FAQs — Boarding Up in Hemel Hempstead (HP1–HP27)
When something goes wrong—whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront—you usually need quick, clear answers. Below are the questions we’re asked most often about boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across the wider HP postcode area.
If you need urgent help, you don’t have to read everything first. Call 01442 502 589 and we’ll talk you through the safest next step.
Quick answers (for stressed moments)
- If there’s danger or a crime in progress: call 999 (or 101 for non-emergency) first.
- If your property is exposed: we can make safe and arrange temporary boarding to help secure property until repairs happen.
- If it’s out of hours: we prioritise urgent call-outs and will give a realistic ETA on the phone (we don’t guarantee fixed arrival times).
- If it’s for insurance: keep your crime reference/incident number, take photos if safe, and we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for.
For urgent attendance, see emergency boarding up.
FAQs about emergency boarding up (Hemel Hempstead & HP)
Do you offer 24/7 emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead?
Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across HP1–HP27 for urgent situations like a smashed window, forced entry, or a compromised shopfront.
We prioritise emergency calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we won’t promise a fixed arrival time—traffic, access, and active incidents can affect it. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA.
If you need help now: Call 01442 502 589.
Who should I call first if my window has been smashed?
If there’s immediate danger, suspected offenders nearby, or you think the break happened very recently, contact the police first. Once it’s safe, call us to board up broken window openings and make safe the area.
If you’re a tenant, it’s usually best to inform your landlord or managing agent as soon as you can. If you’re responsible for the building, notify your insurer early (especially after burglary or vandalism).
You can also read more on what is boarding up if you’re unsure what the process involves.
Can you board up a broken window tonight?
Often, yes—this is a common out of hours request. If you’ve had a smashed window, we can usually arrange emergency boarding up to secure the opening the same evening, subject to workload and safe access.
When you call, tell us:
- whether the glass is fully gone or cracked in-frame
- the approximate size of the opening
- whether it’s ground floor, upper floor, or a shopfront
- any access issues (gates, shutters, shared entrances)
For more detail on methods, see window boarding in Hemel Hempstead.
Do you board up doors as well as windows?
Yes. If you need to board up door openings after forced entry or impact damage, we can secure it safely and robustly. Depending on the condition of the frame and what you need next, boarding may be suitable—or a temporary steel door may be a better option for medium-term security.
Find out more on door boarding.
Can you board up a shopfront or commercial unit?
Yes—commercial jobs are a big part of what we do, especially where a shopfront boarded up solution is needed after vandalism, burglary attempts, or accidental impact.
Shopfront work often needs:
- larger boards and stronger fixings
- attention to public safety (shattered glass, footfall)
- a cleaner finish for brand/visibility where possible
- documentation for insurers/landlords/facilities teams
Read more on shopfront boarding.
FAQs about how boarding up works (materials, methods, safety)
What materials do you use—plywood or OSB?
We use both, depending on the opening, risk level, and the required finish. Commonly:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for higher-security or larger openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where it’s appropriate and agreed
We’ll choose the safest method that suits the damage and setting—especially important on street-facing windows or where the property may be unattended.
How do you fix boards—will you damage my window frame?
Our aim is always to secure the property while keeping damage to a minimum. Fixing methods depend on the frame type (timber, uPVC, aluminium) and the condition it’s in after the incident.
Where possible we use:
- non-destructive clamping/through-frame methods (when suitable)
- anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal from outside—important for vacant or vulnerable sites
If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding, so you can make an informed decision.
Is boarding up weatherproof?
Boarding is primarily a security and safety measure, but it can also help reduce wind and rain entering the property. That said, after severe damage—especially if surrounding frames or masonry are compromised—no temporary solution is “perfectly sealed”.
If you’re dealing with overhead damage (skylights, roof openings), the approach is different. See roof boarding for how we handle weather exposure and access safely.
How long does boarding up take?
It depends on:
- the number and size of openings
- whether it’s window, door, or shopfront
- access (upper floors, rear access, controlled sites)
- the condition of the frame and surrounding structure
A straightforward single-window temporary boarding job can often be completed fairly quickly once we’re on site. Multiple openings or a badly damaged entrance naturally takes longer.
Do you remove broken glass as part of boarding up?
We’ll make safe obvious hazards where it’s necessary to board securely and reduce immediate risk. However, we’re not a full glass-clearance or deep clean service. If there’s extensive shattered glass throughout the interior, we can advise on next steps and secure the property so specialist cleaning or glazing can follow safely.
FAQs about cost, quotes, and paperwork
How much does boarding up cost in Hemel Hempstead?
Costs vary—so we don’t publish fixed prices—because each job depends on the opening size, required materials, time of attendance (day vs out of hours), access, and the level of security needed (standard boarding vs temporary steel door/security screens).
We’ll ask a few quick questions on the phone and provide a clear quote before we attend wherever possible.
For a transparent breakdown of cost factors, see pricing.
Will I get an invoice and paperwork for my insurer?
Yes. We can provide itemised invoices and a work statement, and we can take time-stamped photos (where appropriate) to support an insurance claim.
We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy wording, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request.
See insurance claims for practical guidance on what to collect and how to avoid delays.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact—because insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further loss (like securing a broken window or door).
Coverage depends on your policy and excess. If in doubt:
- notify your insurer early
- keep your incident/crime reference number
- save photos and any receipts/invoices
More detail here: insurance claims.
FAQs about situations we attend (burglary, storms, fire, floods)
What should I do after a burglary if my door or window is damaged?
If you’ve had a break-in, your priority is safety and security:
- If there’s any immediate risk, call the police first.
- Don’t touch anything that could be evidence if officers are attending.
- Take photos if it’s safe.
- Call us to secure property with emergency boarding up.
We regularly attend post-incident call-outs and can help you protect the property until a locksmith or glazier completes repairs.
Related: burglary repairs and boarding.
Can you help after vandalism (e.g., smashed shop window)?
Yes. Vandalism often means jagged glass, public exposure, and a higher chance of repeat damage if the unit is left open. We can make safe, fit boards securely, and use anti-tamper methods to reduce the chance of removal.
Related: vandalism repair and boarding.
Do you board up after storm damage?
Yes. Storm damage commonly causes broken glazing, dislodged panels, or debris impact. We can board openings to reduce further weather ingress and protect the building until permanent repairs are arranged.
Related: storm damage boarding.
Do you board up after a fire?
Yes—we can secure the property after a fire once it’s safe to do so. Our role is to prevent unauthorised access and protect the site from further damage; smoke/odour remediation and fire restoration are outside our scope.
Related: fire damage boarding.
Can you board up after flooding?
Sometimes. Flooding can swell timber, distort frames, and make doors/windows difficult to close. Our focus is to secure the property safely while considering ventilation needs (to help drying) and the condition of the structure.
Related: flood damage boarding.
FAQs about property types (homes, shops, vacant buildings)
Do you work on residential properties like houses and flats?
Yes—homes are a major part of our work across Hemel Hempstead and the HP area. We’ll talk you through the safest option, especially if you’re worried about leaving the property overnight with a damaged window or door.
More information: residential boarding up.
Do you handle commercial sites and facilities management jobs?
Yes. We work with shop owners, landlords, managing agents, and facilities teams. If you need RAMS or specific site rules followed, tell us when you call so we can plan properly.
More information: commercial boarding up.
Can you secure a vacant property between tenants?
Yes. Empty properties can be at higher risk of repeat break-ins or opportunistic access. Depending on how long the building will be unattended, we may recommend stronger, medium-term options such as temporary steel doors or security screens.
More information: vacant property boarding.
FAQs about trust, compliance, and who you’re letting onto site
Are you insured?
Yes—we’re fully insured. If you need confirmation for a managing agent, landlord, or facilities department, tell us and we’ll provide the relevant details.
Are your technicians DBS-checked?
Yes. Our technicians are DBS-checked, which can be especially important for sensitive sites or where residents and staff may be present.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover Hemel Hempstead and the broader HP postcode area (HP1–HP27). If you’re unsure whether you’re included, call and we’ll confirm quickly.
You can also browse areas we cover to find your nearest page.
Still got a question?
If you’re dealing with a smashed window, need to board up a broken window, or want advice on the best way to secure property—we’re here to help.
Ready to get started? Call 01442 502 589 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
