Boarding Up Services in Watford (WD1–WD25)

When a window shatters, a door is forced, or a shopfront is damaged, you need clear options and a reliable team. We specialise in professional boarding up across Watford and the WD area, providing practical solutions for emergencies and planned securing works. Our DBS-checked technicians carry the right materials, work cleanly, and document everything for your records or insurer.

We cover all WD postcodes (WD1–WD25), operate 24/7 for urgent incidents, and prioritise safety and clarity over sales talk. If you need immediate help, see our emergency boarding up page or Call 01923 311 082.

What We Do: Specialist Boarding Up Services

We secure damaged or vulnerable openings using the correct method for your situation. Every job is risk-assessed on arrival, and we’ll explain your options before work begins.

Window Boarding

  • When to use: smashed or cracked glazing, vandalism, burglary, accidental breakage, storm or impact damage.
  • Materials: typically 18mm exterior‑grade plywood for larger spans and ground-floor windows; 12mm OSB may be used on small openings or internal protection where appropriate.
  • Fixing methods: anti‑tamper screws into sound frames where possible; through‑bolting or “clamp” methods when frames are compromised; frame‑preserving options discussed on site.
  • Why it works: immediate weather and security protection, deters opportunists, prevents further damage.

Learn more about window boarding in Watford.

Door Boarding Up

  • When to use: forced entry, kicked‑in doors, damaged locks or frames, fire brigade access.
  • Options: temporary plywood boarding to make safe, or a lockable steel door unit for medium‑term security when the door set is beyond quick repair.
  • Considerations: if the frame is warped or the hinges have failed, we’ll explain non‑destructive vs. structural fixings and seek your approval before proceeding.

Explore door boarding in Watford or consider a temporary steel door installation if you need secure access while repairs are arranged.

Shopfront Boarding

  • When to use: smashed plate glass, ram‑raid attempts, after-hours vandalism, or cracked shop glazing that’s unsafe.
  • Approach: larger panel handling, shoring to protect mullions and signage, and careful fascia protection; out‑of‑hours attendance to reduce downtime.
  • Fixings: anti‑tamper external fixings and internal bracing where feasible to reduce pry points.

See how we handle shopfront boarding.

Roof, Skylight and High-Level Boarding

  • When to use: storm damage to skylights, broken roof lights, debris penetration, or fire damage.
  • Approach: safe access planning, temporary weatherproofing, and staged securing until permanent repairs are arranged; we’ll advise on water ingress management.
  • Note: if specialist access equipment is required, we’ll discuss lead times and options on the phone.

Read more about our roof boarding service.

Temporary Steel Doors

  • Best for: post‑burglary door failures, vacant properties, and medium‑term security where controlled access is needed.
  • Features: robust frames, anti‑tamper fixings, and lockable hardware so you can secure the property without a full replacement immediately.
  • Why choose: stronger than timber boarding, allows frequent entry by owners, contractors, or insurers.

Discuss options via our property types pages or call to compare against standard door boarding.

Steel Security Screens (Void Property)

  • Best for: vacant/void properties, repeated vandalism sites, or longer‑term protection.
  • Options: Sitex-style perforated screens for windows, combined with steel doors, to protect without sealing the building airtight.
  • Why it works: resists tampering and removal, useful when properties will be unattended for extended periods.

If you’re unsure which route suits your risk profile, we’ll talk you through pros and cons on site.

How Our Boarding Up Process Works

  1. Call us with your situation. We’ll confirm your location in the WD area and give a realistic ETA based on workload and traffic. For urgent incidents, visit emergency boarding up.
  2. On arrival, we assess damage, hazards, and access. We explain the plan and agree the scope and fixings before we start.
  3. We measure and cut boards accurately on site. Openings are sized to avoid gaps and minimise damage to frames.
  4. Fixings used depend on the substrate: anti‑tamper screws into sound timber/UPVC, braced solutions where frames are compromised, and internal bearers if outer fixings aren’t appropriate.
  5. We make safe and tidy up. We remove loose glass, sweep fragments, and ensure doors/windows are secure.
  6. You receive documentation: time‑stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement suitable for insurers. See how we support claims on our insurance guidance.
  7. We advise on next steps. If a frame is too damaged for non‑destructive methods, we’ll explain repair and replacement pathways and can revisit for adjustments if required.

Materials & Methods We Trust

  • Timber sheets: 18mm exterior‑grade plywood as standard for security spans; 12mm OSB for smaller or internal protection when appropriate.
  • Fixings: anti‑tamper screws, coach bolts, and bracing systems to prevent removal from outside.
  • Weatherproofing: sealants and temporary coverings where water ingress is a risk (especially for roof or skylight issues).
  • Access: ladders and towers for moderate heights; if powered access is needed, we’ll discuss equipment and timing before attendance.

We’ll always choose the least destructive method that still secures the property. Where heritage frames or listed-building considerations apply, we’ll talk through options and limitations.

What You Get With Every Job

  • A clear plan before work starts, including risks and options
  • Competent, DBS‑checked technicians with 10+ years’ trading behind the company
  • Immediate securing to help you make safe and deter further damage
  • Time‑stamped photos and an itemised invoice for insurers
  • Honest advice on repairs and temporary access
  • Transparent pricing factors explained upfront; see our pricing page for what affects cost

When To Call Us: Common Situations

  • Burglary or attempted break‑in: damaged doors, smashed windows, or compromised locks. See post‑burglary securing.
  • Vandalism: shopfront or residential glazing damage. Learn about vandalism repairs.
  • Storm or high winds: broken panes, fallen debris, or roof light failures. See storm damage guidance.
  • Fire or flood aftermath: we secure openings once the emergency services leave. Read fire damage and flood damage.
  • Accidents/impacts: vehicle strikes, ladder impacts, or accidental breakage. More on accident damage.

If you need to “board up broken window,” “board up door,” or get a “shopfront boarded up” out of hours, we can help you secure property across WD1–WD25.

Who We Work With

Coverage Across Watford and the WD Area

We attend throughout the WD postcodes (WD1–WD25), including central Watford and surrounding neighbourhoods. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as conditions allow, day or night. For locality details, browse areas we cover.

If you’re unsure whether your address falls within our patch, call and we’ll confirm straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you operate 24/7 for emergencies?

Yes. We provide out‑of‑hours and same‑day attendance subject to workload. For urgent help, go to emergency boarding up or Call 01923 311 082.

Can you board up without damaging my frames?

Where frames are sound, we favour non‑destructive methods and anti‑tamper fixings. If frames are too damaged, we’ll explain alternatives (bracing or through‑bolting) before proceeding.

What thickness boards do you use?

Typically 18mm exterior‑grade plywood for security and larger spans. We may use 12mm OSB on smaller openings or internal protection where appropriate. We’ll recommend the right specification on site.

Will my insurer accept your documentation?

In our experience, yes. We supply time‑stamped photos, a work statement, and an itemised invoice. See our insurance guidance for what to keep (policy and police reference numbers) and how to claim.

Can you install a temporary steel door instead of timber?

Yes. Temporary steel doors are ideal when you need controlled access and stronger security than timber boarding. We’ll assess suitability on site and explain costs and lead times.

How soon can you attend in the WD area?

Attendance varies by time of day and workload. When you call, we’ll give a realistic ETA. We cover all WD postcodes; check areas we cover or call to confirm.

Do you handle shopfronts and larger panes?

Yes. We regularly secure commercial shopfronts, including after-hours incidents. See shopfront boarding.

How much does boarding up cost?

Price depends on factors like opening size, height/access, materials, and out‑of‑hours attendance. We’re transparent—see our pricing page or call for a no‑obligation estimate.

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Call 01923 311 082 or email us for a free, no‑obligation quote.