Shopfront Boarding in Hemel Hempstead (HP) – Emergency & Planned Commercial Security

A smashed shop window is more than an inconvenience — it’s an immediate security risk, a safety hazard, and often a potential business interruption. If you need a shopfront boarded up in Hemel Hempstead (or anywhere across the HP postcodes), we can help you make safe quickly and professionally, whether it’s an out of hours call-out after vandalism or a planned job to secure property during repairs.

For urgent help, go straight to our emergency team: emergency boarding up or call now on 01442 502 589.

We’re fully insured, have 10+ years trading, and our technicians are DBS-checked — important peace of mind when you’re dealing with a break-in, a smashed window, or a vulnerable frontage.

When you might need shopfront boarding (and why it can’t wait)

Commercial glazing and aluminium shopfront systems are designed to look good and provide visibility — but once they’re damaged, you can be left with a wide opening that’s easy to access and dangerous for staff and the public.

Common reasons customers call us for emergency shopfront boarding in Hemel Hempstead include:

• Vandalism: a board up broken window request after glass is kicked in or smashed overnight
• Attempted break-in / burglary: damaged glazing, bent frames, or compromised locks
• Accidental impact: trolleys, deliveries, or vehicles clipping the frontage
• Storm damage: wind-blown debris causing cracked or shattered panes
• Fire service entry: where the premises has been forced open to gain access (we secure it afterwards)

In all cases, the immediate aim is the same: make safe, deter further entry, and protect the premises until a glazier, shutter engineer, or shopfront contractor can complete permanent repairs.

If you’re dealing with burglary-related damage, you may also find our situation guidance useful: burglary repairs and boarding up.

What “shopfront boarding” actually involves (not just a sheet of wood)

Shopfronts are different from domestic windows. Openings are usually larger, frames may be aluminium commercial systems, and the site often has public-facing responsibilities. Our job is to secure the opening properly, with fixings that can’t simply be removed from outside.

Depending on the situation, shopfront boarding may include:

• Boarding over full-height glazing or partial panels
• Securing double doors or a board up door requirement after forced entry
• Boarding side screens and return panels (often overlooked, but frequently targeted)
• Installing additional bracing where the opening is wide
• Temporary protection that allows later replacement without unnecessary damage (where possible)

If the damage is primarily to doors rather than glazing, see: door boarding in Hemel Hempstead.

Our materials: plywood vs OSB (and why we choose one over the other)

We select boards and fixings based on the opening size, exposure, and risk level. We don’t use flimsy materials for large commercial openings — they invite repeat attempts.

Typical materials we use include:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings and higher-risk frontages
  • Strong, durable, and better for larger spans
  • Suitable when the property may be unattended
• 12mm OSB for smaller panels or lower-risk, shorter-term temporary boarding
  • Cost-effective and practical for certain layouts
  • Often used where there are multiple smaller panes

Where the frontage is especially vulnerable (vacant units, repeated targeting, or long repair lead times), we’ll talk you through longer-term options such as steel security screens or temporary steel doors where appropriate.

If you’re securing an empty retail unit between tenants, you may also want: vacant property boarding in Hemel Hempstead.

Fixing methods that deter tampering (and protect what can be saved)

A shopfront is only as secure as its fixings. Our approach is to use methods that reduce the chance of removal from the outside — especially important when you’ve had a break-in and the premises may be targeted again.

Common fixing methods we use

• Anti-tamper fixings (where suitable) to prevent easy removal from street level
• Bolt-through methods using internal pattressing/battens where we can access inside
• Non-destructive fixing where possible, particularly on listed-style frontages or where the frames are still sound

If the shopfront frame is too damaged for non-destructive boarding, we’ll explain options before proceeding. Sometimes the safest approach involves fixing into surrounding solid structure rather than compromised aluminium sections — but we won’t guess; we’ll assess it on arrival and talk you through it.

How we handle emergency shopfront boarding (step-by-step)

When you call for 24/7 boarding up, speed matters — but so does doing it safely and leaving your premises properly secured.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Call us on 01442 502 589
   Tell us what’s happened (smashed window, attempted entry, door forced, etc.), whether anyone is on site, and if police are attending/attended.
2. We give you a realistic ETA
   We don’t promise fixed arrival times — attendance varies by time of day and workload — but we prioritise urgent jobs and will be clear about what’s possible.
3. On-site safety and “make safe” first
   We check for immediate hazards (loose shards, unstable frames, exposed sharp edges). If there’s a public walkway nearby, we’ll advise on keeping people clear while we work.
4. Measure, cut, and secure the opening
   We cut boards to fit and fix them using an appropriate method for the structure and risk level.
5. Photos and documentation
   You can request time-stamped photos, a clear work statement, and an itemised invoice — useful for facilities teams and for insurance claims support.

If you need help immediately, use our urgent page: emergency boarding up.

Emergency scenarios we see in Hemel Hempstead & the wider HP area

Because Hemel Hempstead serves a busy mix of retail, takeaway units, offices, and light industrial premises across HP1–HP3 (and the wider HP region), shopfront damage tends to fall into a few patterns:

• Night-time vandalism resulting in a smashed window and exposed frontage
• Forced entry attempts where the lock area or door stile is damaged (you may need a board up door as well as boarded glazing)
• Repeat targeting when a temporary repair looks easy to remove
• Weather exposure after glass failure — rain and wind can quickly damage stock, flooring, and electrics

Even if the glazing contractor can’t attend until the next day (or later), temporary boarding buys you security and helps limit further loss.

Shopfront boarding for different types of commercial premises

Every site is slightly different. We regularly help:

• Independent shops and salons needing fast, discreet boarding to reopen safely
• Restaurants and takeaways where security and hygiene matter (keeping pests and debris out)
• Office receptions with large glazed frontages
• Industrial unit offices where side panels and internal doors are compromised

If you’re coordinating multiple locations or need paperwork for compliance, we can provide RAMS-style details when requested (site-specific requirements vary).

For broader commercial considerations, see: commercial boarding up in Hemel Hempstead.

What you get from us (especially helpful for insurers and landlords)

When something’s gone wrong, the admin can be nearly as stressful as the damage. We keep things straightforward.

You can expect:

• A clear description of what we did and why (materials and fixing method)
• Itemised invoice suitable for landlords, managing agents, and insurers
• Time-stamped photos on request (useful if the property is unattended)
• Practical advice on next steps (glazing, locks, longer-term security)

We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t approve claims — but we’ll provide documentation that insurers typically ask for. If you’re unsure what to keep, our guidance page helps: insurance claims.

Cost considerations (honest guidance)

Shopfront boarding costs vary because no two frontages are the same. Pricing depends on:

• Size of the opening (single pane vs full-width frontage)
• Board type (OSB vs exterior plywood)
• Fixing method required (and access constraints)
• Whether the site is out of hours
• Condition of the surrounding frame (sound vs twisted/damaged)

We don’t publish “one-size” prices because it leads to surprises — instead, we’ll ask a few quick questions and give you a clear quote approach. More detail here: pricing.

How to prepare before we arrive (if it’s safe to do so)

If you’re dealing with a smashed shopfront, your priority is safety. If there’s any risk from glass or intruders, keep your distance.

If safe:

• Keep customers/staff away from the damaged area
• If police are attending, wait for them to clear the scene
• Take a few photos for your insurer (don’t touch glass)
• Find any alarm details, keyholder info, or access instructions
• If you have shutters, don’t force them down if they’re catching on damaged frames

For immediate help tonight, call 01442 502 589.

Related services that often go alongside shopfront boarding

Shopfront incidents rarely happen in isolation. Depending on the damage, you may also need:

• window boarding in Hemel Hempstead for side windows, upper-floor glazing, or internal panels
• door boarding in Hemel Hempstead if the entry door has been forced or the lock area is broken
• vandalism repair and boarding up if this is part of repeated local damage patterns
• accident damage boarding for vehicle impacts and structural concerns

FAQs – Shopfront boarding in Hemel Hempstead (HP)

Can you board up my shop window tonight in Hemel Hempstead?

Yes — we provide 24/7 boarding up across Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP postcodes. We’ll prioritise urgent call-outs and give you a realistic ETA over the phone (we don’t guarantee fixed arrival times).

Do you just board the glass, or can you secure the door too?

We can do both. If the main issue is entry-door damage, we may recommend door boarding in Hemel Hempstead. If both are compromised, we’ll secure the full frontage as needed.

What do you use to board up a commercial shopfront?

Typically, 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger/high-risk frontages, and 12mm OSB for smaller or shorter-term openings. Fixings vary depending on whether we can bolt through internally or need alternative anti-tamper methods.

Will the boarding be easy to remove later for glazing repairs?

We aim for secure but sensible fixing. Where frames are sound and access allows, we use methods that can be removed from inside for planned repairs. If the structure is already damaged, we’ll explain the safest option before we start.

Can you help with insurance documentation for shopfront boarding?

Yes. We can provide itemised invoices and (on request) time-stamped photos and a clear description of works. For practical guidance, see insurance claims. We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide the paperwork insurers commonly ask for.

Is shopfront boarding noisy or disruptive for nearby premises?

There will be some noise from measuring, cutting, and fixing boards, particularly out of hours. We work efficiently and keep disruption as low as possible while still making the premises safe.

Do you cover my area if I’m not in central Hemel Hempstead?

We cover Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP postcode area (HP1–HP27). If you’re unsure, call 01442 502 589 and we’ll confirm coverage and talk through the job.

What if the aluminium shopfront frame is twisted or unsafe?

If the frame is too damaged to board safely using standard methods, we’ll explain alternatives on site. In some cases, additional bracing or a different fixing strategy is necessary to properly secure property and prevent the board being pulled away.

Next steps – get your shopfront secured

If you need a shopfront boarded up in Hemel Hempstead after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage, or accident, we’re ready to help.

Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email for planned works? info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk