24 Hour Emergency Boarding Up Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)
Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 for immediate assistance.
If it’s safer to email (for example, if you’re on site but can’t talk), contact info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk.
A smashed window, forced door or damaged shopfront can’t usually wait until morning. Our job is to make safe, secure property, and reduce further loss—whether that’s after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage or an accident. We provide 24/7 emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across the wider HP postcode area, with fully insured, DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years of trading behind us.
We don’t promise impossible arrival times. What we do promise is clear communication: when you call, we’ll ask a few quick questions and give you a realistic ETA based on location, access, and current workload.
When you should call for emergency boarding up
If any opening has been compromised, it’s worth treating it as urgent. Properties that are left exposed overnight (or even for a couple of hours) can attract repeat entry, weather damage, or further vandalism.
Call us if you need to:
- board up broken window after a break-in or accident
- deal with a smashed window where glass is still falling or the area is unsafe
- board up door after forced entry (or if the lock/door leaf is split)
- get a shopfront boarded up following damage to glazing or frames
- make safe a site for staff, tenants, or the public
- arrange out of hours security when your usual contractor can’t attend
- secure property before you leave it unattended
- install temporary boarding ahead of glazing or joinery repairs
- organise emergency boarding up to satisfy insurer or landlord requirements
- book 24/7 boarding up where there’s a real risk of repeat entry
If you’re unsure, call and talk it through. Sometimes a quick temporary fix is enough; other times the opening needs a more robust approach such as a temporary steel door.
Emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead: what we do on arrival
Every call-out is different, but the process is consistent and practical.
1) Safety and “make safe” first
We’ll start by checking for immediate hazards:
- loose or jagged glass at window level
- compromised door frames that could collapse under pressure
- overhead risks (loose glazing, skylights, roof panels)
- access issues (rear alleys, shared entrances, flats above shops, etc.)
If police have attended, we’ll work around any instructions they’ve given and avoid disturbing potential evidence.
2) We assess the opening and choose the right method
Emergency boarding isn’t “one board fits all”. The method depends on:
- the size of the opening and the frame condition
- whether the property is occupied or vacant
- whether you need short-term weatherproofing or medium-term security
- whether the opening is at ground level or elevated
- whether we can use non-destructive fixing points
Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of the board being removed from outside—particularly important if the property will be unattended.
3) We secure the opening with suitable materials
Typical materials include:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most ground-floor windows/doors and shopfront sections
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings or lower-risk internal areas (where appropriate)
- fixings and battens chosen to suit the surrounding structure and access
If the frame is too damaged to secure reliably using non-destructive methods, we’ll explain your options before proceeding. In some cases, a temporary steel door is the safer, more secure solution than boarding alone.
4) Documentation for your records/insurer
After the job, we can provide what insurers typically ask for:
- time-stamped photos of the damage and the secured opening
- an itemised invoice
- a short work statement describing what was done and why
We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t authorise your claim, but we can help you keep the paperwork clear. See: insurance claims support.
The most common emergency call-outs we attend (and how we handle them)
Burglary and forced entry
A typical burglary call involves splintered timber, a twisted uPVC frame, or a lock that no longer engages. The priority is to secure property so you can leave safely or sleep at night.
If you’re dealing with this now, you may also find it helpful to read: boarding up after a burglary.
Vandalism and smashed glazing
Vandalism can be random, repeat, and disruptive—especially for ground-floor flats and customer-facing premises. Boarding needs to be robust and tidy, particularly where the opening is visible to the public.
Related guidance: vandalism repair and boarding.
Storm damage and wind-blown debris
High winds can break panes, dislodge panels, or expose weak frames. Emergency boarding is often about weatherproofing quickly to prevent water ingress and further internal damage.
Related guidance: storm damage boarding.
Accidental impact (vehicle strike, fallen object, DIY mishaps)
Accident damage can involve awkward shapes, partial collapse, or openings that need a safer temporary solution while you arrange repairs.
Related guidance: accident damage boarding.
Fire and flood (post-incident security)
After a fire, doors/windows may be left open for ventilation or inspection. Our role is to secure the building once it’s safe to do so—not to provide smoke/odour remediation.
If you’re dealing with a fire or flood incident, see:
Emergency window boarding vs door boarding: what’s the difference?
Emergency window boarding
Window boarding is usually the fastest way to board up broken window openings and stop further access. We’ll aim for a secure fit that covers the full vulnerable area, with fixings chosen to minimise outside removal.
If you want the deeper service detail, see window boarding in Hemel Hempstead.
Emergency door boarding (and when you need a temporary steel door)
A door that’s been kicked in or prised open can be hard to secure with timber alone—especially if the frame has split or the lock side has torn away. In those cases, we’ll often recommend either:
- boarding that braces the opening properly, or
- a temporary steel door for stronger, medium-term security
More detail here: door boarding in Hemel Hempstead.
Shopfront boarding up (out of hours)
If your premises relies on footfall, a broken pane can feel like a business emergency as much as a security one. We can arrange shopfront boarded up solutions that:
- reduce the chance of repeat entry
- help you close up safely at the end of the day
- keep the frontage as neat and professional as possible while repairs are arranged
If you’re comparing options for commercial glazing protection, see shopfront boarding.
Rooflights and overhead openings: securing the building without making things worse
Overhead damage (skylights, roof panels, accessible flat roofs) needs a careful approach. It’s not just about covering the hole—it’s about preventing water ingress and avoiding additional breakage.
We can help with emergency roof and skylight boarding where access is safe and appropriate. Learn more about our approach on roof boarding.
What to do right now (before we arrive)
If you’re in Hemel Hempstead or the HP area and dealing with an emergency, these steps can make things safer and help your insurance claim.
- If a crime is in progress or there’s danger, call 999. If the threat has passed, use 101 and obtain a police reference number where relevant.
- Keep people away from broken glass and unstable frames. Don’t try to remove embedded glass with bare hands.
- Take photos if it’s safe (wide shots and close-ups). These help your insurer and create a record of what happened.
- Do not disturb entry points unnecessarily if police may need to inspect.
- Call us for emergency boarding up: Call 01442 502 589. We’ll ask a few quick questions (opening size, location, access, occupancy) and give a realistic ETA.
- Contact your insurer early if you can. They may advise on preferred documentation or next steps. We can provide an invoice and photos—see insurance claims support.
If you’re a landlord, facilities manager, or you’re calling on behalf of a tenant, tell us who will be meeting us on site and whether keys/access codes are available.
What you’ll get from our emergency boarding service
We aim to make the whole experience straightforward—especially when you’re dealing with a stressful situation.
You can expect:
- clear communication and a realistic ETA when you call
- fully insured, DBS-checked technicians
- the correct materials for the risk level (not flimsy offcuts)
- anti-tamper fixings where needed
- time-stamped photos on request
- an itemised invoice and work statement suitable for most claims
If you need planned or longer-term protection after the emergency is handled, we’ll talk you through options such as security screens and temporary steel doors.
Emergency boarding up coverage: Hemel Hempstead and HP postcodes
We provide 24 hour boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across HP postcode districts HP1–HP27, including residential streets, retail parades, industrial estates, and rural properties.
Common call-outs come from across the Hemel Hempstead area including HP1, HP2 and HP3, as well as surrounding towns and villages throughout the HP region.
If you’re looking for local pages, you can also see:
For a broader view, visit areas we cover.
Emergency boarding up FAQs (Hemel Hempstead)
How quickly can you attend an emergency in Hemel Hempstead?
Attendance depends on time of day, traffic, and current call volume. We prioritise urgent incidents and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t quote guaranteed arrival times. When you call 01442 502 589, we’ll give you a realistic ETA for your location in Hemel Hempstead/HP.
Can you board up a broken window tonight (out of hours)?
Yes—this is exactly what out of hours call-outs are for. If you need to board up broken window damage tonight, call us and we’ll arrange an emergency visit and advise what to do while you’re waiting.
My shop window is smashed — can you board it up the same day?
In most cases, yes. A smashed window on a shopfront is high risk because it’s visible and accessible. We can arrange for the opening to be secured and the site to be left safe so you can close up properly. For planned commercial options, see shopfront boarding.
Do you cover HP1, HP2 and HP3 as well as the wider HP area?
Yes. We regularly attend emergencies across HP1–HP27, including the main Hemel Hempstead districts (HP1, HP2, HP3) and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether you fall within our coverage, call and we’ll confirm.
Will boarding up stop water coming in?
Boarding helps reduce exposure, but it isn’t the same as a full repair. We’ll secure the opening and aim to improve weather resistance where practical, but we’ll be honest about limitations—especially on irregular frames or roof damage. For overhead openings, see roof boarding.
Can you board up a door after forced entry?
Yes. If you need to board up door damage after a break-in, we’ll assess whether the frame is sound enough for boarding alone or whether a temporary steel door is the better option for security. More detail: door boarding.
Is emergency boarding up covered by insurance?
Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage or impact—though policies vary. Keep your police reference number (if applicable), take photos if safe, and contact your insurer early. We can provide invoices and documentation commonly requested—see insurance claims support.
I’m a landlord/facilities manager—can you provide photos and paperwork for compliance?
Yes. We can supply time-stamped photos, a clear description of works, and itemised invoicing. If the building is vacant or high-risk, we can also discuss more robust temporary security after the initial emergency is stabilised.
Need emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead now?
Call us any time: Call 01442 502 589
Or email: info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk
If you’re safe to do so, tell us what’s happened (window/door/shopfront), your postcode (HP1–HP27), and whether the property is occupied—then we’ll take it from there.
