Boarding Up Services in West London (W2–W14)

If you need boarding up services in West London, you’re usually dealing with a stressful situation: a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a shopfront that’s suddenly vulnerable. Our job is simple—make the property secure and weather-resistant, with materials and fixings that are appropriate for the building and the risk level.

We cover the W postcode area across West London (W2–W14), helping homeowners, landlords, shop managers and facilities teams secure openings quickly and properly. If you need urgent help, start here: emergency boarding up.

Call now: Call 020 4634 8072
Email: [email protected]

What we mean by “boarding up” (and what it’s for)

Boarding up is a temporary security measure used to protect a building after damage, or to reduce the risk of a break-in while repairs are arranged. In West London that often means:

  • Securing broken glazing in flats and period terraces (common around Bayswater, Maida Vale, and Notting Hill)
  • Protecting shopfronts and commercial entrances in busy areas (from Shepherd’s Bush to Oxford Street)
  • Weatherproofing after wind or impact damage where rain and draughts would quickly make things worse

If you’re not sure what type of boarding is right, our explainer page can help: what boarding up is and when you need it.

Our main boarding-up services

We’ll recommend the method that fits the opening, the property type, and how long it needs to stay secure. If frames are too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Window boarding (broken, cracked, or vulnerable windows)

For smashed panes, cracked glass, or windows that no longer lock properly, we install boarding to prevent entry and reduce exposure to weather.

Typical approach includes:

  • Measuring the opening and selecting the right sheet material (often 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength, or OSB for smaller/low-risk openings)
  • Fixing with anti-tamper fixings where the board could otherwise be removed from the outside
  • Ensuring safe clearances around sash windows, bay windows and projecting stonework (common on West London period properties)

Learn more about options and when they’re used: window boarding in West London.

Door boarding and securing damaged entrances

A forced front door or compromised rear access is one of the most urgent calls we attend. Door boarding can be appropriate when the door is damaged beyond immediate repair, or when the frame has shifted and won’t secure.

We can:

  • Board up doors where required to prevent access
  • Secure secondary access points (rear doors, side entrances, service doors)
  • Advise on whether a temporary steel door is the safer choice for a medium-term solution (especially for vacant properties or repeated targeting)

See how this service works: door boarding in West London.

Shopfront boarding for retail and commercial glazing

Shopfront boarding is usually about protecting stock, preventing trespass, and allowing you to comply with insurer requirements until glazing is replaced. We regularly secure:

  • Single and double-width shopfront panes
  • Corner units and return glazing
  • Door-and-window combinations on retail premises

We understand the practicalities of West London trading areas—busy pavements, late-night footfall, and the need to keep things safe for staff and the public.

Read more: shopfront boarding in West London.

Roof and skylight boarding (temporary protection overhead)

Storms, fallen debris, and maintenance accidents can compromise skylights and roof openings. Boarding at height needs a careful, safety-first approach—both to protect the interior and to avoid creating further damage.

Roof and skylight boarding may include:

  • Temporary covering to reduce water ingress
  • Securing broken rooflights and vulnerable openings
  • Advising if the area is unsafe or requires a roofer’s structural assessment (we secure; we don’t carry out full roof repairs)

More detail here: roof boarding in West London.

Temporary fencing (when the perimeter is compromised)

Sometimes the issue isn’t a window or door—it’s the boundary. If a hoarding line is breached, a gate is missing, or the site needs a quick perimeter solution, temporary fencing can help reduce access and liability.

See: temporary fencing in West London.

Materials and fixings we use (and why it matters)

Not all boarding is equal. The difference between a quick cover-up and a secure job usually comes down to materials and how they’re fixed.

We commonly use:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm) for strength and durability, especially on ground-floor windows and shopfronts
  • OSB (often 12mm) where appropriate for smaller openings or lower-risk elevations
  • Anti-tamper fixings to make external removal difficult—important if the property will be unattended
  • Fixing methods that suit the substrate (timber frames, masonry surrounds, or damaged reveals)

Where possible, we aim to avoid unnecessary damage. If the surrounding frame is rotten, split, or already cracked from impact, we’ll talk you through the safest option before we fix anything.

What to expect when you call us

You don’t need to know the exact material or method—just tell us what’s happened and what’s currently unsafe.

  1. Initial questions (quick and practical)
    We’ll ask what’s been damaged (window/door/shopfront/roof), whether the property is occupied, and if police or fire service are involved.

  2. Access and safety check
    If there’s hanging glass, structural movement, or risk to the public, we’ll prioritise a safe setup before installing boards.

  3. Install and secure
    We measure, cut (where required), fix, and check stability. For commercial premises, we can work with a keyholder or facilities contact.

  4. Documentation you can use
    We can provide time-stamped photos, a clear description of what was done, and an itemised invoice—helpful for property managers and for insurance claims support.

If you need urgent help outside normal hours, go straight to: 24 hour emergency boarding up West London.

The situations we’re commonly called out for

Boarding up is often needed because something happened suddenly. If you’re dealing with one of the following, you may find the step-by-step guidance useful:

We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t advise on liability—but we can help you secure the property and provide the kind of evidence insurers typically ask for.

Property types we work on across West London

Different buildings need different approaches—especially in West London, where you might have a Victorian conversion on one street and a modern mixed-use block on the next.

If you manage multiple sites, we can coordinate access with keyholders and provide consistent paperwork for your records.

Areas we cover (W2–W14)

We’re focused on West London’s W postcodes, including residential streets, high-footfall shopping areas, and mixed-use zones. You can browse locations here: areas we cover.

If you’re looking for a local page, here are a few examples:

Service FAQs

How much does boarding up cost in West London?

Costs depend on the size and number of openings, access (ground floor vs upper floor/roof), material choice, and whether anti-tamper security fixings are needed. We’ll explain the options clearly before work starts. For more detail, see pricing information.

Is emergency boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, particularly after burglary, impact, or storm damage—but policies vary. Keep any crime reference number (if applicable), take photos if safe, and notify your insurer early. We can provide documentation to support insurance claims.

How long will the boards stay up?

Boarding is temporary, but it can remain in place while you arrange glazing or building repairs. If you need medium-term security for an empty property, we’ll discuss stronger solutions such as improved fixings or additional measures suited to risk.

Can you board up a shopfront without closing the whole premises?

In many cases, yes—especially if only one section is affected and the site can be made safe for staff and customers. The deciding factors are public safety, the extent of damage, and whether the entrance route remains secure.

Do you guarantee an arrival time?

We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, access constraints, and the seriousness of other call-outs vary across West London. We do prioritise urgent security risks and will give you a realistic expectation over the phone.

Ready to arrange boarding up in West London?

If you’ve got a vulnerable opening—whether it’s a cracked sash window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront—securing it quickly helps reduce risk and prevent further deterioration.

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