Window Boarding in West London (W2–W14)
When a window goes during a break-in, vandalism, or storm damage, the priority is simple: secure the opening quickly, stop the weather getting in, and reduce the risk of another incident. Our window boarding in West London is designed for urgent situations across the W postcodes—whether it’s a smashed ground-floor sash in Bayswater, a cracked pane in a mansion block near Hammersmith, or a broken shop window off Uxbridge Road.
If you need help now, use our emergency service: emergency boarding up.
Need urgent window boarding? Call 020 4634 8072
When you should board up a window (and when you shouldn’t wait)
Window boarding is most often needed when the glass is broken or the frame is compromised and you can’t properly lock or secure the property.
Common urgent scenarios we attend in West London include:
- Burglary or attempted break-in (often rear/side access, garden-facing windows, or communal entrances in blocks)
- Vandalism—stone impacts, smashed panes, and repeated targeting of the same frontage
- Storm damage—frames loosened by wind, fallen branches, or blown-in debris
- Accidents/impact damage—a vehicle clip, a dropped object, or building works damage
- Fire damage where glazing has failed and the building needs securing (we secure openings; we don’t do smoke remediation)
If the opening can’t be secured safely with existing locks or glazing, boarding is usually the fastest way to stabilise the situation until repairs are arranged.
For incident-specific guidance, see:
- burglary repairs and boarding
- vandalism repair and boarding
- storm damage boarding
- accident damage boarding
- fire damage securing
What “window boarding” actually means (so you know what you’re getting)
Boarding up a window isn’t just nailing a sheet over broken glass. Done properly, it’s a controlled method of securing and protecting an opening while avoiding unnecessary damage to frames, masonry, or surrounding finishes.
We typically board:
- Broken single windows (including small bathroom/kitchen windows)
- Large bay windows and multi-panel arrangements
- Sash and casement windows in period properties
- Basement/area windows (common in West London terraces)
- Communal windows in mansion blocks and converted flats
- Commercial glazing where a quick secure is required (for full retail frontage work, see shopfront boarding in West London)
If a door has been damaged alongside the window, we may recommend door boarding in West London or a temporary steel door option for stronger medium-term security.
Materials we use (and why)
We select boarding materials based on the size of the opening, exposure to weather, and the security risk—especially if the property will be unattended.
Exterior-grade plywood (common choice for emergency window boarding)
For many domestic and commercial callouts, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood because it’s strong, stable, and offers good impact resistance.
Why it matters:
- Better resistance to prising and repeated impacts than thinner board
- More reliable fixings—important on street-facing windows
- A solid temporary barrier while glazing is arranged
OSB (useful for smaller or lower-risk openings)
For smaller windows or where the security risk is lower, OSB (typically 12mm) can be appropriate.
Why we may choose OSB:
- Cost-effective for short-term securing
- Practical for less exposed openings (e.g., upper floors, internal courtyards)
We’ll always explain what we’re proposing before we start. If you’re making an insurance claim, we keep materials and method appropriate to the situation rather than over-specifying.
How we board up windows: methods that suit West London property types
West London has everything from Georgian and Victorian terraces (with sash windows and decorative surrounds) to 1930s semis, modern apartment blocks, and busy commercial strips. The fixing method matters because frames and façades vary widely.
1) Non-destructive or “least damage” fixing (where possible)
Where frames and reveals allow, we use methods designed to avoid drilling into stonework or fragile timber, while still resisting removal from outside.
Typical approach:
- Measure the opening precisely (including uneven reveals common in older stock)
- Cut board to cover the vulnerable area with appropriate overlap
- Fix using secure methods that reduce access from outside (including anti-tamper fixings where suitable)
2) Through-fixing for higher-risk or damaged frames
If the frame is already compromised (split timber, shattered beading, loose reveals), a more robust fixing may be required.
What you should expect:
- We’ll talk you through why a stronger method is needed
- We’ll aim for a safe, secure fit that holds even if the surrounding material is imperfect
- If the structure is too unsound for a safe board, we’ll explain options before proceeding
3) Boarding for upper floors, bays, and awkward access
Some West London properties—mansion blocks, tall terraces, and bay-fronted homes—can involve access challenges.
In these cases we:
- Assess safe access before any work begins
- Use appropriate panel sizing and fixing layout to prevent flexing
- Focus on weather exclusion as well as security, especially on exposed elevations
If your issue involves rooflights or skylights rather than vertical windows, see roof boarding in West London.
Emergency window boarding: what to do right now
If you’ve just discovered damage, these steps help protect your safety and support an insurance claim.
- If a crime is in progress or there’s immediate danger, call 999.
- If it’s a break-in, get a police reference number (even if it’s later recorded online).
- Take photos if it’s safe—wide shots and close-ups before anything is moved.
- Avoid touching glass; keep children and pets away from the area.
- Call us to secure the opening so the property isn’t left exposed overnight.
For urgent attendance, use: emergency boarding up.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 8072
What you’ll receive after we board up the window
People often need more than a “quick fix”—especially landlords, managing agents, and anyone dealing with insurers.
Typically, we provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the secured opening (useful for insurers and property records)
- An itemised invoice and clear description of works carried out
- Practical notes if we spot issues that may affect glazing repair (e.g., damaged frame, loose beading, swollen timber after water ingress)
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can support you with the documentation insurers typically request. For more on this process, see insurance claims support.
Window boarding for homes, flats and commercial sites
Residential window boarding (houses, flats, maisonettes)
In areas like Acton, Ealing, Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush, we regularly board:
- Ground-floor and garden-facing windows targeted during break-ins
- Basement/area windows on terraces where access is hidden from the street
- Communal windows in converted properties where security affects multiple residents
More context here: residential boarding up.
Commercial window boarding (shops, offices, restaurants)
Busy high streets and parades can’t stay exposed after an incident. We can secure:
- Broken glazing that risks public injury
- Vulnerable frontages out of hours
- Side/rear windows where access is easier for intruders
More context here: commercial boarding up.
Vacant and void properties
If the property is empty between tenants or awaiting refurbishment, boarding may need to last longer than a night or two. In those cases, we may recommend a more robust solution like steel security screens (depending on risk and duration).
More context here: vacant property boarding.
How long does window boarding take?
Most straightforward window boards can be completed quickly once we’re on site, but timings depend on:
- Size and shape of the opening (bays and multi-panel windows take longer)
- Condition of the frame/reveal (damaged surrounds require a different approach)
- Access (upper floors, rear courtyards, tight alleyways)
- Whether multiple openings need securing
We don’t quote fixed arrival times—traffic and job overruns happen—but we prioritise urgent calls and will tell you what we can realistically do when you call.
FAQs: window boarding in West London
Can you board up a window the same day?
Often, yes—especially for break-ins, vandalism, or weather exposure. The best route is to contact our emergency boarding up team and explain what’s happened and how many windows are affected.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
In many cases, emergency securing after a break-in or storm damage can be covered, but policies differ. Keep your police reference number (if relevant), take photos, and notify your insurer early. We can provide photos and an itemised invoice—see insurance claims support.
Will boarding damage my window frame or brickwork?
We aim for the least destructive secure method that still does the job. However, if the frame is already broken or unsafe, stronger fixing may be necessary. If non-destructive methods aren’t suitable, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Can you board from the inside?
Sometimes—depending on access and the window configuration. Boarding from the inside can be useful in flats or where external access is unsafe. We’ll choose the safest method that still prevents removal from outside.
Do you replace the glass as well?
Our focus is securing the property. We can board up and leave the opening safe and weathered while you arrange glazing repairs (or we can advise on next steps). If you also need a damaged entrance secured, look at door boarding in West London.
Related services that are often needed alongside window boarding
- If a rear entrance or front door has been forced: door boarding in West London
- If it’s a retail frontage or large commercial glazing: shopfront boarding in West London
- If the damage is overhead (rooflights, skylights): roof boarding in West London
- If you want the wider overview: what is boarding up?
Need window boarding in West London?
If your window has been smashed or left insecure, we’ll talk you through the safest way to secure it and what happens next.
Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 8072 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
