Residential Boarding Up in West London (W2–W14)

Residential break-ins, accidental damage and storm-shattered glass have one thing in common: they leave your home exposed when you most need peace of mind. Our residential boarding up service in West London focuses on making your property safe, secure and weather-resistant as quickly as possible—without creating unnecessary damage to frames, brickwork or finishes.

We secure houses, flats, maisonettes and converted period properties across the W postcodes, from Victorian terraces around W12 and W6 to mansion blocks in W2 and W8. If you need urgent help, visit our emergency boarding up page or call us now.

What “residential boarding up” means (and when it’s needed)

Boarding up is a temporary security and weatherproofing measure. We fit timber boarding (typically exterior-grade plywood or OSB) or, where appropriate, more robust temporary solutions such as steel doors or security screens—depending on the risk level and how long the opening needs to stay secure.

Common reasons households in West London call us include:

Burglary or attempted break-in (splintered doors, prised locks, smashed glazing)
Accidental damage (a cracked pane, a slammed sash, a ball through a window)
Storm damage (blown-in windows, dislodged panes, damaged skylights)
Fire damage (broken windows/doors after fire service entry, compromised frames)
Flood damage (swollen timber frames, doors that won’t close, damaged glazing)
Vacant periods (between tenants, probate, renovation—higher risk of opportunistic entry)

If you’re dealing with a specific incident, our situation guides can help you get your bearings, such as burglary repairs and boarding up and storm damage boarding.

Typical residential scenarios we see in W postcodes

West London housing stock is varied, and the method that works for a modern flat may not be right for a listed terrace. Here are the sorts of call-outs we regularly handle:

Flats and mansion blocks (Bayswater, Paddington, Kensington)

In W2 and W8 you often get timber sash windows, large panes, and communal entrances where access needs to be handled carefully. If glazing is broken above ground level, we’ll talk through safe access and the most secure fixing method—especially where the property may be left unattended.

If you’re local, you can also see our area pages for boarding up in Bayswater W2 and boarding up in Paddington W2.

Victorian and Edwardian terraces (Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith, Chiswick)

Terraces and conversions can have vulnerable rear access, older frames and mixed window types. After a break-in, we’re often securing a rear door panel plus a nearby window that’s been hit or forced. This is where correct fixing matters—secure enough to deter tampering, but done in a way that doesn’t unnecessarily destroy the frame.

Local pages include boarding up in Shepherd’s Bush W12 and boarding up in Hammersmith W6, as well as boarding up in Chiswick W4.

1930s semis and family homes (Ealing, Acton, Hanwell)

Across W3, W5 and W7 we frequently deal with ground-floor bay windows, side doors and garage access points. These homes can be targeted because they’re set back from the road, or suffer accidental damage from garden work, DIY, or fallen branches.

If you’re nearby, see boarding up in Ealing W5, boarding up in Acton W3 and boarding up in Hanwell W7.

Our boarding-up methods for residential homes

We choose the method based on the opening, the condition of the frame, and how long the property needs to remain secured. We’ll explain the options on site before proceeding, especially if the surrounding frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing.

Window boarding (sash, casement, bay windows and basement windows)

For most homes, this is the most common requirement.

Materials: commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and weather resistance; 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller, lower-risk openings.
Fixings: we use appropriate fixings for masonry or timber frames and can use anti-tamper fixings where the property is likely to be unattended.
Finish: boards are cut neatly to fit, with fixings positioned to reduce leverage points and make removal from outside difficult.

Learn more about window boarding in West London.

Door boarding and temporary door security

When a front or rear door has been kicked in, simply “boarding over” isn’t always the best answer—especially if you still need access to the property.

Depending on the damage, we may:

Board and brace a damaged door opening for short-term security
Secure side panels or fanlights around the door
Install a temporary steel door solution where medium-term access and security are needed (common after forced entry or where the door/frame is beyond quick repair)

See door boarding in West London.

Rooflight and skylight boarding (leaks, missing glazing, storm impacts)

West London properties often have loft conversions with rooflights, or older extensions with vulnerable skylights. If a rooflight is broken, the priority is to reduce water ingress and make the opening safe.

We can provide roof boarding in West London where access is safe and appropriate. (If the roof structure is unstable, we may advise you to arrange a roofer first—we’ll never take unsafe shortcuts.)

Longer-term securing for empty homes

If a home will be empty for weeks—sale, renovation, probate or a void period—timber boarding may not be the best long-term option on its own. In those cases we’ll discuss more robust approaches and practical deterrents.

If your property is unoccupied, you may also want to read vacant property boarding up in West London.

What to expect when you call us

When you contact us, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can arrive prepared:

What’s been damaged (window, door, shopfront-style glazing, rooflight)
Is the property safe to access (glass, police attendance, fire service, structural issues)
How many openings need securing (one pane vs multiple windows/doors)
Any access constraints (upper floors, rear gardens, communal entrances, parking limits)

On arrival, we’ll assess the opening and surrounding frame, then confirm the recommended method. Once the property is secured, we can provide:

Time-stamped photos of the secured areas (useful for landlords and insurers)
An itemised invoice and written statement of what was done
Practical guidance on next steps (glazier, locksmith, insurer—depending on damage)

For insurance-related guidance, see insurance claims support. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for.

Keeping disruption low in homes (neighbours, noise and access)

Residential work is different from commercial premises: neighbours are close, access can be tight, and many homes have vulnerable finishes.

Wherever possible, we aim to:

Use fixing methods that balance security with minimal extra damage
Keep cutting and fitting controlled and tidy
Work safely around entrances, shared hallways and stairwells
Explain clearly what you can and can’t do next (e.g., when it’s safe to close curtains, open windows, or re-enter a room)

If you’re a tenant, we can also work with your landlord or managing agent once permission is confirmed.

After a burglary, storm or fire: practical next steps

If your home has just been damaged, a few steps can make the rest of the process smoother:

If a crime is involved, call the police and keep your reference number.
Take photos of the damage if it’s safe to do so (don’t step on glass or into smoke-damaged areas).
Contact your insurer early and ask what documentation they need.
Avoid touching forced locks/doors until police have confirmed they’re happy for you to secure the property.
If you smell gas, see exposed wiring, or suspect structural damage, call the relevant emergency service before arranging boarding.

For incident-specific guidance, start with fire damage securing or accident damage boarding.

Residential boarding up across West London: where we work

We cover West London across the W postcode area (W2–W14), including residential streets, estates, mansion blocks and mixed-use neighbourhoods.

You can browse areas we cover or jump to a local page such as:

FAQs: residential boarding up in West London

How quickly can you board up a window or door at my home?

It depends on the time of day, access, and how many openings need securing. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent residential calls and will give you a realistic expectation on the phone. If it’s an emergency, use our 24 hour emergency boarding up page.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

Our aim is to secure the opening with the least additional damage possible. If the frame is already compromised (common after forced entry), some fixings may be unavoidable for proper security. If non-destructive methods aren’t suitable, we’ll explain why and talk through options before we proceed.

Is boarding up covered by home insurance?

Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm or accidental impact—but policies vary. Keep your incident reference number (if relevant) and take photos. We can provide an invoice and supporting photos for your insurer. See insurance claims support.

Can you secure my home if I’m away and a neighbour has reported damage?

Yes, as long as we can arrange lawful access (keyholder, managing agent, family member, or on-site contact). For flats, access to communal areas may need building management approval.

Do you only board windows, or can you secure doors as well?

We secure both. If the door is damaged, we’ll recommend either boarding/strengthening or a more suitable option depending on whether you still need access. See door boarding in West London for details.

Ready to get started?

If you need residential boarding up in West London—whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, or storm damage—get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 8072 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.

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