What Is Boarding Up?

Boarding up is the process of securing broken, damaged, or vulnerable openings in a building—typically windows, doors, shopfronts, and sometimes roofs—using strong panels and specialist fixings. The aim is to make the property safe, weatherproof, and secure until permanent repairs can be carried out. In Crawley and across RH10 and RH11, people usually need boarding up after a burglary, vandalism, storm damage, fire, flood, or an accidental impact.

At Boarding Up Crawley, we carry out emergency and planned boarding with exterior‑grade materials, fitted using anti‑tamper methods so panels can’t be removed from outside. We’ve been trading for over 10 years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS‑checked. If you need urgent help now, see our emergency boarding up page or Call 01293 699 986.

When You Might Need Boarding Up

Boarding up is used whenever glass, doors, or structure are compromised and you need to secure the property fast:

  • Burglary or attempted break‑in: forced doors, smashed panes, prised frames
  • Vandalism: smashed shop windows, broken entrance glazing, repeated nuisance damage
  • Storm damage: wind or debris breaking windows, tiles through skylights
  • Fire damage: glazing cracked by heat or broken by firefighters for ventilation
  • Flood damage: swollen timber frames that won’t close or latch
  • Accidents and impacts: vehicle strikes, sports mishaps, construction incidents
  • Vacant properties: medium‑term security to deter trespass and protect against weather

If you’re unsure whether boarding is appropriate, call us and we’ll advise. In some cases, a temporary steel door or security screens are the better choice for medium‑term security—see temporary steel doors and security screens for vacant property.

How Boarding Up Works: Our Practical Approach

We focus on making safe first, then securing properly. A typical visit includes:

  1. Initial assessment

    • We make the scene safe, check for loose glass, and assess frame condition.
    • If there are hazards beyond our scope (e.g., structural instability), we’ll explain and advise next steps.

  2. Measuring and material selection

    • We size panels accurately to the opening. Common choices:
      • 18mm exterior‑grade plywood for doors, large windows, and shopfronts
      • 12mm OSB for smaller domestic panes and internal partitions
    • For roofs or skylights we consider extra bracing and temporary weatherproofing.

  3. Fixing method

    • We use through‑bolting with anti‑tamper fixings wherever viable, clamping panels to the internal structure to prevent removal from outside.
    • If the frame is too damaged for non‑destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding and agree the least invasive secure fix.

  4. Weathering and sealing

    • Exposed openings are sealed against rain ingress where practical, especially after storms or if the opening faces prevailing weather.

  5. Handover and documentation

    • You receive time‑stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—useful for insurers. See how we support claims on our insurance claims page.

Materials We Use and Why

  • Exterior‑grade plywood (typically 18mm): Strong, durable, good screw‑holding for anti‑tamper fixings—ideal for doors, wide shopfronts, and high‑risk areas.
  • OSB (typically 12mm): Cost‑effective for smaller or internal openings where weight is a factor.
  • Anti‑tamper fixings and through‑bolts: Prevent removal from outside—critical if the property will be unattended.
  • Temporary steel doors: Fitted when a door is beyond repair or repeated access is needed during remedial works. See door boarding and temporary doors.
  • Security screens: Sitex‑style perforated steel screens for medium‑ to longer‑term void protection. See vacant property solutions.

We’ll always discuss options on site, including pros, cons, and any constraints set by landlords, managing agents, or insurers.

What You Get When You Book Boarding Up

  • Rapid triage and honest ETA on the phone (no fixed guarantees—conditions vary)
  • Make‑safe service, including removal or securing of loose shards where safe to do so
  • Secure boarding sized to your opening with appropriate materials
  • Anti‑tamper installation methods to help deter removal
  • Weatherproofing where feasible
  • Photos and documentation for insurance
  • Transparent pricing structure—see what affects cost on our pricing page
  • Friendly, DBS‑checked technicians, fully insured, with 10+ years trading locally

Boarding Up vs. Other Options

  • Boarding up: Best for immediate security after breakage or when repairs will take time to organise.
  • Temporary steel doors: Best when a door is forced and you still need controlled access for trades or inspections.
  • Security screens: Best for vacant or repeatedly targeted properties, or where long‑term protection is required.
  • Full repair or reglazing: Final fix, usually arranged after the property is secure. We can liaise with your chosen glazier or contractor.

If you’re weighing options, we can recommend the right approach for your situation—domestic, commercial, or vacant. Explore property considerations: residential, commercial, and vacant property.

Typical Scenarios in Crawley (RH10 & RH11)

  • Shopfront smashed out of hours in Crawley Town Centre (RH10): We board externally with 18mm plywood and through‑bolts, leaving visibility lines and access as agreed with the owner. For repeated incidents, we may suggest a temporary steel door at the service entrance.
  • Domestic burglary in Three Bridges (RH10): Side window cracked and won’t lock. We board internally using anti‑tamper fixings to avoid external screw points, measure for reglazing, and supply photos for the insurer.
  • Storm damage in Broadfield (RH11): Branch through a first‑floor window. We set up safe access, remove loose shards, board with OSB or plywood depending on opening size, and seal for weather.

For immediate, out‑of‑hours help, go to 24/7 emergency boarding up in Crawley.

Safety, Access, and Limitations

  • Safety first: We won’t put you or our team at risk. If there’s suspected structural damage or exposed utilities, we may pause and help you contact the relevant service.
  • Access constraints: Upper‑floor windows, roof lights, and large shopfronts may require additional equipment; we’ll explain any implications before starting.
  • No fixed arrival guarantees: Workload and traffic vary across RH10 and RH11, but we prioritise urgent calls and give realistic ETAs.
  • Scope: We secure the property. Deep cleaning, smoke odour removal, and full structural repairs are outside our remit, though we’re happy to coordinate access with your contractors.

Insurance and Documentation

Most insurers understand the need to secure a property quickly after damage. We provide:

  • Time‑stamped photos before and after
  • Itemised invoice with materials and labour
  • Brief work statement noting cause where known (e.g., burglary, storm)

We’re not adjusters or legal advisors, but we know what claims teams typically request. See our guide: Insurance claims support.

Practical tip: If safe, take your own photos before we arrive, and keep your crime reference number for burglary or vandalism claims. Our FAQs cover common questions.

How Long Does Boarding Up Take?

Most standard windows and single doors can be measured, cut, and secured within a single visit. Larger shopfronts, upper floors, or roof openings may take longer due to access and bracing needs. Our goal is to make safe quickly, then complete a professional, durable installation that holds until permanent repairs.

Our Services at a Glance

Process: What Happens When You Call

  1. Call us and tell us what happened and where in RH10 or RH11.
  2. We’ll prioritise your job, confirm key details, and give a realistic ETA.
  3. On arrival, we make safe, measure, and secure the opening with suitable materials.
  4. We photograph the work and provide your documents for insurance.
  5. We discuss next steps—temporary doors, security screens, or coordination with your glazier or builder.

If it’s urgent or out of hours, contact our emergency team.

Local Coverage

We cover Crawley and the surrounding RH10 and RH11 postcode districts, including domestic homes, shops, offices, and vacant properties. For area‑specific guidance, explore nearby pages such as boarding up Crawley Town Centre (RH10), boarding up Three Bridges (RH10), and boarding up Broadfield (RH11). You can also see a map of our areas we cover.

FAQs About Boarding Up

Is boarding up temporary or can it stay in place for weeks?

Boarding is a temporary security measure, but with correct materials and anti‑tamper fixings, panels can remain for weeks if needed. For longer periods or vacant properties, consider steel security screens or a temporary steel door.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We aim for non‑destructive methods using through‑bolts and internal clamping. If the frame is too damaged for that approach, we’ll explain the least invasive secure option before proceeding.

Can you board up out of hours in Crawley?

Yes. We provide out‑of‑hours and 24/7 attendance for emergencies across RH10 and RH11. See 24 hour emergency boarding up in Crawley.

What should I do before you arrive?

Stay safe, keep others away from broken glass, and if it’s a crime, call police and get a reference number. If safe, take photos for your insurer. Then Call 01293 699 986.

Do you work with shops and commercial premises?

Yes—retail, hospitality, and offices are a core part of our work. See shopfront boarding and commercial properties.

How much does boarding up cost in Crawley?

Costs vary with opening size, materials, access, and time of day. We’re transparent about the factors—see our pricing page—and can give an estimate on the phone.

Can you install a temporary door if mine has been forced?

We can fit a temporary steel door for controlled access and improved security. Learn more under door boarding and temporary doors.

Will my insurance cover boarding up?

Often yes, especially after insured events like burglary, vandalism, or storm damage. We provide documentation insurers typically need. See insurance claims.

Next Steps