Property Boarding Up Situations in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)
When something happens to your property—burglary, vandalism, storm damage, a fire, or an accident—the most urgent need is usually simple: make safe and secure property so nobody can get in, nobody gets hurt, and further damage is limited.
We provide boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across the wider HP postcode area (HP1–HP27). Whether you need to board up broken window glass, board up door after forced entry, or get a shopfront boarded up out of hours, we’ll talk you through the safest next steps and give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 or email us.
For urgent call-outs, see emergency boarding up.
The situations we help with (and what matters most)
Every situation is different, but the priorities are usually the same:
- Safety first (loose glass, exposed nails, unstable frames, electrics, overhead risks)
- Preventing access (opportunistic entry is common after a smashed window or damaged door)
- Weather protection (especially after storms, fire, or impact damage)
- Insurance-friendly documentation (clear notes, photos, and an itemised invoice)
If you’re not sure what you need yet, that’s normal. If you can tell us what happened and what’s damaged, we can advise whether temporary boarding is enough or if a temporary steel door or security screen is the better option for a vacant or repeatedly targeted property.
You can also read a plain-English overview here: what boarding up is and when it’s used.
What to expect when you call us
When you call, we’ll ask a few practical questions to get the right materials and fixings on the van:
- What’s damaged and where? (window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight)
- Is the property occupied or empty? (security approach can differ)
- Is anyone at risk right now? (glass on pavements, open access, overhead hazards)
- How big is the opening? (rough dimensions help us choose board thickness and cut plan)
- Do you have police/insurer instructions? (we can work alongside them)
We don’t promise fixed arrival times because workload and conditions vary, especially out of hours, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA over the phone.
On arrival, our DBS-checked technicians will:
- Assess the opening and surrounding frame
- Recommend the best “make safe” method (non-destructive where possible)
- Install boards/screens/temporary doors using appropriate anti-tamper fixings
- Take time-stamped photos of the secured area
- Provide an itemised invoice and a short work statement for your records/insurer
We’re fully insured and have been trading for 10+ years.
Common methods we use (and why)
Different incidents create different risks, so we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood: strong, reliable for most windows/doors and larger openings
- 12mm OSB: useful for smaller openings or where the fixing pattern supports it
- Anti-tamper fixings: helps prevent boards being removed from outside—important if the property will be unattended
- Temporary steel doors: often the best option after repeated forced entry or where the door/frame is too compromised for timber boarding
- Security screens: better for longer-term void security where access is needed later (inspections, maintenance)
If the surrounding frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain the options before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.
For the practical detail of each method, see our service pages such as window boarding in Hemel Hempstead and door boarding up.
Situations we’re called to most often in Hemel Hempstead & the HP area
Burglary / forced entry (doors, patio doors, ground-floor windows)
After a break-in, speed matters—but so does doing it properly. A poorly fixed board can be prised off, and a door that “looks shut” can still be insecure if the frame has split.
Typical actions we take:
- Board up door panels where the lock area has been damaged
- Board or screen vulnerable windows to prevent repeat entry
- Recommend a temporary steel door if the opening is unstable or the property is empty
If you’re dealing with this right now, see help after a burglary.
Vandalism / smashed windows (homes, blocks, and commercial units)
A smashed window is stressful—especially at night or during bad weather. We can board up broken window openings quickly and safely, and we’ll ensure fixings are secure and tidy.
We often secure:
- Ground-floor windows and side alleys where access is easier
- Communal doors/windows in blocks where safety is a shared concern
- Repeatedly targeted windows where anti-tamper fixings are essential
More guidance: vandalism repair and boarding.
Storm damage (blown-in panes, fallen branches, roof and skylight openings)
Storms don’t just break glass—they can twist frames, dislodge panels, and open up rooflines. The goal is to secure property and limit water ingress until permanent repairs can be arranged.
We can:
- Board windows that have failed under wind pressure
- Secure doors that no longer latch safely
- Install short-term protection for roof or skylight openings
More guidance: storm damage make safe.
Fire damage (post-fire security, not clean-up)
After the fire service has finished, properties may be left exposed—especially if windows have been broken for ventilation or doors have been forced.
What we do:
- Board exposed openings to prevent entry and weather damage
- Help you document the state of the openings for insurance
- Work carefully around potentially fragile frames and soot-damaged surfaces
Limitations: we secure the property, but smoke/odour remediation is outside our scope.
More guidance: post-fire boarding.
Flood damage (swollen frames, doors that won’t close)
Flooding can leave doors and frames swollen, making them hard to secure. Sometimes you need boarding as a temporary solution while the structure dries and repairs are planned.
We’ll consider:
- Whether ventilation is needed (to reduce trapped moisture)
- The safest fixing method when timber is soft or compromised
- Keeping openings secure without causing unnecessary additional damage
More guidance: after flood damage.
Accidental impact / vehicle strike (structural concerns, large openings)
If a vehicle hits a wall, shopfront, or garage opening, the priority is safety. There may be unstable masonry, bent frames, or overhead hazards.
We can:
- Make the area safe and prevent access
- Secure wide openings with correctly braced boarding
- Coordinate with your insurer documentation needs (photos, work statement, invoice)
More guidance: accident damage boarding.
What you can do right now (before we arrive)
If you’re waiting for an emergency response, these steps can protect you and make the site safer:
- If a crime has occurred, call the police first. Keep your reference number.
- Keep people away from the opening. Broken glass and splintered frames can cause serious injury.
- Do not attempt to clear large shards or climb to roof openings without proper equipment.
- Take photos if it’s safe (wide shot + close-ups). This helps with insurance claims.
- If weather is coming in, move valuables away from the opening and cover items internally if possible.
- Call your insurer early and ask if they require particular documentation.
When we attend, we can supply the kind of paperwork insurers typically ask for, but we’re not loss adjusters. For claims guidance, see insurance claims support.
Choosing the right level of security (boarding vs steel doors vs screens)
Not all properties need the same solution. We’ll recommend what’s appropriate for the situation and how long you expect the property to be vulnerable.
- One-off broken window in an occupied home: usually plywood/OSB temporary boarding is enough
- Repeated forced entry, empty property, or badly damaged door: a temporary steel door can be safer and more practical
- Vacant units needing inspections/maintenance access: security screens can provide stronger medium-term protection than timber alone
If you’re managing a site or multiple units, you may want to review boarding up for commercial properties or vacant property security.
FAQs about boarding-up situations in Hemel Hempstead & HP postcodes
Do you cover my area, or is it just Hemel Hempstead?
We cover Hemel Hempstead and a wide range of HP postcodes (HP1–HP27). If you’re unsure, call and we’ll confirm coverage and give you a realistic ETA based on workload and distance. You can also view areas we cover.
Can you board up a window tonight if it’s been smashed?
Yes—this is a common emergency boarding up request. If you’ve had a smashed window out of hours, call us and we’ll prioritise urgent risks and advise what to do while you wait. For urgent response details, see 24/7 boarding up.
I’ve had a burglary—should I repair first or board up first?
If security is compromised, the priority is to make safe and secure property first. Permanent repairs can follow once the site is stable and your insurer has advised. We can provide photos and an invoice to support your claim—see post-burglary boarding support.
Will boarding up damage my window frames or brickwork?
We aim to fix securely while minimising avoidable damage. The best method depends on the frame condition and opening type. If the frame is already split or unstable, we’ll explain the safest option before proceeding.
Can you board up a damaged door, or do I need a replacement?
We can often board up door openings as a temporary measure. If the door/frame is too compromised (or the property is likely to be targeted again), we may recommend a temporary steel door instead. See door boarding up.
What if it’s a shopfront—can you secure large panes?
Yes. Shopfront openings often need larger sheets, stronger fixing patterns, and careful attention to public safety. If you need a shopfront boarded up, we can attend out of hours and provide documentation for your insurer/landlord. See shopfront boarding.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Often it can be, depending on your policy and the cause (burglary, vandalism, storm, etc.). We’ll provide an itemised invoice, time-stamped photos, and a simple work statement—documents insurers commonly request. More guidance is on our insurance claims page.
How much does boarding up cost in Hemel Hempstead?
Costs depend on the opening size, material choice, access, and whether it’s out of hours. We don’t publish fixed prices because every job is different, but we’ll explain the cost drivers clearly and provide a straightforward quote. See pricing information.
Next steps
If your property has been damaged and you need to board up broken window, board up door, or arrange temporary boarding in Hemel Hempstead or the HP area, we’re here to help.
Ready to get started? Call 01442 502 589 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
