Boarding Up FAQs

Looking for clear answers about emergency boarding up in Kingston upon Thames and the KT postcode area? You’re in the right place. Below we’ve answered the most common questions local homeowners, tenants, landlords, shop owners and facilities managers ask when they need fast, reliable, affordable help. If you need urgent assistance now, please Call 020 4572 1601 for 24/7 support.

Your questions answered

What is boarding up?

Boarding up means temporarily securing damaged or vulnerable openings—such as broken windows, doors and shopfronts—using strong sheet materials (typically OSB or plywood) fixed with anti-tamper screws. The aim is to make the property safe, weather-resistant and secure until permanent repairs can be arranged. See our core services on boarding up services in Kingston.

How long does it take to board up a property?

Simple ground-floor windows can usually be secured in under an hour once we arrive. Larger spans, upper floors, complex shopfronts or cases that require towers or temporary steel doors will take longer. We work efficiently and safely to finish in one visit wherever possible. For urgent call-outs, visit 24/7 emergency boarding up.

How much does it cost to board up a window in Kingston?

Costs vary by opening size and number, access (ground floor vs upper levels), material thickness, fixings required, time of day, and whether doors or temporary steel doors are involved. We don’t publish fixed prices because every site differs; instead, we provide clear, itemised quotes. Learn more about factors on boarding up prices.

Do you cover my area? I searched for “emergency window boarding near me”.

Yes. We’re local to Kingston upon Thames and cover KT1–KT24, including Surbiton, Norbiton, New Malden, Tolworth, Chessington, Hampton Wick, Thames Ditton, Esher, Epsom and beyond. Check our full coverage on areas we cover, or if it’s urgent, head straight to 24/7 emergency boarding up.

Who do I call for a broken window late at night?

Us. We operate 24/7 for emergency property securing. We’ll make the area safe, clear loose glass if needed, and secure with boards to deter intruders and protect from weather. For specifics, see window boarding in Kingston.

What should I do if my shop window is smashed?

  • Keep people away from the broken glass and cordon off the area if you can.
  • Call us to secure the frontage and make it safe.
  • Take photos for your insurer and note any CCTV timings.
    We can liaise on shutters/roller doors and provide simple RAMS when needed. See shopfront boarding and vandalism repair.

Can you secure my home after a break-in?

Yes. We regularly carry out post-burglary boarding up across KT. We can secure doors and windows, fit a temporary steel door if the frame is compromised, and provide insurer-friendly paperwork with time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice.

Who can board up my window tonight?

We can. We have mobile teams on call out-of-hours. If you’re in Kingston or anywhere in KT postcodes, call us now: Call 020 4572 1601. For service details, see window boarding in Kingston.

Can you board up after a storm?

Yes. We handle storm-blown windows, doors, roof lights and skylights, with temporary weatherproofing where needed. See storm damage boarding and roof & skylight boarding.

Do you offer emergency door replacement after a kick-in?

Immediately after a forced entry or kick-in, we can install robust boarding or a temporary steel door to secure the premises. Once safe, you can arrange permanent repair or replacement. See door boarding up.

Are you insured and are your technicians DBS checked?

Yes. We carry public liability insurance, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been securing properties locally for over a decade, with tidy, respectful work and clear communication at every step.

Will boarding up damage my frames or walls?

We use non-destructive securing wherever possible, fixing into solid surrounds and using anti-tamper fixings designed to resist removal from the outside. Where structures are unstable (e.g., after an impact) we’ll explain any necessary exceptions before proceeding.

What materials do you use?

We typically use construction-grade OSB or plywood in 11–18 mm thickness, chosen to suit the opening, exposure and risk. Fixings are anti-tamper for security. For high-risk or medium-term protection, we can supply steel security solutions.

Do you install temporary steel doors or steel security screens?

Yes. Where doors are compromised or properties are vacant/void, we can fit temporary steel doors and anti-vandal security screens. This is common for vacant property security or after fire damage. We’ll advise on suitability and access arrangements.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism or storm damage—but policies vary. We provide insurance-ready paperwork (time-stamped photos, itemised invoice, simple work statement). Keep your police reference number if one was issued. See insurance support.

Can you help with my insurance claim?

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we do provide everything your insurer usually needs to process an emergency securing claim. Learn more at insurance support.

How quickly can you attend? I need the fastest boarding up service in Kingston.

We operate 24/7 with mobile coverage across KT and dispatch efficiently. Travel and job complexity affect arrival, but we prioritise emergencies and keep you updated. For immediate help, go to 24/7 emergency boarding up.

What’s the process for emergency boarding up?

  • Call us with the address, issue and any safety concerns.
  • We assess, make safe (including glass clean-up if needed) and secure openings.
  • We provide photos and an itemised invoice for your records/insurer.
    Explore options via boarding up services in Kingston.

Do you clean up broken glass?

Yes—safety is our first priority. We clear accessible broken glass and debris from the immediate area before boarding, and we tidy afterwards. For shopfronts, we can also help you establish a safe cordon; see shopfront boarding.

Can you work around roller shutters?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with shutters and roller doors, including after-hours work for minimal disruption. We can provide simple RAMS when required. Details at commercial boarding up.

Do you handle roof lights and skylights?

Yes. We secure skylights and roof openings with appropriate boarding and temporary weatherproofing, using safe access methods. See roof & skylight boarding.

How long should boards stay up?

They’re a temporary measure. Many customers keep boards in place until glazing or door replacement is arranged—anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks. We can revisit to remove or adjust boards as needed.

Do you offer permanent glazing repairs?

We focus on secure boarding and make-safe works. Where glazing is required, we can coordinate “board & glaze” with trusted partners so you’re covered both immediately and for the follow-up. For immediate securing, start with window boarding in Kingston.

What do I do if my window is smashed?

  • Keep children and pets away; don’t touch large shards.
  • If intruders are suspected, call the police and get a reference number.
  • Take photos for insurance.
  • Call us to secure the opening. See vandalism repair.

Can you secure properties after fire or flood?

Yes, we secure entry points, windows and doors after incidents. We do not perform smoke/soot clean-up or drying; our role is make-safe securing. Learn about fire damage boarding and flood damage boarding.

Do you provide residential and commercial services?

Yes, from flats and houses to shops, offices and facilities. See residential boarding up and commercial boarding up.

Can you keep a property ventilated after a flood while still secure?

We’ll discuss ventilation vs security with you on site and can adapt solutions (e.g., vent gaps or revisit schedules) to balance drying needs with safety. More on incidents at flood damage boarding.

Are your fixings anti-tamper?

Yes. Anti-tamper fixings are designed so they can’t be easily removed from outside, improving security and meeting insurer expectations for temporary measures.

Will you take photos for my insurer?

Yes. We provide time-stamped “before and after” photos, an itemised invoice and a brief work statement. Keep any police reference number with your claim. See what’s included at insurance support.

Can you secure a property after vehicle impact?

Yes. Safety is paramount with structural impacts. We’ll assess stability, set up a safety cordon if needed and secure openings. See accidental breakage boarding.

Do you guarantee your workmanship?

Yes, we stand behind our workmanship on temporary securing. If there’s any issue with the way we’ve fixed the boards or temporary doors, we’ll put it right.

What thickness boards do you use?

Typically 11–18 mm OSB or plywood depending on span, risk and exposure. Wider openings or high-risk locations may need thicker sheets and additional bracing. We’ll explain our choice on site.

How do you access upper floors safely?

We use appropriate access equipment—ladders or towers—following safe working practices. If access is challenging, we’ll discuss options before work begins and include this in your quote.

Can you provide a same-day quote?

Often yes. For many jobs we can give a fast estimate over the phone based on photos and measurements, then confirm on arrival. For non-urgent works, request a free, no-obligation quote via our Kingston team or review boarding up prices.

Police commonly advise victims to secure damaged properties promptly. While we don’t claim endorsement from any authority, our methods align with typical insurer expectations for emergency property securing.

Do you offer affordable or cheap boarding up?

We keep pricing fair and transparent for Kingston and the wider KT area, without compromising on materials or safety. Because every job differs, we’ll explain all cost factors before work starts. Learn about value and inclusions at boarding up prices.

Can landlords, estate agents or facilities managers set up an account?

We work regularly with landlords, agents and FM teams for one-off emergencies and scheduled void security. For recurring needs such as vacant property security or multi-site coverage, please contact our Kingston team.

Do you remove boards when permanent repairs are done?

Yes. We can revisit to remove boards or temporary steel doors once your glazing or doors are ready. Just let us know your dates and we’ll schedule a convenient removal.

Will you liaise with other trades on site?

Happily. We often coordinate with locksmiths, glaziers, roofers and shutter engineers. Our focus is make-safe securing so others can complete permanent repairs efficiently.

What information should I have ready when I call?

  • Address and best access details
  • What’s damaged (window, door, shopfront, roof light) and approximate size
  • Any safety concerns (loose glass, high-level access, electrical hazards)
  • If applicable: police reference number and insurer details

Do you provide advice for prevention after an incident?

Yes. Once secure, we can offer practical suggestions (temporary lighting, better locks, improved glazing, or steel screens for voids) to reduce repeat issues. For longer-term measures, see vacant property security.

Can you attend out of hours without disturbing neighbours?

We’ll always act discreetly and work as quietly as practical while maintaining safety. We understand the sensitivities of nighttime call-outs in residential streets.

How do I book or get help now?

If it’s urgent, call us anytime. For quotes or non-urgent enquiries, message us and attach photos if possible. Start at boarding up services in Kingston or contact our Kingston team.

Need more detail on situations?

Helpful links

Need help now? Call 020 4572 1601 or Email us.