Boarding-Up FAQs for Watford (WD1–WD25)

If you need to secure a property in Watford or the wider WD area, these frequently asked questions explain what to do, how we work, and what to expect. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, are fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

For urgent help right now, please see our dedicated emergency page: emergency boarding up.

Quick answers to common questions

Do you offer 24/7 emergency boarding up in Watford?

Yes. We provide out of hours call-outs across WD postcodes. Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload. Call and we’ll give a realistic ETA based on current conditions: Call 01923 311 082. For immediate guidance, visit emergency boarding up.

Which areas do you cover?

We cover all WD postcodes (WD1–WD25), including Watford town centre, North Watford, West Watford, Bushey, Garston, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth and surrounding localities. See our full map and local pages here: areas we cover.

What happens when I call you?

  • We confirm your location and situation (burglary, smashed window, storm damage, etc.).
  • We assess access and materials needed (window size, door type, shopfront glazing).
  • We provide a realistic ETA and costs overview (no fixed quotes until we’ve assessed on site).
  • On arrival, we secure the opening using appropriate methods and provide documentation.
    Explore our approach by situation: burglary repairs, vandalism repair, storm damage.

Can you make my property safe the same day?

That’s our aim for emergencies. While we don’t guarantee specific times, we prioritise urgent calls to secure property and make safe. For planned work or larger shopfronts, we’ll schedule to suit access and trading hours. See shopfront boarding for commercial specifics.

What materials do you use to board up?

We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger windows, and 12–18mm OSB for smaller openings. We fit with anti-tamper fixings and, where possible, brace from the inside to avoid damage to frames. For medium-term security, we offer temporary steel doors and steel security screen options for void properties (see vacant property).

Will boarding up damage my frames?

Our first choice is non-destructive methods that fix to the structural reveal or internal bracing. If frames are too compromised to hold fixings safely, we’ll explain options on site before proceeding. You’ll get time-stamped photos showing condition before and after.

How long does boarding up take?

Most single-window or door jobs take 45–90 minutes once on site. Larger shopfronts, multi-panel glazing, or roof access can take longer. Weather, access (alleys, upper floors), and out of hours constraints also affect duration. Learn more: window boarding and roof boarding.

How much does boarding up cost in Watford?

Costs vary with opening size, number of panels, access (ladders/towers), out of hours timing, and materials. We don’t quote fixed prices online, but we’ll outline likely costs over the phone and confirm on site before work. See our honest breakdown: pricing.

Do you work with insurance claims?

Yes. We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide what insurers typically need: time-stamped photos, itemised invoices, and a statement of works. Keep your police reference number if applicable. Practical guidance here: insurance claims.

Can you help after a burglary?

Absolutely. We’ll secure the point of entry (door or window), advise on interim measures, and supply documentation for insurers. If locks have been compromised, we’ll secure the opening; lock replacement may require a locksmith. Start here: burglary repairs.

Do you board shopfronts and commercial premises?

Yes—retail, offices, restaurants, and light industrial. We carry larger sheets and can work out of hours to keep disruption down. We can also install temporary steel doors for secure access. Details: shopfront boarding and commercial properties.

What if my skylight or roof is damaged?

We can provide emergency roof and skylight boarding to make safe and weatherproof, subject to safe access. We carry tarps, edge protection options, and can arrange towers if needed. Learn more: roof boarding.

Can you install a temporary steel door?

Yes. For forced-entry doors or vacant properties, we can fit a temporary steel door frame with secure locks for medium-term use. See options under door boarding and vacant property.

Do you remove the boards later?

We can return to remove boards when permanent glazing or doors are ready. We’ll agree this at the initial visit or you can schedule via contact. Keep the invoice to align with your glazier’s timescales.

Are your technicians DBS-checked and insured?

Yes. All technicians attending properties are DBS-checked, and our company is fully insured. We’re an established local team with 10+ years trading in the WD area.

How do you secure from the inside if the window is smashed?

Where safe to enter, we measure the aperture and use internal bracing or fix into the structural reveal with anti-tamper bolts that cannot be removed from outside. This reduces the risk of tampering and protects vulnerable frames.

What should I do right now if my window is smashed?

  • If a crime is in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999.
  • If safe, take photos of the damage and any relevant footprints/tyre marks.
  • Keep your police reference number (if applicable).
  • Call us to make safe and secure the opening.
  • Contact your insurer early and follow their instructions.

Do you give exact arrival times?

No fixed times. Conditions vary with traffic, weather, workload, and access needs. When you call, we’ll give a realistic ETA and keep you updated if anything changes. For urgent cases, we prioritise attendance.

Can a landlord authorise boarding without the tenant present?

Yes, provided we have access and confirmation from the responsible party. We’ll document the condition on arrival and after boarding. See options for landlords and agents under residential and vacant property.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often yes, but policies vary. Emergency securing is commonly covered under buildings insurance after events like burglary or storm damage. We’ll provide itemised invoices and photos; your insurer will confirm coverage. More details: insurance claims.

Do you handle smoke or water clean-up after fire or flood?

We secure the property (doors, windows, roof openings) to prevent further loss. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation or drying services. See situations: fire damage and flood damage.

Can you work alongside the police or fire service?

Yes. We regularly attend sites after first responders have made the scene safe. We’ll liaise on access and secure the property promptly once clearance is given.

What types of fixings do you use?

We use anti-tamper fixings and appropriate bracing. For masonry reveals, shield anchors or through-bolts with security heads are typical. For timber reveals, we select fixings that maximise hold without splitting. Every job is assessed on site.

Do you offer planned, non-emergency boarding?

Yes—useful for scheduled refurbishments, vacant property protection, or while awaiting glazing. We can advise on temporary boarding versus medium-term options like steel screens for voids: vacant property.

How do you handle upper-floor windows?

We carry ladders and, where necessary, arrange towers or alternative access. Safety comes first; if conditions prevent safe work (e.g., high winds for roof boarding), we’ll discuss options and timing.

What documentation do I receive?

  • Time-stamped photos (before and after)
  • Itemised invoice with materials and labour
  • Statement of works noting cause (as reported), location, and security measures
    These support insurance claims and facilities records.

Do you help with impact damage (vehicle strike or accident)?

Yes. We assess structural safety visually; if there are signs of structural compromise, we’ll advise engaging a structural engineer or relevant authority before we board. More on scenarios: accident damage.

Can you keep ventilation for flood-damaged properties?

Where requested and safe, we can include temporary venting strategies to reduce internal humidity while keeping security in place. Discuss with the attending technician. See: flood damage.

What if my business needs to trade tomorrow?

We’ll secure the opening to be safe and compliant overnight, and, if needed, install a lockable temporary door to maintain controlled access. Read more: shopfront boarding and door boarding.

How do I decide between plywood and security screens?

  • Plywood/OSB: short-term, rapid, cost-effective emergency protection.
  • Steel security screens/doors: longer-term, higher security for void or repeatedly targeted properties.
    We’ll recommend based on risk, duration, and access requirements. See vacant property.

Do you help residential customers as well as businesses?

Yes. We work across homes, flats, and maisonettes as well as shops, offices, and facilities. Learn about our property-specific approach: residential and commercial.

Can you coordinate with my glazier or contractor?

Yes. We can leave clear access, temporary doors, and remove boarding once your works are ready. Use contact to align schedules.

Do you charge extra out of hours?

Out of hours, access complexity, and additional materials can affect cost. We’ll be transparent about any factors before you approve work. See our guidance on cost factors: pricing.

What should I prepare before you arrive?

  • Ensure safe access where possible.
  • Keep pets and people away from broken glass.
  • Gather policy numbers and any police reference.
  • Take photos (if safe) before any clean-up—useful for insurers.

Are you truly local to the WD area?

Yes. We’ve served Watford and WD postcodes for over a decade, from WD1 town centre through WD25. See nearby area pages for local insight, e.g. boarding up in Watford WD1, North Watford WD24, and Rickmansworth WD3.

Note: If your exact area isn’t listed, we still cover it—check areas we cover or call to confirm.

Need help now?

Need emergency window boarding or to secure a property tonight? Call 01923 311 082 for immediate assistance, or email us for non-urgent enquiries.