What Is Boarding Up in Kingston

What is boarding up in Kingston? It’s the fast, temporary way to board up and secure damaged or vulnerable openings so your property stays safe and weather-tight until permanent repairs are arranged. Whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, a storm-damaged skylight or a void property that needs securing, boarding up gives immediate security and peace of mind across KT postcodes.

If you’re facing an urgent situation, we’re available 24/7 to make-safe and secure. For planned works or advice, our team will guide you calmly through your options.

What does boarding up mean?

Boarding up is the practice of covering and securing openings—typically windows, doors, shopfronts, rooflights or other access points—with robust sheet materials (usually plywood or OSB) fixed using anti-tamper methods. The goal is to:

  • Secure the property against unauthorised access and theft.
  • Make the area safe by containing broken glass and sharp edges.
  • Protect against weather, pests and further damage.
  • Provide temporary security until glazing, doors or other repairs are completed.

Done properly, boarding up is a controlled, non-destructive process. The board is sized and fitted to the opening and fixed in place so it can’t be easily removed from outside. Where needed, temporary steel doors or anti-vandal security screens can be fitted to manage medium-term or high-risk security.

When you might need boarding up

You might need emergency boarding up in Kingston after:

  • Burglary or attempted break-in (forced windows or doors).
  • Vandalism, including smashed windows or graffiti-related damage.
  • Storm impact, high winds or debris damage to glazing, roof windows or skylights.
  • Fire damage, where glass has cracked or frames are compromised.
  • Flood, where swollen frames won’t close or secure properly.
  • Accidents and impacts (e.g., a ball through a window or vehicle contact with a shopfront).
  • Vacant or void property management to deter trespass and fly-tipping.

We cover all common property types, from flats and terraced homes through to retail shopfronts, offices, warehouses, schools and managed residential blocks across KT1–KT24. If you need targeted support—for example, fast window boarding in Kingston after a smashed pane—we’ll advise the quickest, most secure option for your situation.

Materials and methods we use

We use proven, professional materials and fixings chosen for security, safety and weather resistance:

  • Plywood and OSB: Typically 11–18 mm thick, selected according to opening size, exposure and risk. Exterior-grade (WBP) plywood or moisture-resistant OSB is used for weather-facing boards.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: Coach bolts, carriage bolts and security screws that cannot be easily removed externally. Where appropriate, we use through-bolting with back plates to spread load without crushing frames.
  • Packers and bracing: Timber packers to protect reveals, distribute pressure and avoid undue stress on frames; structural bracing for larger spans.
  • Weatherproofing: Sealants, flashings or temporary membranes where required; tarpaulins for roof and skylight incidents as an interim weatherproof measure.
  • Temporary steel doors: Purpose-built steel security doors with multi-point locking for compromised entrances or when controlled access is needed.
  • Steel security screens: Perforated or Sitex-style anti-vandal screens for medium-term protection of vulnerable or vacant properties, allowing airflow and visibility where appropriate.

Every installation is risk-assessed onsite. We choose the lightest, least intrusive method that still achieves the right level of security.

Non-destructive securing, wherever possible

Our principle is simple: secure the property without causing additional damage. In most cases, we avoid drilling into frames. Instead, we use the surrounding masonry or timber reveals and through-bolting that clamps the board from inside to out, so external removal is extremely difficult.

Exceptions where minimal drilling or alternative fixings may be required include:

  • Frames that are already structurally damaged or rotten.
  • Severe impacts (e.g., ram-raid to a shopfront) where standard bracing won’t hold.
  • Fire or storm incidents where the surrounding structure is weakened.
  • Roof or skylight situations where access or safe anchoring demands purpose-made fix points.

We’ll explain our approach before we start and note any exceptions on your paperwork. Your safety and the integrity of the property come first.

Safety, access and RAMS

Safety is paramount for you, the public and our technicians. We:

  • Make-safe the immediate area, including glass clean-up where necessary.
  • Use safe access methods—ladders, roof ladders, towers or MEWPs if required—commensurate with the height and location of the opening.
  • Provide RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statement) for commercial sites, managing agents and facilities teams on request.
  • Are fully covered with public liability insurance, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

For roof and skylight boarding, we pay particular attention to weatherproofing, edge protection and safe access, often liaising with your roofer for the permanent repair plan.

What you’ll get for insurance

Insurers usually expect quick action to prevent further damage or loss. We help by providing:

  • Time-stamped photographs of the damage and the make-safe works.
  • An itemised invoice covering labour, materials and access equipment.
  • A brief statement of works describing what we found and how we secured it.

If your incident involves a crime, keep your police reference number with your paperwork. For a clear overview of documents and next steps, see our dedicated insurance support.

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we’ll cooperate with your insurer, managing agent or loss assessor to keep things moving.

How the process works

Here’s how we typically board up and secure a property:

  1. Initial call and advice
  • We’ll ask about the incident, opening size(s), floor level and access.
  • If safe, send a quick photo so we can plan materials and fixings.
  1. Rapid attendance and assessment
  • 24/7 availability across Kingston and the wider KT area.
  • We assess safety, structure and the best non-destructive method.
  1. Quote and go-ahead
  • Clear, no-obligation quote. For urgent make-safe, we can proceed immediately with your approval.
  1. Secure and make-safe
  • Boards are sized, fitted and fixed using anti-tamper methods.
  • Debris is made safe and areas are left tidy.
  1. Handover and paperwork
  • We provide photos and a simple statement of works for your insurer.
  • If needed, we can coordinate with glaziers, door specialists or roofers.

Need immediate help? Our 24/7 emergency boarding up page explains how we mobilise at any hour.

Boarding up vs emergency glazing

Boarding up is the quickest way to secure most incidents, especially out of hours. Emergency glazing is the process of fitting glass straight away. Both have their place:

  • Choose boarding up when: it’s out of hours; glass isn’t available; the frame is damaged; access is difficult; or weather/security risks are high.
  • Choose emergency glazing when: glass is available, the frame is sound and conditions allow safe installation.
  • Board & glaze: In some cases, we board first for immediate safety and swap to glass at the earliest opportunity, often next day during business hours.

If your priority is fast security, boarding up is the reliable first step. We’ll discuss glazing options with you and, where helpful, coordinate with a glazier.

How long does boarding up take?

Most single openings can be made safe in one visit. Duration depends on:

  • Number and size of openings.
  • Height and access complexity.
  • Extent of damage and whether structure is compromised.
  • Material choices (e.g., temporary steel doors or security screens).
  • Out-of-hours working (limited lighting or site constraints).

While we don’t promise fixed ETAs, we operate a mobile, 24/7 service across KT postcodes with efficient dispatch and experienced teams to keep things swift and organised.

What does it cost?

Costs vary based on the opening size(s), material thickness, fixings, height/access, and whether you need temporary steel doors or security screens. We also consider time of day and travel within KT. We never charge for work you don’t need, and our quotes are itemised so you can see exactly what’s included.

For a full explanation of cost factors, see our guide to boarding up prices. We’ll give you a clear, no-obligation quote before work begins.

Why choose us in Kingston

  • Local presence across Kingston upon Thames and the KT area (KT1–KT24), with 24/7 availability.
  • 10+ years’ experience delivering boarding up services for homes, shops and managed properties.
  • Public liability insured boarding up service for peace of mind.
  • DBS-checked technicians for boarding up, respectful and careful in occupied homes and sensitive sites.
  • Non-destructive securing wherever possible, with clear explanations when exceptions apply.
  • Professional materials: exterior-grade plywood/OSB, anti-tamper fixings, steel doors and steel security screens when needed.
  • Insurer-friendly paperwork: time-stamped photos, itemised invoices, and simple statements of work.
  • Tidy workmanship and considerate conduct—protective coverings, safe clean-up and neat finishes.
  • Workmanship guarantee on our fixings and installation for the duration the temporary security remains in place.

We’re boarding up specialists focused on calm, reliable support when you need it most.

FAQs

What is boarding up in Kingston?

It’s a temporary, secure covering for damaged or vulnerable openings using robust boards and anti-tamper fixings, designed to prevent entry and keep your property safe and weather-tight until permanent repairs are done.

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

Prices depend on size, height/access, materials, time of day and the number of openings. We don’t publish fixed rates because every job is different. For typical cost factors, see boarding up prices, and we’ll provide a clear quote before any work starts.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially when related to burglary, vandalism, storm or impact. Policies vary, so check your wording or speak to your insurer. We provide photos, an itemised invoice and a brief statement to support claims. More detail is on our insurance support.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We use non-destructive methods wherever possible, typically clamping to the surrounding reveals so we don’t drill frames. If damage makes this impossible, we’ll explain options and use the least intrusive solution that still secures the property.

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

Us. We provide out-of-hours callouts across the KT area for urgent make-safe and security. Learn how we mobilise on our 24/7 emergency boarding up page.

Can you board up doors and shopfronts as well as windows?

Yes. We secure doors, windows, shopfronts, rooflights and more. We can also fit temporary steel doors or steel security screens when higher security or controlled access is required.

How long does a boarded-up opening stay in place?

As long as you need it to, within reason. Many clients replace boards within a few days, while vacant properties may use longer-term solutions such as steel screens or temporary steel doors.

What happens next

If you need advice, a same-day make-safe, or help with insurer paperwork, we’re here. We’ll assess your situation, explain the options and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. If it’s urgent, we’ll get a team moving straight away. If it’s planned, we’ll schedule a convenient time and coordinate with your glazier, door supplier or roofer as needed.

For targeted help with a broken pane, our window boarding in Kingston page explains what to expect. If you’re dealing with a sudden incident, head to 24/7 emergency boarding up for immediate assistance.

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

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