What is Boarding Up? | A Guide to Emergency Property Security

When your property in Croydon is damaged, you’ll often be advised to get it “boarded up”. But what does this actually mean? For those unfamiliar with the term, boarding up is the process of temporarily securing a building’s vulnerable openings—such as windows, doors, or other breaches—with sturdy, solid boards. It is the fastest and most effective method of providing temporary security and weather protection for a damaged property.

This guide from Boarding Up Croydon explains the boarding up process, the materials we use, and why it is the standard, insurance-approved method for securing a property after an emergency. Our aim is to demystify the service, so you know exactly what you are getting when you call us.

For a professional explanation or to book our service, call our Croydon team on 020 8016 9477.

The Purpose of Boarding Up

Boarding up serves three primary purposes:

  1. Security: This is the main reason. A professionally boarded-up opening is a powerful physical and visual deterrent to burglars and vandals. It prevents unauthorised access to your property.
  2. Weather Protection: A breach in your property is an open invitation to the elements. Boarding up provides a weatherproof seal against wind and rain, preventing costly secondary damage to your property’s interior, such as ruined plaster, damaged electrics, and warped flooring.
  3. Safety: It covers sharp edges from broken glass and prevents people, animals, or debris from falling into or out of the building. On a damaged site, it is a crucial part of making the area safe.

The Materials We Use

Professional boarding up is not just about nailing any old piece of wood over a hole. The choice of material is key to providing proper security.

We exclusively use 18mm OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or Plywood. Here’s why:

  • Strength: At 18mm thick (roughly ¾ inch), this material is incredibly tough and resistant to impact. It cannot be easily kicked in or torn off.
  • Durability: It is designed for construction and is able to withstand the elements for an extended period, giving you plenty of time to arrange for permanent repairs.
  • No Easy Handholds: Unlike thinner boards, it is very difficult to get a grip on, making it hard to pull away from the frame.

We do not use flimsy hardboard or thin plywood, as these offer very little real security.

The Professional Boarding Up Process Explained

When you call us for an emergency boarding up in Croydon, our skilled technicians follow a precise process.

Step 1: Assessment First, we assess the opening and the surrounding frame. We check for damage to the frame itself to ensure we have a solid structure to fix the boards to.

Step 2: Measurement and Cutting We take precise measurements of the opening. The board is then custom-cut on-site to ensure a perfect, snug fit. A board that is too small will have gaps, and one that is too large can be difficult to secure properly.

Step 3: Secure Fixing This is the most critical part of the process. How the board is fixed depends on the type of frame:

  • For uPVC or Metal Frames: We avoid drilling directly into the frame where possible, as this can cause permanent damage. We often use specialist fixings or brace the board against the brickwork surrounding the frame.
  • For Wooden Frames: We use strong, long screws that go deep into the solid timber of the frame, providing an exceptionally secure hold.

Step 4: Creating a Weatherproof Seal Where necessary, especially for roof boarding, we use weatherproof sheeting or tarpaulins in conjunction with the boards to ensure no water can get in.

Why Not to DIY Boarding Up

While it might seem tempting to try and board up a window yourself, it is generally not a good idea for several reasons:

  • Inadequate Materials: Most people don’t have access to 18mm plywood and may use thin boards that offer little security.
  • Incorrect Fixings: Using the wrong screws or nails can damage your frames or fail to secure the board properly.
  • Safety Risks: Handling large boards and dealing with broken glass can be dangerous.
  • Insurance Issues: Most insurers require proof of a professional temporary repair. A DIY job may not satisfy their requirements and could compromise your claim.

Professional property security boarding is fast, safe, and ensures the job is done right the first time, giving you total peace of mind.

Boarding up is the essential first step in recovering from any property damage. It stabilises the situation, secures your property, and gives you the breathing space you need to plan your next steps.

If you have any more questions about the boarding up process or need to book our service in Croydon, please call us on 020 8016 9477.