Roof Boarding in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)

A damaged roof or broken skylight is one of those problems that can’t wait. Rain gets in quickly, wind can lift loose materials, and an exposed opening is an easy entry point—especially if the property will be empty overnight.

Boarding Up Hemel Hempstead provides roof boarding across Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP area (HP1–HP27) for emergency and planned “make safe” work. If you need emergency roof boarding in Hemel Hempstead after storm damage, impact, vandalism or fire service access, call us and we’ll talk you through what’s safest to do next.

Need urgent help? Call 01442 502 589
Prefer email for planned works? info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk
For urgent, out of hours support, see: emergency boarding up

When roof boarding is needed (and why it’s different to window boarding)

Roof-level openings are higher risk than most people realise. A single missing tile or cracked rooflight can lead to:

• Water ingress into ceilings, insulation, electrics and plasterwork
• Rapid heat loss and condensation (especially in winter)
• Further structural damage if wind gets underneath loose felt or battens
• Security issues—roof access can be a route in on some buildings

Roof boarding is also physically different work. Access, safe working position and fixing methods matter more, and materials have to cope with weather exposure.

If your issue is at ground level (for example a smashed window), you may need window boarding in Hemel Hempstead instead. If a door has been forced, door boarding or a temporary steel door may be the better fit.

Emergency roof boarding: typical situations we attend in the HP area

We’re often called when someone needs a property made safe quickly—sometimes out of hours, sometimes on the same day, depending on workload and access. Typical emergency roof boarding calls include:

• Storm damage: lifted tiles, torn felt, broken rooflights, displaced ridge sections
• Impact damage: falling branches or debris leaving a hole or cracked skylight
• Fire damage: exposed roof sections after fire service operations (we secure; we don’t provide smoke/odour remediation)
• Vandalism: deliberate damage to rooflights/skylights on flat roofs or commercial units
• Vacant property issues: repeated break-ins via weak roof points or previous damage left open

If you’re dealing with storm-related damage, our guidance page may help: storm damage boarding. If fire is involved, see: fire damage securing.

What “roof boarding” actually means (and what you get)

Roof boarding is temporary, practical security and weather protection. The goal is to cover and secure an opening so the building is safer until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Depending on the roof type and damage, we can:

• Board over skylights/rooflights where glazing is missing or unsafe
• Cover holes in flat roofing (for example where decking has failed or been opened up)
• Secure openings created by fallen materials or partial collapse (where safe to do so)
• Protect vulnerable roof access points on commercial and industrial units

After the job, customers typically ask for paperwork for insurers or facilities records. We can provide:

• Time-stamped photos (before/after where safe)
• An itemised invoice and a clear statement of works
• Notes on any access constraints or limitations encountered on site

We’re fully insured, have 10+ years trading, and our technicians are DBS-checked—important when securing homes, tenanted properties and sensitive commercial sites.

Materials we use for roof boarding (and why)

We select materials based on the opening size, exposure, height, and how long the boarding needs to remain.

Common materials include:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust, weather-resilient coverage on exposed openings
• 12mm OSB for smaller roof openings or where weight and handling are factors (used appropriately—OSB isn’t always the best choice in heavy exposure)
• Treated battens / timbers to create secure fixing points without relying on weak edges
• Heavy-duty membranes (where appropriate) as a short-term weather layer beneath boarding, depending on the damage and roof build-up

No two roofs are identical. If the surrounding structure is too compromised for safe fixing, we’ll explain what’s possible and what isn’t—before we proceed.

Fixing methods and “make safe” approach on roofs

Roof boarding needs to be secure against both weather and interference. Our approach typically includes:

1. Initial assessment from a safe position
   We look at the roof type (flat vs pitched), the size of the opening, and whether there are signs of ongoing movement or collapse risk.

2. Choosing a fixing method that suits the structure

   • Where there’s solid substrate, we can fix boarding using appropriate screws and load-spreading fixings.
   • On fragile edges or damaged decking, we may build a battens frame to spread load and improve hold.
   • Where security is a concern (vacant properties), anti-tamper fixings can be used to reduce the risk of removal from outside.

3. Weatherproofing considerations
   The aim is to limit water ingress. We’ll position and overlap materials sensibly, but roof boarding is still temporary protection—not a full roof rebuild.

4. Finishing and documentation
   We photograph the completed work (where safe), confirm what has been secured, and highlight any next steps you should take with a roofer or insurer.

If you’re arranging ongoing protection for an empty building, you may also want to consider vacant property boarding for longer-term security options.

Roof types we commonly board in Hemel Hempstead and HP postcodes

Different roof styles change the risks and the best way to board.

Flat roofs (extensions, garages, commercial units)

Flat roofs often involve rooflights, skylight domes, or vulnerable deck areas. Water pools quickly, so temporary coverage needs to be properly secured and positioned to shed water as much as possible.

Pitched roofs (homes and small commercial)

Pitched roofs can be harder to access and may involve broken tiles, ridge issues, or damaged felt. In some cases, the right “make safe” solution is boarding a specific opening (like a rooflight) rather than trying to cover a wide area.

Industrial and larger commercial roofs

These can include larger rooflights and long spans where access planning matters. If you manage a commercial site and need urgent help, we can discuss practical access and documentation needs by phone.

For retail glazing or frontage damage, you may be better served by shopfront boarding instead of roof boarding.

If you need a roof boarded up tonight: what to do first

If your roof is damaged and you’re worried about rain, security, or safety, these steps help:

1. Stay safe and avoid going onto the roof
   Even a small opening can mean unstable boards, wet surfaces, or hidden damage. Many injuries happen during “quick checks”.

2. If there’s an active hazard, call emergency services
   For example: downed power lines, serious structural damage, or a fire incident.

3. If safe, take photos from inside
   Photos of leaks, ceiling staining, or visible openings can help your insurer later. Don’t put yourself at risk to get them.

4. Call us and tell us what you can see
   We’ll ask a few practical questions (roof type, height, access, size of opening). If it’s urgent, we’ll prioritise your call and give a realistic ETA on the phone.
   For urgent support, use: 24/7 emergency boarding up

5. Contact your insurer as early as you can
   Keep your claim/reference number. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request—see insurance claims support.

Roof boarding for homes, landlords and businesses

Roof-level damage can affect anyone, but priorities differ depending on the property.

• Homeowners/tenants: stopping water ingress and securing the building quickly is usually the immediate concern.
• Landlords/agents: preventing further damage and demonstrating “duty of care” matters; documentation is key.
• Commercial/facilities: you may need site sign-in, risk notes, and clear records for internal reporting.

If you’re unsure which category applies, our pages on residential properties and commercial properties may help clarify the typical approach.

How long can roof boarding stay in place?

It depends on exposure, size, and how it’s fixed. Roof boarding is designed as temporary boarding—a “make safe” measure while you arrange permanent roof repairs.

We’ll be clear about what we’ve installed and what it’s intended to do. If you need a more robust, medium-term security option on a vacant site, tell us when you call so we can advise on the most suitable solution.

For cost factors and what affects pricing (without guesswork), see: boarding up pricing.

Frequently asked questions about roof boarding in Hemel Hempstead

Is roof boarding the same as tarping a roof?

Not exactly. Boarding is a rigid cover fixed into place, mainly used to secure openings like skylights or holes. Tarping is flexible and can flap or fail in strong winds. In many situations, boarding is the more secure “make safe” option.

Can you board up a broken skylight or rooflight?

Yes—this is one of the most common roof boarding call-outs. A broken rooflight can be a major leak point and a security risk. We’ll assess the surrounding frame/substrate and install an appropriate board with secure fixings.

Do you offer emergency roof boarding out of hours?

Yes. We provide emergency boarding up support across Hemel Hempstead and HP postcodes, including out of hours call-outs when needed. We can’t guarantee a fixed arrival time, but we prioritise urgent jobs and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
Emergency page: emergency boarding up

What if the roof structure is too damaged to fix boards safely?

If the structure is unsafe or too compromised to accept fixings, we won’t take risks. We’ll explain what we can do safely (for example, securing internal access points or limiting exposure from below) and what needs a roofer or structural professional.

Will roof boarding stop all leaks?

It’s designed to reduce water ingress significantly, but it’s not a permanent roof repair. Wind-driven rain, hidden damage, and saturated materials can still cause issues. The aim is to stabilise the situation until proper repairs are completed.

Is roof boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, especially after storm or impact damage, burglary-related access, or fire incidents—policy wording varies. Keep any reference numbers and take photos where safe. We can provide invoices and a statement of works to support your claim. See: insurance claims support

Can you combine roof boarding with boarding up windows or doors?

Yes—many incidents involve multiple vulnerabilities (for example, storm damage plus a forced door on a vacant property). If you need to secure property fully, tell us what’s happened and we’ll advise the best approach, which may include door boarding or window boarding.

Talk to us about roof boarding (emergency and planned)

If you need to board up a roof opening, cover a smashed rooflight, or urgently make safe a building after storm or impact damage, we can help across Hemel Hempstead and HP1–HP27.

Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 for immediate assistance.
For non-urgent enquiries: email us or use the contact page.