crawley

Can you secure a vacant property in RH10 or RH11 out of hours?

Yes. We operate 24/7 and prioritise urgent calls. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we’ll give a realistic ETA when you call.

What’s the best option for a property that will be empty for a month?

For a month or longer, a temporary steel door and steel security screens on ground-floor windows are often more robust and economical than repeated timber re-boarding after attempts.

Will timber boards damage my window frames?

We aim for non-destructive fixings where possible. If frames are sound, we use external anti-tamper fixings into robust points or internal spreaders. If frames are rotten or shattered, we’ll explain alternatives like through-bolting with backing plates.

Do you cover Crawley Town Centre and Manor Royal?

Yes, across RH10 and RH11, including town centre blocks, retail parades and industrial units. See local area pages for more context, such as boarding up Crawley Town Centre and boarding up Manor Royal.

Can you provide access for contractors while keeping the property secure?

We fit temporary steel doors with multi-point locks and provide keys to nominated persons. This allows controlled access without compromising security.

What if vandals return after you’ve boarded up?

We’ll discuss risk levels at the first visit. If a property is repeatedly targeted, we may recommend upgrading from timber to steel screens or adding secondary measures at concealed access points.

Do you help with insurance claims for vacant properties?

We’re not adjusters, but we provide the documentation insurers typically ask for and can outline the steps on our insurance claims page.

Can you secure upper-floor windows too?

Yes. We carry equipment for safe access and can board or screen upper levels where needed, including skylights—see roof boarding.

Areas we commonly secure vacant properties

We cover the whole of Crawley across RH10 and RH11, including:

• RH10: Maidenbower, Pound Hill, Three Bridges, Tilgate, Worth, Crawley Town Centre
• RH11: Bewbush, Broadfield, Gossops Green, Ifield, Langley Green, West Green

Explore nearby area pages:

• boarding up Maidenbower RH10
• boarding up Ifield RH11
• boarding up Three Bridges RH10 You can also view all areas we cover.

Related situations for vacant properties

• Post-break-in securing: burglary repairs
• Vandalism and smashed windows: vandalism repair
• Weather-related damage: storm damage, flood damage
• After a fire: fire damage

For commercial or residential specifics, see:

• commercial properties
• residential properties

Need help securing a vacant property?

If you need to “make safe” now—board up a broken window, secure a damaged door or fit a temporary steel door—call us any time. We’ll prioritise your job and give you a clear ETA on the phone.

Need help now? Call 01293 699 986 for immediate assistance. Or email info@boarding-up-crawley.co.uk if it’s not urgent.