Boarding Up Ilford FAQs (IG1–IG11)
When you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront, you usually want answers fast: who can help, what will happen, how much hassle will it be, and what your insurer will need. This FAQ page covers the most common questions we get about boarding up in Ilford and across the IG postcodes.
If you need urgent help to secure property tonight or out of hours, go straight to our emergency page: emergency boarding up or call Call 020 4634 8292.
Quick help: who to call and what to do first
What should I do immediately after a smashed window or break-in?
If it’s safe to do so:
- Make sure everyone is safe and move away from glass or unstable frames.
- Call the police if there’s been a burglary, vandalism, or suspicious activity (keep the reference number).
- Take photos of the damage before anything is moved (only if safe).
- Call us to make safe the opening with temporary boarding.
- Contact your insurer as early as you can and ask what documentation they want.
For incident-specific guidance, see:
Who can board up my window tonight in Ilford?
We provide emergency boarding up in Ilford across IG1–IG11. If you need to board up broken window glass tonight, or you’ve had a smashed window, call 020 4634 8292. We prioritise urgent situations and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone (we don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary).
Do you cover my area (IG postcodes)?
Yes—our coverage includes Ilford and surrounding IG districts (IG1–IG11). If you want a local page, you can start here: boarding up in Ilford (IG1) or browse areas we cover.
About our boarding-up services
What is boarding up (and when is it needed)?
Boarding up is a temporary security measure where we cover an opening—usually a window, door, or shopfront—with strong board and secure fixings. It’s used to:
- prevent unauthorised entry after damage
- reduce risk of further vandalism
- keep the building weather-resistant (as far as practical)
- help you meet insurance “reasonable steps” requirements after an incident
If you’re comparing options, see: what is boarding up?
Do you board up doors as well as windows?
Yes. We handle both board up door and window openings, depending on what’s been damaged and what needs securing. Door situations can require a different approach—especially after forced entry—so we may recommend a temporary steel door for better medium-term security.
Related service pages:
Can you board up a shopfront?
Yes—commercial glazing and larger openings often need a more robust setup, especially if the site is on a busy frontage or will be unattended. We can arrange a shopfront boarded up solution designed to deter tampering and keep the premises secure until glazing contractors can attend.
Learn more: shopfront boarding
Do you offer roof or skylight boarding?
Yes. Roof openings and skylights are high-risk for weather ingress and can be tricky to access safely. We can provide temporary boarding and make-safe measures where appropriate.
Learn more: roof boarding
What materials do you use—plywood or OSB?
It depends on the opening and risk level. Commonly:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, secure boarding (often preferred for ground-floor or vulnerable access points)
- 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
We choose based on the size of the aperture, condition of the frame, and whether the property will be occupied or vacant.
Will the boarding damage my window frames or brickwork?
We aim to use the least invasive method that’s still secure. Fixing method depends on what’s left to fix to (and how compromised it is):
- If the frame is stable, we may be able to fix in a way that avoids unnecessary damage.
- If the frame is split, rotten, or distorted after impact, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
The priority is always to make safe and secure property properly—especially if it’s ground level or accessible.
Can you install temporary steel doors or security screens?
Yes. If a door has been forced and the property is likely to be empty, a temporary steel door can be a more practical medium-term solution than timber boarding. For longer-term vacant/void security, steel screens may be appropriate.
You may find these pages helpful:
Emergency call-outs and what to expect
Do you provide 24/7 boarding up in Ilford?
We provide 24/7 boarding up for urgent incidents, including out of hours call-outs. If you need emergency boarding up now, use: 24 hour emergency boarding up Ilford or call 020 4634 8292.
How quickly can you attend?
Attendance depends on call volume, time of day, traffic, and the nature of the incident. We prioritise urgent risks—like an exposed ground-floor opening or a board up after burglary request—and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
What happens when I call you out?
Typically:
- We take key details on the phone (location in IG, type of damage, access, whether police/fire service are involved).
- We attend and assess, then recommend the safest way to secure the opening.
- We board up and make safe, then provide documentation suitable for insurance records.
If you need urgent help, start here: emergency boarding up
Do you need me to be at the property?
Ideally, yes—especially for occupied homes or where internal access is needed. For landlords, agents, or facilities managers, we can often work with a key-holder or agreed access plan. If access is restricted (communal entrances, rear yards, shuttered frontages), tell us when you call so we can plan accordingly.
Can you help if the property has been damaged by fire or flood?
We can help secure the property after fire or flood damage by boarding exposed openings and making the site safe. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation or drying services—our role is to secure and protect the building envelope as far as reasonably possible.
More on these situations:
Insurance and documentation
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Often, boarding up is claimable as an emergency “make safe” measure after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, fire, or impact—but policy terms vary. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for.
What documentation do you provide for insurers or landlords?
We can provide practical records such as:
- time-stamped photos of the damage and completed boarding
- itemised invoice
- work statement describing what was secured, materials used, and fixings method
If you’re managing a property portfolio, this helps keep everything auditable and consistent.
Can you send the invoice to my insurer directly?
We can email documentation to you (or your representative) promptly, and you can forward it to your insurer or managing agent. If you want us to send it to a third party, confirm the correct contact details and who is authorising the work.
Pricing and payment
How much does boarding up cost in Ilford?
Costs depend on the size and number of openings, material required, access (for example, upper floors), and the fixing method needed. Because every job is different, we don’t publish fixed prices.
For a clear breakdown of what affects cost, see: pricing
Do you provide quotes?
Yes—where appropriate we can give an estimate based on what you tell us and what we see on arrival. If the situation changes on site (for example, the frame is more damaged than expected), we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Safety, compliance and trust
Are you insured and are your technicians DBS-checked?
Yes. We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, and our focus is practical, reliable make-safe work across Ilford and the IG postcode districts.
If you’d like to speak to us first, visit: contact
Will boarding up stop drafts and rain completely?
Boarding is designed to secure and protect, but it isn’t the same as a permanent repair or sealed glazing unit. We aim to reduce weather ingress as much as practical, especially on larger openings and exposed elevations, but some conditions (driving rain, distorted frames) can still cause issues. We’ll talk you through what to expect on site.
FAQs for landlords, shops, and vacant properties
Do you work on residential and commercial properties?
Yes—we support homeowners, tenants, landlords, shop owners and facilities managers across Ilford and IG areas.
Useful pages:
Can you secure a vacant or void property between tenants?
Yes. If a property is empty, security risk often increases—especially after an initial incident. Depending on duration and risk, we may recommend boarding, a temporary steel door, or longer-term screening options.
What if I only need boarding as a short-term measure until glazing is replaced?
That’s one of the most common reasons people call us. The aim is to keep the site safe and secure until your chosen glazing contractor can attend. If you’re not sure which service fits your situation, start with: window boarding in Ilford or call 020 4634 8292.
Still have questions?
If you can’t find what you need here, get in touch and tell us what’s happened. If it’s urgent—broken glass, exposed entry point, or a shopfront boarded up requirement—call now.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected]
