Storm Damage Boarding Up in Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

When storms hit Crawley, damage can be sudden and messy—smashed windows, torn-off door panels, lifted roofs or skylights, and debris that leaves a property exposed. If you’re dealing with storm damage in RH10 or RH11, we can help you make safe quickly and securely. We handle emergency boarding up for homes, shops, offices, and vacant properties across Crawley, with DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years’ experience.

If you need help now, call 01293 699 986. We’re available 24/7 for emergency boarding up in Crawley.

When Storm Damage Happens—and What’s at Risk

Crawley sees its fair share of high winds and heavy rain. During strong weather systems, we regularly attend properties in RH10 and RH11 where:

• Window glazing has blown out or cracked under wind pressure
• Doors have been forced open or warped by impact from debris or swelled frames after heavy rain
• Shopfronts have been struck by signage or loose items from the street
• Roof lights/skylights have shattered, or tiles have lifted, leaving an open route for water
• Fences and temporary hoardings have collapsed, creating security risks for sites

Storm damage isn’t just about broken glass; it’s about exposure. An open window or door compromises both security and weatherproofing. Left unprotected, you risk:

• Further water ingress and internal damage to flooring and electrics
• Unauthorised access to the property (especially overnight)
• Structural deterioration if openings aren’t sealed before the next downpour

Our job is to secure property quickly and safely, stabilising the situation until permanent repairs can be arranged. We’ll talk you through options on the phone and give a realistic ETA based on workload and conditions.

How We Secure Properties After Storm Damage

Every job starts with safety. On arrival, our team carries out a quick risk assessment to identify hazards like loose glass, unstable frames, overhead risks, or live electrics. We then choose the best method to secure the opening:

• Window boarding: We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger windows and exposed elevations, or 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate. Boards are cut to size on site for a tight fit.
• Anti-tamper fixings: We use non-return fixings and, where possible, through-bolting with internal spreader plates to prevent removal from outside—important if the property will be unattended.
• Door boarding and temporary doors: For compromised doors, we can board the opening or fit a temporary steel door unit to provide secure access control.
• Shopfront boarding: Larger commercial panes are measured and braced as needed, with solid fixings into the frame or structure. We keep shop signage and trading considerations in mind.
• Roof and skylight boarding: We secure roof openings using weather-resistant boards and coverings, taking care with access and fall protection. If access is unsafe due to storm conditions, we’ll explain temporary alternatives (e.g., internal protection) and arrange a safe return visit.
• Weatherproofing: Where practical, we add damp barriers or flashing tape to reduce immediate water ingress until a glazier or roofer completes permanent works.

What you get on every job:

• Time-stamped photos of damage and the finished boarding
• An itemised invoice and work statement—useful for insurers
• Clear notes if we find further issues (e.g., frame failure or structural concerns)

If a frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain options before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.

Explore related services:

• Window boarding in Crawley
• Door boarding in Crawley
• Shopfront boarding in Crawley
• Roof and skylight boarding in Crawley

Our Step-by-Step Emergency Process

1. Call us on 01293 699 986. We’ll ask about the damage type, property access, and any safety concerns.
2. We provide a realistic ETA based on current conditions. We prioritise urgent calls but don’t quote fixed arrival times.
3. On site, we assess, clear hazards, and measure up for a tight, secure fit.
4. We install boards using anti-tamper fixings and bracing as required. For doors, we can fit a temporary steel door if access is needed.
5. We photograph the work, tidy up, and provide documentation for your insurer.
6. We discuss next steps and recommended permanent repairs.

Need urgent help? Visit our dedicated page for emergency boarding up or call 01293 699 986.

Common Storm-Damage Scenarios We Handle in RH10 & RH11

• High winds have blown out a bedroom window in a semi-detached house; we board externally with 18mm ply, using through-bolts and internal spreaders.
• A shopfront panel has cracked and is bowing; we brace and board to stop collapse, keeping the doorway clear for trading where safe.
• A uPVC back door has been forced open by wind and swollen by rain; we board the opening and advise on a temporary steel door if re-entry is needed.
• A skylight has shattered; we assess roof access and either board externally if safe or secure internally with moisture barriers until roofers attend.

For broader guidance on insurance and claims after weather events, see our insurance claims support.

Materials & Methods: Why Our Approach Works

• Exterior-grade plywood and OSB: Durable, stable under moisture, and suitable for short- to medium-term protection.
• Anti-tamper fixings: Prevent removal from the outside, crucial for vacant or unattended properties.
• Through-bolting with spreader plates: Reduces stress on damaged frames and creates a stronger hold, especially on large panes and shopfronts.
• Bracing: For larger openings, internal bracing prevents bowing and adds rigidity against ongoing wind load.
• Weather awareness: We adjust methods for ongoing rain/wind, ensuring boards stay secure and water ingress is minimised.

If the weather makes certain works unsafe (e.g., roof access in high winds), we’ll stabilise what we can and agree a safe return plan—no risky shortcuts.

What To Do Right Now If Your Property Is Storm-Damaged

• Stay safe: Keep clear of loose glass, unstable frames, and any overhead hazards. Don’t climb onto roofs.
• Isolate power if water has entered near sockets or lighting—only if safe to do so.
• Take photos of the damage before we arrive (if safe). Keep debris you’ve moved aside for the insurer’s assessment.
• Call us on 01293 699 986 for 24/7 boarding up in Crawley.
• If criminal damage is suspected, report it to the police and keep the reference number.
• Contact your insurer early. We’ll provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a clear work statement to support your claim.

Documentation for Insurance Claims

We’re not loss adjusters, but we work with insurers daily. After we make safe, you’ll receive:

• Time-stamped before-and-after photos
• An itemised invoice with materials and labour clearly listed
• A short work statement describing cause (as reported), actions taken, and recommendations

More details are available on our insurance claims page.

Who We Help in Crawley

We board up:

• Residential properties (houses, flats, maisonettes) — see residential boarding
• Commercial premises (shops, offices, hospitality) — see commercial boarding
• Vacant and void properties between tenancies — see vacant property security

All technicians are DBS-checked, and we’re fully insured. We’ve been trading locally for over a decade, covering RH10 and RH11.

FAQs: Storm Damage in Crawley

Can you board up my smashed window tonight in Crawley?

Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency boarding up across RH10 and RH11. Call 01293 699 986 and we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on conditions.

I’m in RH10 and my skylight shattered—can you secure it in the rain?

If roof access is safe, we’ll board and weatherproof. If wind or conditions make access unsafe, we’ll secure internally to limit water ingress and return when it’s safe.

Do you provide temporary doors after storm damage to my back door?

Yes. We can board the opening or install a temporary steel door for secure access control. See door boarding for details.

My shopfront in Crawley Town Centre is cracked after high winds—can you keep me trading?

Often, yes. We can brace and board the glazing while keeping access clear if the frame allows. We’ll discuss safe trading options on site. See shopfront boarding.

Will boarding up be accepted by my insurer after storm damage?

In our experience, yes. We provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement—typically what insurers request. For guidance, see insurance claims.

How long will the boards need to stay on?

Until permanent repairs are in place. Many customers keep boards for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on glazier/roofer lead times and weather.

Do you cover both RH10 and RH11 areas?

Yes—across Crawley and surrounding neighbourhoods. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible.

Can you quote a fixed arrival time during a storm?

We don’t promise fixed times due to changing conditions and workload. Call us and we’ll give the most accurate ETA we can and keep you updated.

Related Services and Next Steps

• Need your windows secured? See window boarding in Crawley
• Damaged or swollen door? See door boarding in Crawley
• Broken shop glazing? See shopfront boarding in Crawley
• Exposed roof or skylight? See roof boarding in Crawley

For immediate assistance with storm damage, call 01293 699 986. Prefer email? Contact info@boarding-up-crawley.co.uk.

Need Help Now?

If your property has been hit by storm damage and you need to make safe, we’re here 24/7. Call 01293 699 986 for emergency boarding up in Crawley, or visit our 24-hour emergency page for rapid support.