Window Boarding in Romford (Emergency & Planned Security Across RM Postcodes)
A smashed window is more than an inconvenience — it’s an open invitation for theft, weather damage, and further break-ins. If you need window boarding in Romford, we can help you make safe quickly and professionally across the RM postcode area (RM1–RM50).
Whether it’s a ground-floor window after a burglary, broken glazing from vandalism, or storm damage that’s left a pane loose, our DBS-checked technicians secure the opening with the right materials and fixings for the job — with clear documentation for landlords, managing agents, and insurers.
Need help now? Call 01708 973 306 for immediate assistance.
Prefer not to call? Email info@boarding-up-romford.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
When do you need emergency window boarding?
Most people search for window boarding because something has just happened — and you want the property secure tonight, not next week. We prioritise urgent, vulnerable openings, especially where the property will be unattended.
Common emergency reasons we’re called out in Romford and the wider RM area include:
- A smashed window after vandalism or attempted entry
- A break-in where the lock area is intact, but glazing is broken
- A shop or office window cracked or blown in, needing temporary boarding
- Storm damage that’s pushed debris through the glass or loosened frames
- Accidental impact (e.g., a fall, an object through the pane) that needs a fast make safe
If you’re in a high-footfall area, a flat above a shop, or a property that’s already been targeted once, getting it secured quickly matters. For urgent help, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call now.
Need to board up a broken window? Call 01708 973 306.
What “make safe” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Our priority is to secure the property and reduce immediate risk. On a window call-out, “make safe” typically includes:
- Removing or stabilising loose shards where it’s safe and accessible
- Boarding over the opening with suitable sheet material
- Fixing the board in a way that resists external tampering
- Leaving the site safe for occupants, neighbours, and passers-by
What it doesn’t usually include: replacing glass, fitting new window units, or cosmetic repair. If you need follow-on works, we’ll leave the opening protected so your glazier or contractor can measure and replace safely.
If your issue is more about entry damage to doors, you may need door boarding in Romford instead (or as well).
Our window boarding materials (plywood vs OSB) — and why we choose each
Not all boarding jobs are the same. A small bathroom window needs a different approach to a large bay window or a commercial frontage.
We typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most emergency window boarding
Strong, stable, and better at resisting impact — especially important when a property is vacant or has been targeted. - 12mm OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for smaller openings or lower-risk situations
Cost-effective and perfectly suitable in many residential scenarios.
We’ll choose materials based on:
- Size and shape of the opening
- Height/access (ground floor vs upper floor)
- Whether the property is occupied
- Exposure to wind and rain
- The condition of the surrounding frame (timber, uPVC, aluminium)
If you’re dealing with repeated issues at a vacant building, we may recommend longer-term options like steel security screens or a temporary steel door, depending on where the weak points are. See vacant property boarding in Romford for practical guidance.
How we board up windows (methods and fixings)
We don’t just “screw a board on and leave”. The method matters — especially if the property will be unattended overnight or you’re trying to prevent repeat entry.
1) Assessment and safe access
We start by checking:
- Is the glass still moving in the frame?
- Is there a risk of further collapse?
- Can we work from inside, or is access only external?
- Is the surrounding frame sound enough for fixings?
If there’s any doubt about safety or structural stability, we’ll tell you straight away. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive boarding, we’ll explain options before proceeding.
2) Measuring, cutting, and fitting
We cut boards to suit the opening, aiming for strong coverage without creating weak points. For larger openings, we may use additional bracing or joining methods so the board stays rigid and secure.
3) Anti-tamper fixing where appropriate
Where risk is higher, we use anti-tamper fixings to help prevent boards being removed from outside. This is particularly relevant for:
- Ground-floor windows
- Side/rear access points not easily overlooked
- Empty or void properties
- Commercial units where a boarded window can attract attention
We’ll also consider the surrounding surface (timber, masonry, uPVC) to avoid unnecessary damage and to ensure the board actually holds.
4) Weather protection and practical considerations
Boarding isn’t a perfect weather seal, but done properly it helps keep out wind-driven rain and reduces internal damage. If ventilation is needed (for example after water ingress), we’ll talk through sensible options without compromising security.
For rooflights or overhead glazing, see roof boarding in Romford — the approach and access requirements are different.
Emergency window boarding for homes, flats, and commercial properties
Residential window boarding (houses, flats, maisonettes)
In residential settings, the most common priorities are:
- Securing bedrooms/living rooms quickly
- Keeping children and pets safe from broken glass
- Maintaining privacy once a pane has gone
- Making the property safe to sleep in overnight
If the break relates to forced entry, you might also need support after a burglary. Our burglary repairs and boarding page covers what to do next and what insurers typically ask for.
Commercial window boarding (shops, offices, mixed-use)
For shopfronts and offices, the focus is usually:
- Preventing a second attempt once a window is broken
- Keeping the premises compliant and safe for staff/public
- Reducing downtime until glazing can be replaced
- Providing paperwork for landlords or facilities management
If your frontage is damaged, you may need shopfront boarding in Romford rather than standard window boarding (larger panels, higher visibility, different fixings).
What happens when you call us (a simple, practical process)
-
Tell us what’s happened
We’ll ask a few quick questions: location (postcode), window type, size, floor level, and whether the property is occupied. -
We give you a realistic ETA
We don’t promise fixed arrival times — conditions vary — but we prioritise urgent calls and will tell you honestly what we can do. -
We secure the opening and provide documentation
Once boarded, we can provide supporting info for landlords and insurers (see below).
Need out of hours help to board up a broken window? Call 01708 973 306.
Insurance and landlord documentation (what you receive)
If you’re claiming for damage — or you’re a landlord or managing agent needing a clear audit trail — paperwork matters.
When requested, we can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the damage and the completed boarding
- An itemised invoice
- A brief work statement describing what was done and materials used
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can supply the practical documentation insurers typically want to see. For more guidance, visit insurance claims support.
Typical scenarios we handle (window boarding)
These are examples of the kinds of call-outs we often get across Romford and RM postcodes:
- “Someone’s put a brick through the front window — I need the window boarded tonight.”
- “The rear window is smashed and the frame is splintered — can you still secure it?”
- “We’ve had storm damage and the glazing is hanging loose — we need to make safe before it gets worse.”
- “The property is empty between tenants — can you secure vulnerable windows properly until repairs are booked?”
If you’re unsure whether boarding is the right step, our explainer what is boarding up? breaks it down in plain English.
How long does window boarding take?
The time on site depends on:
- The number of windows affected
- Access (upper floors, tight rear access, flats above commercial units)
- Whether the frame is intact enough for standard fixing
- The size and shape (e.g., bay windows, large panes)
When you call, we’ll give you a practical expectation based on what you describe. If it turns out the frame is more damaged than expected, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding.
Window boarding vs longer-term security (when you might need more)
Boarding is often the right immediate step — but if the building is going to stay empty, repeated boarding can become a false economy.
You might want to discuss longer-term solutions if:
- The property is a long-term void
- There have been repeated attempts to gain entry
- Windows are frequently targeted at the rear or side
- You need a more presentable option for a commercial site
We can advise on next steps and point you to the right service or property type page, including vacant property solutions.
FAQs — Window boarding in Romford (RM)
Can you board up a broken window the same day?
Often, yes — especially for urgent openings where the property is insecure. We prioritise emergency boarding up requests, including out of hours, and we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.
Who can board up my window tonight in Romford?
If you need emergency window boarding Romford, call us on 01708 973 306. If we can attend, we’ll secure the opening and help you make safe.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Sometimes it is, depending on your policy and the cause (burglary, vandalism, storm damage, accident). We can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. See insurance claims support.
Will boarding up damage my window frame?
We aim to fix boards securely while minimising avoidable damage. The method depends on the frame type and condition. If the frame is already badly damaged, we’ll explain the options before we proceed.
Do you board up windows on flats and upper floors?
Yes, access permitting. Tell us the floor level and any access details (communal entry, restricted parking, rear access). We’ll advise what’s feasible and safe.
Can you board up from the inside?
Where possible, yes — internal fixing can be more secure and can reduce external tampering. It depends on access and the condition of the opening.
What do you use to board up windows — plywood or OSB?
We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for stronger, higher-risk situations and 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings. We select materials based on security needs, size, and exposure.
I’m in the RM postcode area — do you cover my location?
Yes. We cover Romford and surrounding RM postcodes. If you’re not sure, call and tell us your postcode — we’ll confirm availability. You can also browse areas we cover.
What should I do before you arrive?
If it’s safe:
- Keep people away from broken glass
- Take photos for your records/insurer
- If there’s been a crime, keep your police reference number
- Don’t try to clear large shards or unstable glazing yourself
For more situation-specific advice, see vandalism repair and boarding or storm damage boarding.
Related services (if windows aren’t the only issue)
Break-ins and impacts rarely damage just one point. You might also need:
- door boarding in Romford for forced or splintered door areas
- shopfront boarding in Romford for commercial glazing and frontage damage
- roof boarding in Romford for skylights and overhead openings
- burglary repairs and boarding if you’re securing the property after a break-in
Helpful Links
Get window boarding in Romford — secure the property and move forward
If you’re dealing with a smashed window, you don’t need a hard sell — you need the property safe, quickly, with clear next steps.
Need help now? Call 01708 973 306 for immediate assistance.
Or email info@boarding-up-romford.co.uk and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
