Storm Damage Boarding Up in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)

Storm damage rarely arrives politely. One minute it’s “just a bit windy”, the next you’ve got a smashed window, a door that won’t close, or rain driving into a property through a damaged roofline. If you’re dealing with storm damage in Hemel Hempstead or anywhere across the HP postcodes, the priority is simple: make the building safe and secure, then prevent further water ingress until permanent repairs can happen.

Boarding Up Hemel Hempstead provides emergency boarding up and make-safe work for homes, shops, offices and vacant properties across HP1–HP27. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

If you need urgent help (including out of hours), call us and we’ll talk you through the safest next steps and provide a realistic ETA.

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

When storm damage boarding up is needed (and what “urgent” really means)

Storm-related call-outs in the Hemel Hempstead area typically happen after high winds, flying debris, heavy rain, or falling branches. Even if the opening looks “small”, the risk can escalate quickly—especially overnight when temperatures drop and weather returns.

You may need emergency boarding up if you have:

• A smashed window (even a single pane) causing draughts, rain entry, or a security risk
• A door that’s been blown in, forced open by wind, or no longer closes/locks properly
• A compromised shopfront—cracked glazing, missing panels, or a frame that’s shifted
• Roof damage such as missing tiles, exposed felt, or a damaged skylight letting water in
• A property that will be unattended (holiday let, vacant unit, void between tenancies), where an opening could attract opportunistic entry

In practical terms, storm damage becomes “urgent” when any of the following are true:

1. The property is not secure (someone can get in)
2. The property is not weather-tight (rain is entering, or likely to enter)
3. There is broken glass or unstable material that could injure occupants or the public
4. The opening affects a shared area or commercial frontage (increased liability and risk)

If you’re unsure, call us—sometimes the right answer is a quick make-safe and temporary boarding, sometimes it’s a more robust option like a temporary steel door.

First priorities after storm damage: safety, security, and stopping further loss

After a storm, it’s easy to focus on the visible damage (the broken pane) and miss what matters most: preventing secondary damage. Water ingress can destroy floors, electrics, plaster, stock and fittings far faster than people expect.

Our approach is built around three priorities:

1) Make safe (reduce immediate hazards)

If there’s broken glass, loose frames, dangling door furniture, or damaged panels at ground level, we’ll stabilise the area and reduce risk. This might include clearing dangerous shards (where safe), securing loose sections, and closing off access.

2) Secure the opening (stop access)

Storm damage can leave a property easy to enter—especially if a window latch has failed or a door has warped. We can board up broken windows, board up doors, or secure shopfronts so the building is protected until glazing or joinery repairs are arranged.

3) Improve weather resistance (reduce water ingress)

Boarding is primarily a security measure, but it can also reduce rain entry. Where appropriate we’ll fit boards to cover openings and help deflect wind-driven rain—particularly on exposed elevations.

If the structure itself is unsafe (for example, significant roof collapse or a wall that’s moved), we’ll be honest about limitations: we can secure openings and reduce risk, but structural repairs require the correct trades and, in some cases, the building may need to be assessed before anyone works near it.

How we secure storm-damaged properties in Hemel Hempstead

Every property is different, but our storm damage work usually follows a consistent, transparent process.

Step 1: Quick assessment on arrival

We’ll check:

• Which openings are compromised (windows, doors, shopfront panels, rooflights)
• Frame condition (sound enough for non-destructive fixing or too damaged)
• Any hazards (shattered glazing, loose masonry, overhead risks)
• Access constraints (rear access, shared entrances, alleyways, shopfront shutters)

If the frame is too damaged for a straightforward fix, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Step 2: Choosing the right boarding method and materials

We commonly use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust security on larger or high-risk openings
• OSB (often 12mm) for smaller openings or where a lighter temporary boarding solution is suitable
• Anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of boards being removed from outside—especially important for unattended properties

We don’t “one-board-fits-all”. A ground-floor window on a quiet residential street may need a different approach than a commercial frontage or a vulnerable side entrance.

Step 3: Fitting the boards (securely and sensibly)

Depending on the opening, we may:

• Fix boards into masonry or sound frames using suitable anchors
• Use methods designed to minimise damage where possible (particularly where the frame is intact and you’re planning repairs quickly)
• Reinforce larger panels with battens to reduce flex and rattling in high winds

Our goal is to secure property properly—storm conditions can continue for hours, so it’s not enough to “cover the hole”.

Step 4: Documenting what we’ve done

For landlords, homeowners, and insurers, paperwork matters. After boarding, customers typically receive:

• An itemised invoice
• A clear work statement describing what was secured and how
• Time-stamped photos (useful for insurance and for absent owners/managing agents)

If you’re planning to claim, this documentation often helps move things along—though we’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy wording.

For urgent attendance, see our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.

Storm damage: which boarding solution is right?

Storm incidents don’t all look the same. Here are the most common “what now?” scenarios we see across HP1–HP27.

Smashed or cracked windows

A single smashed window can quickly become an access point, and once rain starts coming in it’s rarely limited to the sill area.

If you need to board up broken window damage, we’ll normally recommend window boarding in Hemel Hempstead using exterior-grade materials and appropriate fixings.

Doors blown open, split, or no longer locking

Storms can twist door frames, snap locks, or slam doors hard enough to crack panels. If your entrance is compromised, a quick board up door approach may be appropriate, but for medium-term protection (especially on vacant units) a steel option can be safer.

Start here: door boarding.

Damaged shopfronts and commercial glazing

For shops, cafés, offices and other premises, the priority is often to make safe for staff and the public, then secure the frontage so you can close up properly.

If your shopfront boarded up requirement is urgent, we can attend out of hours and provide the documentation you’ll likely need for your insurer or facilities team. Learn more: shopfront boarding.

Roof openings and skylight damage

Rooflights and skylights are particularly vulnerable in storms. Even where the opening is “small”, water entry can be significant and the access risks are higher.

Where it’s safe and appropriate, we can secure roof-level openings with roof boarding. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, unstable access), we’ll tell you plainly and discuss the safest next step.

What to do right now after storm damage (Hemel Hempstead & the HP area)

If you’re reading this while dealing with an active situation, keep it simple and safe:

1. Check for immediate danger first
   Stay clear of hanging glass, unstable frames, and any overhead hazards. If you suspect electrical damage, avoid wet areas and contact the relevant emergency service/utility provider.

2. If a crime may have occurred, call the police
   Storm damage sometimes looks like forced entry and vice versa. If you’re unsure, treat it seriously and get a crime reference number if applicable.

3. Take photos (only if safe)
   Wide shots and close-ups help—especially before anything is moved. Insurers often want evidence of the initial damage and the temporary measures taken.

4. Call a boarding-up specialist to secure the opening
   Temporary boarding reduces the chance of further loss. We prioritise urgent cases and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

5. Contact your insurer as early as you can
   You don’t need every detail to open a claim. Keep your policy number handy, and ask what evidence they require. We can provide documentation commonly requested—see insurance claims help.

If you need someone tonight, use our out of hours contact route: 24/7 boarding up.

Storm damage for landlords, managing agents and commercial sites

Storm damage is stressful for homeowners, but it can be especially time-sensitive for:

• Landlords trying to protect tenants and minimise further loss
• Managing agents coordinating access and contractor attendance
• Facilities managers needing consistent documentation and a clear work scope
• Business owners protecting stock, tills, and access points

If you’re organising security for someone else’s property, tell us:

• Who will provide access (tenant, key holder, on-site security)
• Whether the building must remain operational (shop trading, office access)
• Any site rules (sign-in, permits, method statements)

For commercial premises, you may find this helpful too: commercial property boarding up.

Cost and insurance notes (straightforward and honest)

Storm damage boarding up costs vary. The main factors are:

• Size and number of openings
• Access and height (especially for roof-level work)
• Materials needed (plywood vs OSB, additional bracing)
• Complexity of fixing (sound frame vs damaged substrate)
• Out of hours attendance requirements

We don’t publish fixed prices because storm jobs aren’t uniform. If you want a clear idea of what affects the quote, see our guide: boarding up pricing.

For insurance, we can supply invoices and photos, but we’re not able to confirm what your policy covers. Start here for practical guidance: insurance claims.

Frequently asked questions about storm damage boarding up (HP1–HP27)

Can you board up a smashed window the same day in Hemel Hempstead?

Often, yes—especially for urgent security risks. We prioritise emergency boarding up calls and will give you a realistic ETA over the phone based on current workload and conditions.

Do you offer out of hours boarding up after storms?

Yes. Storms don’t stick to office hours, and neither do breakages. If you need help out of hours, call us and we’ll advise the safest next step and attendance options. See emergency boarding up.

What if the window frame is damaged or crumbling?

We’ll assess on arrival. If the frame won’t take fixings safely, we’ll explain alternatives—sometimes that means securing into surrounding masonry, sometimes it means a different temporary security approach. We won’t guess and hope; we’ll talk you through it before proceeding.

Will boarding up stop rain getting in?

Boarding is mainly to secure property, but it can reduce wind-driven rain entering through an opening. If the roof or surrounding structure is damaged, water may still find a way in—so the goal is to reduce further loss until permanent repairs can be made.

Can you secure a shopfront that’s been damaged by flying debris?

Yes. We can make safe and arrange shopfront boarded up protection using suitably sized boards and fixings. For commercial frontage work, we can also provide time-stamped photos and a clear work statement for your insurer or facilities team. See shopfront boarding.

Do you work across the HP postcodes or only Hemel Hempstead?

We cover Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP area (HP1–HP27). If you’re unsure whether your location is included, call us—if we can’t attend, we’ll tell you straight away.

Should I call my insurer before you arrive?

If you can do so safely and quickly, it’s often helpful to notify them early. However, securing the property and preventing further damage is usually the priority. Take photos if safe, keep any reference numbers, and we’ll provide documentation after the job.

What if the property is vacant after storm damage?

Vacant properties can be targeted once damage is visible. In those cases we may recommend more robust temporary security, depending on risk and how long the building will be unattended. You may also find this relevant: vacant property boarding.

Need storm damage boarding up in Hemel Hempstead?

If you’ve got a broken window, damaged door, or you need temporary boarding after a storm, we’re here 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.