24 Hour Emergency Boarding Up Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront, you need the property made safe quickly. Our 24/7 emergency boarding up in Chelmsford helps you secure the building and reduce the risk of further damage, theft, or weather getting in.

Need urgent help now? Call 01245 945 217
Or email: [email protected]

We cover Chelmsford and the wider CM postcode area (CM0–CM77). We don’t promise fixed arrival times because every call-out is different, but we prioritise urgent jobs and we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.

When you might need emergency boarding up

Most people find this page after something has already gone wrong. Common reasons we’re called out for emergency boarding up Chelmsford include:

  • A board up broken window after an accident, vandalism, or break-in
  • A smashed window that can’t be left overnight (safety, security, weather)
  • Needing to board up door damage after forced entry
  • A commercial unit that needs the shopfront boarded up to prevent repeat attempts
  • Storm-related damage where you need us to make safe until repairs can be arranged
  • A vacant or void property that’s been targeted and now needs temporary boarding or stronger measures

If the opening is at height (upper windows, skylights, rooflights), tell us on the phone so we can plan safe access. Roof-level work may need additional equipment or a different approach depending on conditions.

What happens when you call us (day, night, or out of hours)

When you call for out of hours or same-day help, we keep it simple and focused on safety.

  1. We take the key details

    • Address and postcode (Chelmsford + CM area)
    • What’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)
    • Whether the property is occupied or vacant
    • Any hazards (loose glass, fire damage, structural concerns)

  2. We give you a realistic ETA

    • We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible.
    • Traffic, weather, access, and existing emergency jobs can affect timings.

  3. We arrive and assess before fixing

    • We confirm what can be secured non-destructively and what can’t.
    • If a frame is too damaged for normal fixing methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

  4. We secure property openings using appropriate materials and fixings

    • The goal is to prevent entry and weather ingress, and to stabilise hazards where possible.

  5. We document the work

    • We can provide time-stamped photos, a clear work statement, and an itemised invoice—useful for landlords, facilities managers, and insurance claims.

If you’re comparing options or want to understand the method in more detail, see what boarding up is and how it works.

How we “make safe” broken windows, doors and shopfronts

“Make safe” usually means removing immediate danger (where safe to do so), then securing the opening so the property can be locked down until glazing/repairs are completed.

Emergency window boarding (houses, flats, offices)

A broken pane isn’t just a security risk—sharp edges, draughts, rain ingress, and child safety become immediate concerns. For emergency window boarding in Chelmsford we typically use:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust, secure coverage on larger openings
  • 12mm OSB for smaller windows or where a lighter solution is appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a risk of the board being removed from outside (especially for unattended properties)

We’ll choose a fixing method that suits the frame condition and the surface available. Where possible, we aim for secure fixing without causing unnecessary extra damage.

Related service detail: window boarding in Chelmsford

Emergency door boarding and temporary access solutions

Forced entry often leaves doors split, frames cracked, or locks destroyed. If the door can’t be reliably secured, boarding may be the safest immediate step. Depending on the situation, we may recommend:

  • Door boarding to secure the opening quickly
  • A temporary steel door option for medium-term security when the property will be unattended or is repeatedly targeted

Related service detail: door boarding in Chelmsford

Emergency shopfront boarded up (commercial glazing)

Shopfronts are often large panes, and the risk of repeat attempts can be high once a unit is visibly damaged. A shopfront boarded up properly needs:

  • Larger, well-supported boards
  • Secure fixings designed to resist tampering
  • Consideration for safe entry/exit routes if staff need access

If you have shutters or internal screens, tell us—sometimes we can integrate temporary boarding with existing security to reduce risk further.

Related service detail: shopfront boarding

Rooflights and skylights (weather exposure and access)

Roof damage can become a bigger problem quickly, especially in wet or windy conditions. We can secure certain roof openings and rooflights as an emergency measure, but access and weather conditions matter. If it’s not safe to work at height at that moment, we’ll tell you plainly and help you plan the next best step.

Related service detail: roof boarding

Materials and methods we use (and why)

Emergency boarding isn’t “one size fits all”. The right approach depends on the opening size, frame condition, and how long the property needs to stay secure.

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm): strong, reliable, good for vulnerable areas and larger openings
  • OSB (often 12mm): practical for smaller openings and short-term jobs
  • Anti-tamper fixings: helps prevent boards being removed from outside
  • Fixing strategy based on substrate: brick, timber frames, UPVC surrounds, commercial shopfront structures all need different handling

If we believe boarding alone isn’t enough for your situation (for example, a repeatedly targeted vacant building), we’ll discuss more secure measures rather than overselling a quick fix.

For longer-term securing, you may want to read about vacant property boarding solutions.

After a break-in, vandalism, storm or fire: what to expect

Emergency boarding up often sits inside a bigger chain of events—police attendance, insurers, emergency repairs, or building management.

  • Burglary / attempted burglary: We can secure doors/windows quickly after police have finished on site. More info: boarding up after a burglary
  • Vandalism: Smashed panes and damaged shopfront glazing are common; we’ll board up and help you keep it secure until replacement glass is fitted. More info: vandalism repair and boarding
  • Storm damage: If a window is blown in or debris has created an opening, boarding helps prevent further water ingress and keeps the property secure. More info: storm damage boarding
  • Fire damage: We secure openings after fire incidents (we do not provide smoke/odour remediation). More info: fire damage boarding

What you can do right now (before we arrive)

If you’re waiting for emergency boarding up in Chelmsford, a few practical steps can reduce risk—only do what’s safe.

  1. If there’s an active crime or immediate danger, call 999 first

    • If the offender is gone but damage is present, report it and keep the reference number.

  2. Keep people away from glass and unstable areas

    • Don’t try to clear broken glass embedded in frames.
    • Keep children and pets well away.

  3. Take photos if it’s safe

    • Wide shots and close-ups help with insurance and landlords/managing agents.
    • Avoid stepping on glass or entering unsafe rooms.

  4. If weather is coming in, limit exposure

    • Close internal doors, move valuables away from openings, and place towels/containers for water—without putting yourself at risk.

  5. Have access ready

    • If you’re a tenant, try to ensure a keyholder can meet us.
    • If it’s a managed site, confirm any sign-in or security procedures.

For claims support and the paperwork insurers typically ask for, see insurance claims help. (We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide documentation to support your claim.)

Emergency boarding up for homes, shops, and managed properties

We attend urgent jobs across residential and commercial properties, including:

  • Homes and flats where a window or door can’t be secured
  • Retail and shop units needing a fast “make safe” and a strong board-up
  • Landlords and letting agents managing voids between tenancies
  • Facilities managers needing clear documentation and consistent site conduct

If you’re dealing with a specific property type, you may also find these helpful:

Coverage: Chelmsford and CM postcodes (CM0–CM77)

We’re based around Chelmsford and cover the CM postcode area, including CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, CM9, CM11 and beyond across CM0–CM77.

If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm. You can also check our areas we cover for location pages.

Emergency boarding up FAQs (Chelmsford)

How soon can someone board up my house in Chelmsford?

It depends on time of day, location within the CM area, and current emergency workload. We prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone. We don’t offer guaranteed arrival times because conditions can change quickly.

Who can board up my window tonight in Chelmsford?

We provide 24/7 boarding up across Chelmsford and CM postcodes. If you need to board up broken window damage tonight, call us and we’ll talk through what’s happened and what’s needed to make the property safe.

What information should I have ready when I call?

If possible, have:

  • The full address and postcode
  • A brief description of damage (smashed window, forced door, shopfront glazing, etc.)
  • Whether access is straightforward (keys, keyholder, site security)
  • Any police incident/reference number (if applicable)

Is boarding up covered by insurance in Chelmsford?

Often it can be, depending on your policy and circumstances. We can provide itemised invoices and photos that insurers commonly request. For practical guidance, see our insurance claims page.

Can you secure a property after burglary even if the frame is damaged?

Usually yes, but the method may change. If the frame or surrounding structure is too compromised for normal fixing, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. In some cases a temporary steel door or a different fixing strategy may be safer.

Will boarding stop rain and draughts completely?

Boarding significantly reduces exposure, but results vary depending on the shape of the opening and condition of the surrounding frame. Our priority is to secure property access and reduce weather ingress as much as practicable until repairs are completed.

Do you board up shopfronts out of hours?

Yes. If you need a shopfront boarded up after vandalism or impact damage, we can attend out of hours where possible and secure the opening to help protect stock and reduce the chance of repeat attempts.

Do you provide paperwork for landlords and facilities managers?

Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice, work summary, and photo documentation suitable for maintenance records and insurance. If you need details included (site name, PO number, access notes), mention it when you call.

For more general questions, you can also visit our FAQs.

Call now for 24/7 emergency boarding up in Chelmsford

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance.
If it’s easier, you can also email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.