Flood damage boarding up in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)

Flood damage is stressful because it rarely affects just one thing. A small leak can swell a timber frame and pop glazing; a burst pipe can soak plaster and loosen fixings; surface water can push debris into doors and windows. The immediate priority is safety and security — then getting the property dry and repaired.

Boarding Up Hemel Hempstead provides emergency boarding up and property security across Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP area (HP1–HP27). If you’ve got a compromised window, a door that won’t close, or an opening left after flood-related damage, we can make safe and secure the property with temporary boarding and/or temporary security doors.

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

When flood damage leads to boarding up

People often assume “boarding up” is only for burglaries or vandalism. In reality, flood damage regularly creates security issues — especially once frames, locks and hinges have been waterlogged.

Common scenarios we see across Hemel Hempstead and the HP postcodes include:

• Burst pipes or tank overflows that soak doors and frames until they warp and won’t latch properly
• Ground-floor flooding that causes uPVC or timber doors to drop out of alignment, leaving gaps
• Water ingress around windows that loosens beading or damages timber, leaving glazing insecure
• Storm-driven rain that finds its way in and compromises rooflights or upper-level windows (sometimes requiring safe access work)
• Vacant properties where a leak goes unnoticed and damages openings before anyone arrives

If you’re thinking “I can probably lock it for tonight”, it’s worth checking carefully. A door that looks shut can still be easy to force if the frame is swollen or the keep has pulled away from the timber.

If you need to board up a broken window, board up a door, or arrange temporary boarding after flooding, we can help.

First: safety checks (before anyone touches the opening)

Flooded buildings can hide risks that aren’t obvious in the moment. Before you start moving things around, consider:

1. Electricity: If water has reached sockets or the consumer unit area, don’t touch anything — call a qualified electrician or the relevant emergency service guidance.
2. Structural stability: Saturated plaster and weakened timber can fail unexpectedly.
3. Contamination: Some flood water contains sewage or contaminants; treat it as unsafe.
4. Glass and sharp debris: Floodwater can move broken glass into unusual places.

If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the damage before any temporary work begins — insurers often appreciate clear “as-found” images.

We’re not a drying or remediation company, but we can secure property after flood damage so you can focus on restoration and the insurance process.

How we secure flood-damaged properties (what we actually do)

Flood damage can make “simple” boarding more complex because fixings may not hold in softened materials, and closing a door may be impossible if the frame has moved. Our job is to leave you with the property secure, weather-protected where possible, and documented.

Step 1: Quick assessment of the opening and surrounding structure

When we arrive, we check:

• Whether the frame is sound enough to take fixings
• If the opening can be secured non-destructively (e.g., using existing strong points)
• Whether there’s movement/warping that will worsen as it dries
• Any internal access constraints (swollen doors, stuck locks, restricted entry)

If the frame is too compromised for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Step 2: Choosing the right material (plywood vs OSB)

We typically use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most ground-floor windows/doors where strength and resistance matter
• 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where a lighter panel is appropriate

The goal is to prevent opportunist entry and reduce further damage risk until repairs can be completed.

If you specifically need window protection, see window boarding in Hemel Hempstead.
If it’s a door that won’t secure, door boarding in Hemel Hempstead is usually the best fit.

Step 3: Fixing method and anti-tamper security

Flood damage often affects the fixings you’d normally rely on. We use methods appropriate to the surface and condition, including:

• Anti-tamper fixings where external removal risk is high (important if the property will be unattended)
• Fixing strategies that avoid further splitting of weakened timber where possible
• Boarding layouts that cover vulnerable points (not just the obvious broken section)

Where possible, we’ll also aim to reduce rattling and movement — a loose board isn’t secure and can become a hazard in wind.

Step 4: Ventilation and “trapped moisture” considerations

One common issue after a flood is sealing everything up too tightly and creating conditions for mould. We can’t manage drying, but we can:

• Discuss whether partial ventilation is needed (depending on the room use and damage level)
• Avoid creating unnecessary moisture traps where practical
• Recommend keeping your restoration contractor informed about any temporary security installed

Step 5: Documentation for insurers and landlords

After completing the make safe work, customers typically need evidence. We can provide:

• Time-stamped photos of the secured openings
• An itemised invoice and a clear work statement (what was done and why)
• Notes on any constraints (e.g., frame condition, access limits)

For claims guidance, see insurance claims support.

What types of flood-related call-outs we handle in HP1–HP27

Flood damage varies. We’re regularly asked to secure:

• Ground-floor windows where the glazing is loose or broken
• Back doors / patio doors that won’t close after frames swell
• Communal entrances to flats where the lock/keep is compromised
• Retail or commercial units where water damage makes the premises insecure overnight
• Vacant properties awaiting drying and reinstatement

If the opening is high-level (rooflights/skylights), it may require a different approach — see roof boarding in Hemel Hempstead.

If you’re a business and need a larger frontage secured, shopfront boarding may be more suitable than standard window boarding.

What to expect when you call us

When you call 01442 502 589, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can arrive prepared:

• What’s been affected: window, door, shopfront, rooflight, or multiple openings?
• Is the property occupied, vacant, or between tenants?
• Are there any immediate hazards (standing water, loose glass, suspected electrical issues)?
• Do you need access maintained (for drying/restoration teams), or full closure?

We don’t promise fixed arrival times — workload and conditions vary — but we prioritise urgent cases and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

If you need out of hours help, we can arrange emergency boarding up via our emergency boarding up page.

Temporary steel doors after flood damage (when boarding isn’t enough)

Sometimes the safest option isn’t just to board up a door opening — especially if:

• The door leaf is swollen and won’t shut
• The frame is compromised and won’t hold a lock securely
• The building will be unoccupied during drying works
• Multiple contractors will need controlled access

In these cases, we may recommend a temporary steel door as a more robust, medium-term solution. We’ll talk you through the pros and cons on site and confirm the plan before fitting anything.

If you’re unsure which option fits, start with door boarding in Hemel Hempstead and we’ll advise from there.

Practical steps: what to do right now after a flood (before we arrive)

If you’re dealing with flood damage in Hemel Hempstead or nearby HP areas, these steps help protect people and speed up the insurance process:

1. Make sure everyone is safe — keep children and pets away from affected areas.
2. Call the right emergency service if there is danger (electricity, contamination, structural risk).
3. Take clear photos/videos of the affected openings and any forced or broken points (only if safe).
4. Prevent access: close internal doors, keep valuables out of sight, and stay with the property if safe until it’s secure.
5. Contact your insurer early. Keep a record of names, times, and reference numbers.
6. Call us to secure the property: if you need to board up a smashed window, secure a door that won’t lock, or arrange temporary boarding, we’ll guide you.

For urgent help, use our emergency boarding up service.

Why fast securing matters after flood damage

Flood damage isn’t just about water — it’s about what follows:

• Unsecured openings invite theft and vandalism
• Loose glazing can fall and injure someone
• Rain and wind can compound internal damage quickly
• If you’re a landlord or managing agent, delays can increase liability and tenant risk

The aim of boarding up is not to “fix” the flood — it’s to stabilise the situation, make the building safe, and give restoration teams a secure environment to work in.

If you need broader background, see what is boarding up?.

Flood damage FAQs (Hemel Hempstead & HP area)

Can you secure a property if the door won’t close after flooding?

Yes. A swollen door and frame are common after water exposure. We can board up the door or discuss a more secure option such as a temporary steel door depending on how long the property will be unattended. Start here: door boarding in Hemel Hempstead.

Do you board up windows that have become loose but not fully smashed?

Yes. Flooding can loosen glazing and beading without a dramatic break. If the pane is insecure, it can still be dangerous and an easy entry point. We can secure it with temporary boarding. See window boarding in Hemel Hempstead.

I’m in HP1/HP2 — do you cover my area?

Yes. We cover Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP region, including HP1 and HP2, as well as surrounding districts up to HP27. If you’re unsure, call 01442 502 589 and we’ll confirm coverage and a realistic ETA.

Is boarding up covered by insurance after flood damage?

Often, temporary measures to prevent further loss can be covered — but every policy is different. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request. See insurance claims support.

Can you help if the flood has affected a shopfront?

Yes. Commercial glazing and frontages often need stronger, larger-format boarding and more robust fixing plans. If your premises needs to be secured overnight, we can arrange for it to be shopfront boarded up. Learn more at shopfront boarding.

Will boarding up stop the property drying out?

Boarding up secures the opening, but drying strategy is managed by your restoration team. If ventilation is a concern, mention it when you call and we’ll discuss practical options that maintain security while avoiding unnecessary moisture traps.

Do you attend out of hours for flood-related openings?

Yes, we can arrange out of hours help for urgent security issues. Use our emergency boarding up page or call 01442 502 589.

What information should I have ready when I call?

If you can, tell us:

• Which openings are affected (window/door/rooflight/shopfront)
• Whether there’s standing water or loose glass
• Whether the property is occupied or vacant
• Any insurer or incident reference numbers you already have

Speak to a local boarding-up team now

Flood damage can leave your property vulnerable even when the water has gone. If you need to secure property, make safe, or arrange temporary boarding in Hemel Hempstead or anywhere across HP1–HP27, we’re here to help.

Ready to get started? Call 01442 502 589 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.