Boarding Up After Break-ins, Storms and Damage in Uxbridge (Situations)

When something goes wrong—burglary, smashed glass, storm damage—you need to make the property safe, quickly and calmly. This page explains what to do after common incidents in Uxbridge and the UB postcode area, how our boarding-up service works in each scenario, and what documentation you’ll receive for insurers or landlords.

We’re local to Uxbridge, cover all UB postcodes, and operate 24/7 for urgent call-outs. If you need emergency boarding up now, call 01895 696 176.

What Happens After an Incident

  • We assess the opening and surrounding frame to choose the safest method.
  • Boards are sized on site (typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood or 12mm OSB for smaller openings).
  • We use anti-tamper fixings that can’t be removed from outside to secure property while unattended.
  • For damaged doors, we can fit temporary steel doors if needed.
  • We document the work with time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice, suitable for insurers.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding. We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload—we’ll give a realistic ETA on the phone.

Burglary and Break-in

After a break-in, the priority is to secure property and preserve evidence where relevant.

  • Call the police first and obtain a crime reference number.
  • Do not tidy up until the police have attended (if requested). Take photos if it’s safe.
  • We make safe damaged windows and doors, board up openings, and can install a temporary steel door for short-to-medium term security.

Good to know:

  • We can meet you or a keyholder on site, day or night.
  • You’ll receive photos, a site note describing damage found, and an itemised invoice for your insurer.

Related pages:

Vandalism and Smashed Glass

Shopfronts and ground-floor residential windows are common targets. We board up broken panes, clear loose shards, and make safe the area.

  • For retail units, we cut larger boards to size and use additional bracing where spans are wide.
  • Anti-tamper fixings help deter repeat attempts.
  • We can return for re-glazing access when your glazier is ready.

Related pages:

Storm and Weather Damage

High winds and flying debris cause cracked panes, blown doors, and roof light failures. We prioritise making the property weather-tight.

  • Openings are boarded externally where safe; internal boarding is used if exterior access is risky.
  • We use moisture-resistant boards and can add temporary weatherproofing around roof openings.
  • If ladders or tower access is required, we’ll discuss methods and safety on the call.

Related pages:

Fire Damage

After the Fire Service leaves, properties often have compromised doors, windows, and roof lights.

  • We secure accessible openings and restrict entry with boards or a temporary steel door.
  • Smoke and odour remediation isn’t our scope—we focus on boarding and safety.
  • We can liaise with your contractor for phased access.

Related pages:

Flood and Water Damage

Water can swell frames and prevent doors/windows from closing securely.

  • We board over openings that won’t close or have damaged locks.
  • Ventilation may be considered—on request we can leave controlled vents to help drying, where security allows.
  • We provide photos and a statement for insurers.

Related pages:

Accident and Impact Damage

From vehicle strikes to an accidental smash, impact incidents need careful assessment.

  • We first check for structural concerns and only work where it’s safe.
  • Large openings may need intermediate bracing along with boards.
  • If a shopfront frame is twisted, we’ll explain temporary steel options and access planning.

Related pages:

What You’ll Get From Us

  • A calm, practical plan to make safe and secure property
  • Boards sized on site, fixed with anti-tamper hardware
  • Optional temporary steel doors for compromised entrances
  • Time-stamped photos, itemised invoice, and a brief work statement
  • Advice on next steps for re-glazing or repairs

We work across residential, commercial, and vacant properties in Uxbridge and all UB postcodes. See property-specific guidance:

Materials and Methods We Use

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most windows and doors
  • 12mm OSB for smaller or internal openings
  • Anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal from outside
  • Packers and spreader plates to protect frames where suitable
  • Temporary weatherproofing for roof and skylight openings
  • Temporary steel security doors for forced entrances or voids

Why it matters:

  • Anti-tamper fixings reduce the risk of unauthorised entry.
  • Correct board thickness prevents flexing and keeps fixings secure.
  • Weatherproofing reduces further damage until permanent repairs.

For service specifics, see:

How We Prioritise Calls

  • Emergencies are prioritised—smashed windows, insecure doors, exposed shopfronts.
  • Attendance times vary; we don’t quote fixed response guarantees.
  • On your call, we’ll give a realistic ETA based on workload and location.
  • We cover all UB postcodes, including UB1–UB11 and surrounding areas.

If you’re in Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Hayes, West Drayton or nearby UB districts, we can usually provide same-day or out-of-hours attendance where capacity allows. Check our local coverage: areas we cover.

Practical Steps Right Now

  • If a crime is suspected, call the police and keep your reference number.
  • If it’s safe, take photos before we arrive—wider shots and close-ups.
  • Clear the immediate area; keep people and pets away from glass.
  • For shops, consider moving stock away from the opening.
  • Call us and tell us the opening size, property type, floor level, and any access restrictions.

Helpful links:

FAQs About Post-Incident Boarding Up

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We use appropriate fixings and spreader plates where possible to protect frames. If the frame is too compromised for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain options first.

Can you board up a large shopfront the same night?

Often yes, subject to capacity and safety. For very wide spans we may brace joints or install a temporary steel door for secure access. See shopfront boarding.

I’m a landlord—can you meet my tenant and bill me?

Yes. We can coordinate with tenants or agents and send photos, a work statement, and an itemised invoice. See residential properties and insurance claims.

Do you remove broken glass?

We make safe the area and remove loose shards from the opening as part of boarding. Full debris clearance can be arranged if required—tell us on the call.

How long can boards stay in place?

Boards are a temporary measure. Many customers keep them for days to a few weeks until glazing or door repairs are complete. For longer periods or void properties, consider vacant property solutions.

Can you secure a property with no working door after a break-in?

Yes. We can board the opening or install a temporary steel door to allow keyholder access while keeping the property secure. See door boarding.

What documentation will my insurer need?

Typically photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief statement of work. We provide all three. For process tips, read insurance claims.

Do you cover out of hours across the UB area?

Yes—we handle out of hours, same day, and overnight calls across UB postcodes. For urgent attendance, call or visit 24-hour emergency boarding up.

Next Steps