Window Boarding in Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

When a window is smashed or cracked, you need to make the property safe quickly. We provide emergency window boarding across Crawley and the RH10 and RH11 postcode districts—24/7, out of hours, same day. Our DBS-checked technicians measure, cut, and fit boards securely to protect against weather and unauthorised entry, then provide documentation your insurer will recognise.

Need urgent help now? Call 01293 699 986. If it’s safe, send a quick photo to info@boarding-up-crawley.co.uk so we can advise on the best approach before attending.

• Local specialists: 10+ years trading across RH10 and RH11
• Fully insured, DBS-checked technicians
• Residential and commercial properties, including shopfront glazing
• Emergency and planned window boarding

When You Need Emergency Window Boarding

Damage rarely happens at a convenient time. Common reasons people in Crawley call us include:

• Burglary or attempted break-in: forced window locks, broken panes, prised sashes
• Vandalism: stones or objects thrown at windows, shopfront glass smashed
• Storm damage: high winds or debris cracking panes or loosening frames
• Accidents/impact: footballs, ladder strikes, or vehicle impact near ground-floor glazing
• Fire or flood response: securing blown or swollen frames after the emergency services leave

If you’re searching “board up broken window”, “emergency window boarding Crawley”, or “who can board up my window tonight in Crawley”, we can help. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible. We don’t promise fixed arrival times—conditions vary—but on the phone we’ll give you a realistic ETA and keep you updated. For immediate assistance, go to emergency boarding up.

How Our Window Boarding Works

We focus on security, structural respect, and documentation for insurers. A typical window boarding job runs like this:

1. Initial call and triage

   • We confirm your location in RH10 or RH11, assess the situation, and advise any immediate safety steps.
   • If safe, you can email photos so we can plan fixings and materials.

2. On-site assessment

   • We check frame condition, glazing type (single, double, toughened, laminated), and access.
   • We identify whether a non-destructive fix is possible (preferred), or whether the frame is too compromised and alternative methods are required.

3. Board sizing and material selection

   • We template and cut boards to cover the opening fully, allowing for structural edges and fix points.
   • Typical materials:
     • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors, large panes, and higher-risk openings
     • 12–15mm plywood or 12mm OSB for smaller domestic windows or internal screens
   • For wide shopfronts, we may brace boards with battens to prevent bowing.

4. Fixing methods

   • Non-destructive internal fixing where possible: wooden cleats on the inside pulling the board tight against the frame, minimising external screw points.
   • Through-frame fixings with anti-tamper screws when necessary; we explain why and where we’ll fasten before drilling.
   • Anti-tamper fixings prevent easy removal from outside—important if the property will be unattended.

5. Finishing and weather protection

   • We check for gaps, add weatherproof tape or temporary seal where appropriate, and ensure vents or fire escape routes are respected.
   • For ground-floor street-facing windows, we aim for flush, tight boarding to deter leverage.

6. Handover and documentation

   • You receive time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—helpful for insurers.
   • If further repairs are needed (glazier, joiner), we’ll outline next steps.

If frames are too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain your options before proceeding. We don’t remove structural members or carry out glazing replacement—we secure, make safe, and protect your property until permanent repairs are arranged.

Materials We Use and Why

Using the right material matters for both security and the fabric of your property:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood

  • Strong, durable, suitable for large panes, doors, and shopfronts
  • Resists warping outdoors and takes anti-tamper fixings well

• 12–15mm plywood / 12mm OSB

  • Appropriate for smaller domestic windows and short-term internal boarding
  • Lighter to handle in multi-storey flats or tight access

• Anti-tamper fixings and internal cleats

  • Reduce the risk of outside removal
  • Internal cleats protect external frames and finishes where possible

• Weatherproofing aids

  • Temporary seals/tape to limit draughts and water ingress
  • Battens and braces to strengthen wider spans

We select materials based on opening size, exposure to weather, and security risk. For higher-risk or longer-term needs, we may recommend stepping up to temporary steel doors or security screens where appropriate. Explore related options: door boarding, shopfront boarding, or speak to us for advice.

What You Get With Our Window Boarding Service

• Rapid, respectful securing of the damaged window
• Clear explanation of methods and fixings before work starts
• Time-stamped job photos for your records
• Itemised invoice and work statement for insurers
• Tidy finish—no unnecessary damage to frames or surrounds
• Honest advice on next steps and permanent repair options

We’re fully insured and have been trading locally for over a decade. All technicians are DBS-checked.

Special Considerations: Homes, Flats, Shops, and Voids

• Residential (houses and flats)

  • We work around families, tenants, and pets; we’ll keep disruption low and areas clear of glass.
  • Upper floors: we use safe access methods and internal boarding techniques where possible.
  • See more: residential properties.

• Commercial and shopfronts

  • Large panes and aluminium shopfronts require wider spans and heavier boards.
  • We can provide risk assessments and method statements if needed.
  • Learn more: commercial properties and shopfront boarding.

• Vacant/void properties

  • For medium- to longer-term security, we may recommend steel security solutions.
  • Explore: vacant property.

After Burglary, Vandalism, or Storm Damage—What To Do

• If a crime has occurred, call the police first and obtain a reference number.
• If safe, take photos before we arrive (wide shot and close-ups).
• Move people and valuables away from the damaged area; keep pets out of the room.
• Avoid touching broken glass—do not attempt to remove panels under tension.
• Call us to make safe and secure the opening.
• Contact your insurer early. We’ll provide the documentation they typically need.
• If the damage is part of a larger incident (fire, flood), we secure the building; remediation is outside our scope.

For situation-specific guidance, visit: burglary repairs, vandalism repair, and storm damage.

Our Approach to Safety, Access, and Neighbours

• Glass handling: we bag and remove loose shards from the immediate work area.
• Access: we work from inside where feasible; for external-only access we’ll discuss safe methods.
• Noise and hours: we attend out of hours when required and keep noise to a minimum at night.
• Fire escape routes: we never block designated escape windows without a clear, temporary plan agreed on-site.

If access or structure presents unusual risk (e.g., cracked masonry around a frame), we’ll pause and explain options before continuing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Window Boarding in Crawley

Can you board up my smashed window tonight in Crawley?

Yes—this is exactly what our emergency window boarding service is for. We cover RH10 and RH11 24/7, prioritising urgent calls. We’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.

Will the boarding damage my window frame?

We aim for non-destructive, internal fixings wherever possible. If the frame is too damaged, we’ll explain why external anti-tamper screws are necessary and agree fix points with you first.

What thickness boards do you use?

Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings and high-risk locations, and 12–15mm plywood or 12mm OSB for smaller domestic windows or internal screens. We choose the lightest material that remains secure.

How long should I keep the boards on?

Until your permanent glazing is fitted. For most domestic incidents that’s days to a couple of weeks. If you’ll be away longer or the property is vacant, ask about medium-term security options.

Is window boarding covered by insurance?

Often yes, especially after burglary, vandalism, or storm damage. We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide itemised invoices, time-stamped photos, and work statements that insurers typically request. See our guidance: insurance claims.

Can you board large shopfront windows in RH10/RH11?

Yes. We carry heavier boards, braces, and anti-tamper fixings for wide spans. We can also discuss temporary steel solutions if the opening will remain unattended. More on shopfront boarding.

Do you remove the glass too?

We make safe the immediate area and remove loose shards that prevent safe boarding. Full glazing removal or replacement is a glazier’s scope; we secure and protect the opening.

How much does window boarding cost in Crawley?

Costs vary with time of day, access, opening size, and material required. We don’t publish fixed prices. Call us for a clear estimate and see our honest overview of cost factors: pricing.

What To Expect When You Call

• A calm, practical conversation to understand what’s happened and where you are in RH10 or RH11
• Straight advice on safety, plus a realistic ETA—no false promises
• A van stocked for domestic and commercial window boarding
• Respectful work on-site and clear documentation on completion

If your situation needs wider security (damaged door, multiple windows, or void property), we can combine services on the same visit. Related pages: door boarding and shopfront boarding.

Why Choose Us for Window Boarding in Crawley

• Local specialists for Crawley and surrounding RH10 and RH11 areas
• 10+ years trading, fully insured, DBS-checked technicians
• Correct materials and anti-tamper fixings used appropriately
• Non-destructive methods where feasible, with clear explanations
• Insurer-ready documentation: photos, itemised invoices, work statements
• Transparent about limitations and next steps—no hard sell

For urgent incidents, go straight to our 24/7 boarding up page. For broader questions, see our FAQs or contact page.

Call Now for Emergency Window Boarding

Need help right away? We’re on call across RH10 and RH11.
Call 01293 699 986 or email info@boarding-up-crawley.co.uk. If it’s safe, include a photo so we can advise before we arrive.