Window Boarding in Hemel Hempstead (HP) — Emergency Window Boarding & Make Safe

A smashed window is stressful, noisy, and leaves your property exposed. If you need to board up a broken window in Hemel Hempstead or anywhere across the HP postcodes, we can help you make safe the opening quickly and securely—day or night—using proven materials and anti-tamper fixings.

For urgent help, call now and we’ll talk you through what to do next and give you a realistic ETA based on where you are in HP1–HP27 and current workload.

Need emergency window boarding now? Call 01442 502 589
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk

If you’re in immediate danger or the incident is ongoing, call 999 first.

When window boarding is the right call (and when it isn’t)

Window boarding is the fastest way to secure property after glass has failed—whether it’s a single pane or an entire bay. It’s commonly used for:

• Smashed window after a break-in or attempted break-in
• Accidental damage (impact from an object, DIY mishap, sports ball, etc.)
• Vandalism, including repeated attacks where glazing is being targeted
• Storm damage (blown-in panes, loose glass, failed seals)
• Fire damage where glazing has cracked and the property must be secured (we secure openings; we don’t handle smoke/odour remediation)
• Vacant properties between tenants where windows are vulnerable

Window boarding may not be suitable if the surrounding structure is unstable or there’s significant movement/cracking in the masonry. If we see signs the opening isn’t safe to work around, we’ll explain what we can do immediately (for example, restricted access boarding from inside) and what may need a builder or structural professional.

If your break-in also involved door damage, you may need door boarding in Hemel Hempstead or a more robust solution like a temporary steel door.

Emergency window boarding in Hemel Hempstead: what we prioritise

When you call for emergency boarding up, the goal is simple: stop unauthorised access, reduce risk of injury, and protect the inside of the property from weather.

We prioritise:

1. Safety first — checking for loose/sharp glass, unstable frames, and hazards
2. A secure fixing method — appropriate to the window type and access
3. Anti-tamper measures — so the board can’t be easily removed from outside
4. Clear documentation — useful for insurers and landlords/facilities teams

If you need urgent help out of hours, use our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.

How we board up a broken window (step-by-step)

Every property is different—uPVC, timber sash, aluminium storefront frames, older brick surrounds—so we don’t force a one-size-fits-all approach. A typical temporary boarding visit in Hemel Hempstead / HP looks like this:

1. Assess the opening and access

   • Is the damage limited to glazing, or is the frame compromised?
   • Is the opening at ground level, upper floor, or in a tight access area?
   • Is there a risk of further glass falling?

2. Measure and select the correct board

   • We size boards to cover the opening with appropriate overlap where needed.
   • For large openings, we may use multiple panels with secure joins.

3. Choose the fixing method

   • For many domestic windows, we can use non-destructive fixings that don’t unnecessarily damage frames.
   • Where security risk is higher (e.g., repeated vandalism), we may recommend a more robust fixing approach.

4. Fit with anti-tamper considerations

   • Fixings are selected so the board cannot be simply unscrewed from outside.
   • We aim to reduce leverage points that make boards easier to pry.

5. Make safe, tidy up, and document

   • We’ll clear immediate hazards where safe to do so.
   • We can provide time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice on request—helpful for insurance.

If the frame is too damaged to secure properly without causing further issues, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

Materials we use (and why they matter)

A proper window board-up isn’t just “any sheet of wood and a few screws”. Material choice affects security, weather resistance, and how long the boarding can reasonably stay in place.

18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for most urgent jobs)

• Strong, stable, and harder to break than thin sheet material
• Better performance for ground-floor openings and higher-risk sites
• Suitable for larger windows where rigidity matters

12mm OSB (best for smaller or lower-risk openings)

• Often suitable for smaller windows and short-term securing
• Cost-effective while still providing good coverage
• Useful where the main risk is weather ingress rather than targeted attack

We’ll recommend the best option based on:

• Location of the window (front elevation vs sheltered side/rear)
• Whether the property is occupied or vacant
• Known repeated incidents (e.g., persistent vandalism)
• Size/shape of the opening and condition of the frame

For shops and commercial glazing, you may be better served by shopfront boarding in Hemel Hempstead due to larger apertures and public-facing security requirements.

Fixings and methods: how we keep boards secure

The weakest part of many board-ups is the fixing method. We focus on security and practicality—especially when a property may be unattended overnight.

Depending on the opening, we may use:

• Anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of removal from outside
• Through-bolt method (where appropriate) to clamp the board securely to the structure
• Framed internal bracing when external fixing isn’t suitable or access is restricted
• Overlap coverage to protect jagged edges and reduce water ingress

We aim to secure property without unnecessary damage, but the priority after a smashed window is safety and security. Where any drilling/fixing could affect existing glazing beads or finishes, we’ll talk it through before starting.

Common emergency scenarios we see across HP postcodes

People don’t search for “window boarding” on a good day. These are the real-world situations where customers typically call:

After a burglary or attempted break-in

Often it’s a rear or side window that’s been forced, or a small pane smashed to access a latch. We can board up broken window openings and help reduce the chance of repeat entry the same night. For guidance on next steps, see burglary repairs and boarding.

Vandalism and repeated targeting

If you’ve had multiple incidents, quick boarding is only half the battle. We can advise on more robust temporary security (including screens where suitable) after the initial make safe. More detail here: vandalism repair and boarding.

Storm damage and blown-in panes

High winds can crack panes, pull out beading, or leave windows rattling and unsafe. If glazing has failed, emergency window boarding helps stop water ingress and reduces risk to occupants. See storm damage boarding.

Accidental impact (domestic or commercial)

A sudden impact can leave dangerous shards and a wide open aperture—especially in patios, side extensions, or communal blocks. We can secure the opening so you’re not left exposed while waiting for replacement glazing. Related: accident damage boarding.

What you get when we board up your window

We keep things straightforward and insurer-friendly. Depending on what you need, you can expect:

• A clear explanation of the method used and why it’s suitable
• Secure temporary boarding fitted to the opening
• A work record suitable for landlords, managing agents, and facilities teams
• Photos (time-stamped on request) before/after for your records
• An itemised invoice that insurers typically ask for

We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked—important if the job involves access to occupied homes, vulnerable customers, or managed residential buildings.

If you’re claiming, our insurance claims guidance explains what insurers normally want and what you should document.

How to prepare for an emergency call-out (if it’s safe)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window right now, these steps can help while you wait:

1. Do not touch loose glass — keep children and pets away from the area
2. If there’s a crime in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999
3. If it’s after a break-in, obtain a police reference number (important for insurers)
4. Take photos of the damage if safe (wide shot + close-up)
5. If possible, clear a safe access route to the window (move furniture/blinds away)
6. Call us with:
   • Your postcode (HP1–HP27)
   • What type of window it is (uPVC/timber/aluminium if you know)
   • Approximate size and floor level
   • Whether the property is occupied or vacant

For urgent situations, go straight to: 24/7 boarding up in Hemel Hempstead.

Window boarding for residential, commercial and vacant properties

Window boarding is used differently depending on the building and risk profile:

• Homes and flats: Focus on safety, discretion, and making the property secure for the night. See residential boarding.
• Shops and offices: Larger panes, public-facing elevations, and potential need for risk assessments or site sign-in. See commercial boarding.
• Void / vacant properties: Often needs stronger, longer-term solutions than standard plywood—especially if the building will be unattended. See vacant property boarding.

If the property is repeatedly targeted or will remain empty for weeks/months, we can advise whether security screens are more appropriate than standard boarding.

Window boarding coverage: Hemel Hempstead and HP1–HP27

We provide window boarding Hemel Hempstead and across the wider HP postcode area, including HP1, HP2, HP3 and onwards into surrounding districts as needed. We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, access, and existing emergencies vary—but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you ring.

If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call us and we’ll confirm quickly.

Window Boarding FAQs (Hemel Hempstead / HP)

How quickly can you board up a smashed window in Hemel Hempstead?

We aim to attend as quickly as possible, especially for insecure ground-floor windows and commercial frontages. We can’t guarantee a set response time, but when you call we’ll confirm a realistic ETA based on your location and current workload.

Can you board up a broken window out of hours?

Yes. We handle out of hours call-outs for emergency boarding up across Hemel Hempstead and the HP area. If it’s urgent tonight, use: emergency boarding up.

Will boarding up damage my uPVC window frame?

We try to avoid unnecessary damage and will choose the least invasive secure method that still properly protects the opening. However, if the frame is already compromised (or the risk of re-entry is high), stronger fixings may be required. We’ll explain what we recommend before we proceed.

Is window boarding covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact. Coverage depends on your policy excess and conditions. Keep your police reference number (if applicable) and take photos. Our insurance claims guidance explains what to prepare.

Can you board up from the inside if the outside is hard to access?

In many cases, yes. Some properties have limited external access, rear alleys, or upper-floor windows where safe external work isn’t practical at the time. We’ll assess the safest approach on arrival.

How long can temporary boarding stay in place?

Boarding is intended as a short- to medium-term security measure. How long it can remain depends on exposure to weather, the fixing method, and whether the property is vacant. If you expect a longer wait for glazing, tell us—there may be better options than basic boards.

Do you also replace the glass?

Our focus is securing and making safe. We can help you stabilise the situation quickly and provide documentation for your glazier or insurer, but glazing replacement is typically handled separately.

What if the whole window opening is damaged, not just the glass?

That’s common after forced entry. If the frame won’t hold a secure board safely, we’ll explain your options. Sometimes window boarding is still possible with bracing; other times you may need additional carpentry or a different security measure.

Get help now: board up a broken window in Hemel Hempstead

If you need to board up a broken window, deal with a smashed window, or want to secure property fast, we’re ready to help across Hemel Hempstead and HP1–HP27.

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