Boarding Up Pricing in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)
When you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a shopfront that needs to be made safe, cost is usually one of the first questions—right alongside “How quickly can you get here?” and “Will insurance cover it?”.
This pricing page explains how boarding up costs are worked out in Hemel Hempstead and across the wider HP postcode area, what affects the final total, and what you’ll receive for your money. If you need urgent help now, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call 01442 502 589.
How boarding up is priced (and why we don’t publish a fixed price list)
Boarding up isn’t a single “one-size” job. Two broken windows can cost very different amounts depending on access, size, the condition of the frame, and whether the property must be secured for a few hours or a few weeks.
Rather than guessing online, we give a clear quote based on the details you can share (and what we can see on arrival). If anything changes on-site—like discovering the frame is too damaged to take fixings safely—we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
For background on what the work actually involves, see: what is boarding up?
The main factors that affect the cost
Below are the biggest “price drivers” for boarding up Hemel Hempstead properties, whether residential or commercial.
1) The opening size and number of openings
A small ground-floor window typically needs less material and fewer fixings than a large bay window, patio door glazing, or a wide shopfront panel.
We generally size boards to suit the opening and secure them using methods that resist tampering from outside (important when the building will be unattended).
2) Materials: exterior plywood vs OSB (and when each is used)
Material choice affects both security and cost:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for stronger, longer-lasting temporary boarding and higher-risk locations.
- OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings) can be suitable in some lower-risk, short-duration scenarios.
We’ll recommend the most appropriate option based on the situation (for example, a vulnerable front elevation near foot traffic vs a small rear window that’s only being secured overnight).
If your issue is specifically broken glazing, you may find this helpful: window boarding in Hemel Hempstead.
3) Fixing method and frame condition
How we secure the board depends heavily on what’s left to fix into.
- If the frame is intact, we can usually use strong fixings and position boards cleanly for solid coverage.
- If the frame is cracked, rotten, or broken, we may need alternative fixing points, additional bracing, or (for doors) a different approach to properly secure property.
We always aim for a secure, tidy finish—but we won’t pretend every job can be “non-destructive”. If the only safe way to make the property secure involves additional fixings, we’ll talk you through it first.
For forced entries and door damage, see: door boarding.
4) Access, height, and working conditions
Cost can change depending on:
- Upper floors and awkward access (rear extensions, tight side passages, restricted parking)
- Roofline openings and skylights (safe access requirements)
- Weather conditions when emergency boarding up is needed after storms
If the job involves overhead areas, read: roof boarding.
5) Time of day (out of hours vs planned work)
We provide 24/7 boarding up across Hemel Hempstead and HP districts, including out of hours call-outs. Urgent work at night, weekends, or bank holidays may be priced differently from pre-booked daytime work, because it requires immediate mobilisation and prioritisation.
We don’t promise a fixed arrival time online—attendance can vary—but when you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA and keep you updated.
If you need help tonight, use: 24 hour boarding up Hemel Hempstead.
6) The level of security needed (short-term vs medium-term)
“Temporary boarding” can mean different things:
- Short-term make safe: secure the opening until glazing/repairs are arranged
- Medium-term securing: if the property will be vacant, under renovation, or waiting for insurance approvals
For vacant or unoccupied buildings, we may recommend stronger solutions such as a temporary steel door or security screens where appropriate. See: vacant property boarding.
Typical scenarios and what they usually involve
Every site is different, but these are common examples we see across HP1–HP27.
Board up broken window after a burglary or vandalism
A smashed window is one of the most common call-outs. The usual scope includes:
- Removing immediate hazards where safe (loose shards around the opening)
- Measuring and fitting board to cover the full vulnerable area
- Securing with anti-tamper fixings where appropriate
- Leaving the property weathered and more secure until repairs
For incident-specific guidance, see burglary repairs or vandalism repair.
Board up door after forced entry
When a door has been kicked in, the frame is often the real issue. A “quick board over” isn’t always enough if the opening can still be forced.
Depending on damage, we may:
- Board and brace the doorway
- Reinforce fixing points
- Recommend a more robust temporary solution
More detail here: door boarding.
Shopfront boarded up after damage
Commercial glazing often needs a faster, more deliberate approach because it’s highly visible and can attract further attention if left exposed.
A typical shopfront boarded up job may involve:
- Larger board sizes and more fixings
- Work carried out to reduce risk to the public
- Coordination with a keyholder, facilities contact, or alarm company
Learn more: shopfront boarding.
What you get for the price
Boarding up isn’t just “a sheet of wood and a few screws”. You’re paying for safe attendance, correct materials, and a secure, professional finish—especially when you’re stressed and need the property protected quickly.
Customers typically receive:
- A clear description of what was done (for your records or property manager)
- Itemised invoice suitable for insurers in most cases
- Time-stamped photos of the secured openings (on request or where appropriate)
- Practical advice on next steps (repairs, glazing, longer-term security options)
We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked, which matters when access is sensitive (tenanted homes, vulnerable occupants, or commercial keyholding situations).
Can I claim boarding up costs on insurance?
Often, boarding up is considered a reasonable “make safe” measure after incidents like burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact. Whether it’s covered depends on your policy terms, excess, and circumstances.
What usually helps your claim:
- Keep your crime reference number (if police attended)
- Take photos (only if it’s safe)
- Notify your insurer as early as practical
- Keep invoices and documentation
We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims, but we can provide the paperwork insurers typically ask for. For practical guidance, see: insurance claims help.
How to get an accurate quote (fast)
If you call us, we’ll ask a few quick questions to keep things efficient—especially for emergency boarding up Hemel Hempstead jobs.
Useful details to have ready:
- Property postcode (e.g., HP1, HP2, HP3 and surrounding HP districts)
- What’s damaged: window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight
- Approximate size/number of openings
- Whether the property is occupied right now
- Any access issues (upper floor, rear access only, gated areas)
- Whether police/fire service have attended (if relevant)
If you can safely send a photo, it can help us arrive prepared with the right board sizes and fixings—but don’t put yourself at risk to take it.
To request a quote online as well, visit our contact page.
Keeping costs sensible without compromising security
If you’re trying to control costs (completely understandable), these steps often help:
- Don’t delay securing the opening: an exposed property can lead to further damage, theft, or weather ingress
- Tell us if the glazing repair is booked: short-term boarding may be planned accordingly
- Be honest about vacancy: vacant properties often need stronger security than an occupied home
- Ask about medium-term options if repairs may take time (some solutions can be more cost-effective than repeated re-boarding)
For broader guidance on the types of work we do, see boarding up services.
Pricing FAQs (Hemel Hempstead & HP postcodes)
How much does boarding up cost in Hemel Hempstead?
It depends on the size and number of openings, materials used, fixing method, access, and whether it’s out of hours. Call us with your details and we’ll provide a clear quote based on what you need, not a generic estimate.
Do you charge extra for out of hours emergency boarding up?
Out of hours work can be priced differently to scheduled daytime jobs because it requires immediate attendance. We’ll explain any additional costs when you call and give you a realistic ETA.
Can you give a price over the phone?
Often, yes—if you can describe the opening size and type of damage clearly. For complex jobs (large shopfronts, severe frame damage, roof access), we may need to assess on arrival to confirm the safest fixing method.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Frequently, boarding up is treated as a necessary “make safe” step after insured events, but coverage depends on your policy. We can provide invoices and work details; guidance is available on our insurance claims help page.
What if the frame is too damaged to fix boards properly?
If the frame won’t safely take fixings, we’ll explain the options—such as alternative fixing points, bracing, or a more secure temporary solution. We won’t proceed with a significant change in scope without talking you through it.
Do you work with landlords and managing agents?
Yes. We regularly help landlords, letting agents, and facilities contacts secure property after break-ins, tenant move-outs, and accidental damage. Documentation can be provided for your records and maintenance workflows.
Can you price for planned boarding (not an emergency)?
Yes—planned work is often more cost-effective and easier to schedule, especially for vacant property security or renovation projects. Call or email with your requirements and access details.
Ready to get a quote?
Ready to get started? Call 01442 502 589 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
