Boarding Up FAQs (Southend-on-Sea & SS Postcodes)

If you’re looking at boarding up because something has just happened—a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a shopfront attack—you’re not alone. These are stressful moments, and most people have the same practical questions: how quickly can someone attend, what will be fitted, will it keep the property secure, and what will insurance need?

We provide boarding up in Southend-on-Sea and across the SS postcode area (SS0–SS22). If you need urgent help, you can speak to us any time.

Need help now? Call 01702 967 571 for immediate assistance.

Quick answers (for urgent situations)

If you have a smashed window or damaged door: We can attend to make safe, fit temporary boarding, and help you secure the property until repairs are arranged.
Out of hours / overnight: We handle out of hours call-outs; we’ll give a realistic ETA on the phone based on current workload and access.
Insurance: We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for (photos, invoice, description of works).
If the frame is badly damaged: We’ll explain what can and can’t be done non-destructively before proceeding.

For urgent attendance, see: emergency boarding up

FAQs

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up in Southend-on-Sea?

Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up for Southend-on-Sea and SS postcodes, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, weather, and the complexity of the job vary—but when you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA and prioritise urgent cases (such as exposed ground-floor windows, shopfronts, or properties that can’t be locked).

If you need help tonight, start here: emergency boarding up

What counts as “emergency boarding up”?

Emergency boarding up usually means there’s an immediate security or safety risk, for example:

A smashed window leaving the property exposed
A break-in where the door won’t lock or has been forced
A commercial shopfront boarded up requirement after impact or vandalism
Storm damage where glass is cracked, loose, or missing
Fire or flood incidents where openings are insecure (we secure the building—we don’t provide remediation)

If you’re unsure, call and describe what’s happened—we’ll tell you whether boarding is the right next step.

Can you board up a broken window the same day?

Often, yes—especially for urgent situations like a board up broken window request following vandalism or a break-in. Same-day attendance depends on the time you call, where you are in the SS region, and the current demand.

If speed matters, the most helpful details to share on the phone are:

The postcode
Whether it’s ground floor or upper floor
Approximate size/type of opening (small pane vs large window, shopfront glazing, etc.)
Whether access is straightforward (rear access, shared hallway, gated side access)

More on the service itself: window boarding in Southend-on-Sea

What materials do you use—plywood or OSB?

We typically use exterior-grade plywood for most emergency window and door boarding because it’s strong, stable, and performs well in wet weather. OSB (oriented strand board) can be suitable for smaller openings or certain temporary applications, depending on exposure and security needs.

As a guide:

18mm exterior-grade plywood is common for larger or higher-risk openings
12mm OSB may be used where appropriate for smaller or lower-risk areas

We’ll choose the most suitable option for the opening, the risk level, and how long the property is likely to remain boarded.

How do you fix boards without causing extra damage?

Where the frames are sound, we aim for secure fixing methods that minimise additional damage while still preventing outside removal.

Depending on the situation, we may use:

Through-bolting with penny washers and internal battens (very secure for larger openings)
Anti-tamper fixings where appropriate (helpful if the property will be unattended)
Fixing methods tailored to uPVC, timber frames, or masonry reveals

If the frame is already compromised (splintered timber, crumbling masonry, distorted uPVC), we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Sometimes a safe and secure result requires more robust fixing, and we’ll talk you through that trade-off.

Can you board up a door as well as a window?

Yes—if you need to board up a door after a break-in or impact, we can secure it. In many cases we can board over or brace a damaged door; in others, a temporary steel door may be a better medium-term option—particularly for vacant properties or repeated targeting.

Do you install temporary steel doors?

Yes. Temporary steel doors can be a strong option where a timber door has been forced or where a property is going to be empty for a period (probate, renovation, change of tenant, fire damage, etc.). They provide a usable access point while maintaining security.

This is especially helpful if you need ongoing access for trades or inspections without repeatedly removing and refitting boards.

Can you secure a shopfront after vandalism or impact?

Yes. We regularly attend commercial sites where glazing has been damaged and a shopfront boarded up is needed to prevent theft, weather ingress, and further vandalism. We can board from inside or outside depending on access and safety, and we’ll aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

More detail here: shopfront boarding and for the scenario: vandalism repair

Will boarding up stop rain and cold air getting in?

Boarding substantially reduces exposure and helps prevent further damage, but it’s not the same as reinstating proper glazing. We fit boards as tightly and securely as practical; however, if the surrounding frame is damaged or the opening is irregular, complete weather sealing may not be possible without additional remedial work.

If weatherproofing is a key concern (for example after storm damage), tell us when you call so we can plan the right materials and approach.

Related: storm damage and roof boarding

Do you board up roofs and skylights?

Yes—rooflights and skylights can be a major risk after storm damage or impact because water ingress can escalate quickly. Roof boarding is more complex due to access, height, and safe working requirements, so we’ll ask a few questions first (pitch, access, visible damage, and whether any areas are unsafe).

What should I do immediately after a break-in?

If it’s safe to do so:

Call the police first if the intruder may still be nearby or if there’s evidence of a crime.
Avoid touching damaged locks, doors, or windows (it may affect evidence).
Take photos from a safe distance for your records/insurer.
Call us to secure the property after burglary and make safe.
Contact your insurer as soon as you can and keep your crime reference number.

Situation guidance: burglary repairs and urgent help: emergency boarding up

Can you help after a fire or flood?

Yes—with an important limitation. After a fire or flood, our role is usually to secure openings (broken windows, damaged doors, compromised access points). We do not provide smoke/odour remediation, drying, or decontamination—those are specialist services—but we can help stabilise security while you arrange the next steps.

See: fire damage and flood damage

What if the police or fire service have already “made safe”?

That’s common. Emergency services may make an area safe in the moment, but their temporary measures aren’t always designed for longer-term security or weather protection. We can replace ad-hoc coverings with properly fixed boarding and provide documentation you can use for your insurer or managing agent.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, boarding up is considered a reasonable emergency measure to prevent further loss, and many policies allow it—but cover varies. We’re not insurance advisers, but we can provide what insurers typically request, such as:

Itemised invoice
Description of works completed (what was secured and how)
Time-stamped photos where possible

For practical guidance: insurance claims

What documentation will you provide?

Typically, you’ll receive:

An invoice with clear details of the work carried out
A short work statement describing what was boarded and the fixing method used
Photos (when appropriate and safe to take), useful for insurers and landlords

If you have special requirements (facilities management processes, purchase order references, site sign-in rules), mention this when you book.

Are you insured and are your technicians DBS-checked?

Yes. We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. If you’re arranging boarding for a vulnerable site (schools, care settings, supported housing, or public buildings), tell us in advance so we can follow your access procedures.

Do you work with landlords, letting agents, and facilities managers?

Yes. We often secure:

Empty/void properties between tenancies
Communal entrances and stairwell windows in blocks
Commercial units pending glazing or door replacement

If you’re managing multiple sites, we can keep communication simple with photos and consistent paperwork.

See: commercial boarding up and vacant property boarding up

How long can a property stay boarded up?

That depends on the risk level, exposure to weather, and the method used. Some boarding is intended for short-term emergency security; other solutions (like temporary steel doors or security screens) can be more suitable for longer periods.

If you expect delays with glazing or building repairs, tell us—so we can recommend a safer, more durable option from the start.

Will boarding up damage the window frame or brickwork?

Any secure fixing method may leave some fixings/marks—security requires mechanical fixing. We aim to minimise avoidable damage, but if the priority is preventing unauthorised entry, we won’t compromise on safety.

If your frames are already damaged (common after forced entry), we’ll explain what’s realistically achievable and what may need follow-on repair by a joiner, glazier, or builder.

Do you cover my area in the SS postcode region?

Yes. We cover Southend-on-Sea and surrounding SS postcodes (SS0–SS22). If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call with your postcode and we’ll confirm.

You can also check: areas we cover

How much does boarding up cost in Southend-on-Sea?

Costs vary because no two jobs are the same. Pricing is typically influenced by:

Size and number of openings
Type of property (residential vs commercial)
Access (upper floors, rear access restrictions, height work)
Fixing method required (especially if frames are compromised)
Materials (plywood/OSB, steel doors, screens)

We’ll ask a few questions and give you a clear quote before attending where possible.

More detail: pricing

How do I book, and what information do you need?

Call us and we’ll guide you through it. Helpful details include:

Postcode and whether it’s a flat, house, or commercial unit
What’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)
Whether glass is loose or there are any immediate hazards
Any access constraints (shared entrance, shutters, keyholder availability)

If it’s urgent, don’t worry if you don’t have every detail—just call and we’ll work it out with you.

Still got a question?

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, need to board up a door, or want to secure property after an incident, we’re here to help across Southend-on-Sea and SS postcodes.

Need help now? Call 01702 967 571
Or email: [email protected]

For everything else, you can also reach us here: contact us

Request a Call-Back Today