Residential Boarding Up in Chelmsford (CM) – Houses, Flats & Landlord Properties
When your home has been broken into, a window is smashed, or a door won’t lock after an accident, it’s hard to think clearly. The priority is simple: secure the property quickly so you can sleep, keep pets and children safe, and prevent further damage from weather or opportunists.
Boarding Up Chelmsford provides residential boarding up across Chelmsford and the wider CM postcode area (CM0–CM77). We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. If you need urgent help, we can talk you through what to do next and give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance.
Who this page is for (and what “residential” includes)
Residential boarding up isn’t just for detached houses. We regularly help:
- Homeowners after burglary, storm damage, or accidental breakage
- Tenants who need the property made safe while the landlord/agent arranges repairs
- Landlords and letting agents between tenancies, after evictions, or after malicious damage
- Block managers and housing providers securing communal doors, stairwell glazing, and ground-floor flats
- Property developers dealing with vulnerable openings during refurbishments
We work across Chelmsford and the CM area, including common residential postcode districts such as CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, CM9, CM11, CM13, CM15, CM16 and CM17.
If you’re not sure whether your property counts as “residential” (for example, a flat above a shop), call us and we’ll advise. In some cases, the best approach is a blend of residential and commercial methods.
Typical residential scenarios we’re called out to in the CM area
Every call-out is a little different, but these are the situations we see most often in homes and rented properties:
1) Smashed or cracked windows (ground floor, side access, or rear garden)
A smashed window is the most common reason people call. Sometimes it’s burglary-related; sometimes it’s accidental (football, garden work, DIY, or a stone flicked up by a mower). Even if only one pane has failed, an unsecured opening can quickly become a bigger problem—especially overnight or during bad weather.
This is where window boarding in Chelmsford is usually the right fit.
2) Forced entry or a door that won’t secure
After a break-in, you can be left with:
- A splintered door edge where the lock was forced
- A damaged frame where a standard lock won’t engage
- A UPVC door that’s twisted and won’t close properly
In these cases, we focus on making the property safe. Depending on the damage, we may recommend door boarding in Chelmsford or, for higher security and longer periods, a temporary steel door solution (installed as part of our door-security options).
For the “what do I do now?” side of things, see burglary repairs and boarding up.
3) Storm damage and wind-blown debris
Chelmsford and surrounding areas can get hit by strong winds that take down fence panels, dislodge roof materials, or drive debris into glazing. If a window is broken or a rooflight is exposed, you’re dealing with both security risk and water ingress.
If the opening is above head height (rooflight/skylight), roof boarding in Chelmsford is often required. If it’s a standard window or patio door, we’ll normally use window or door boarding methods.
For a step-by-step guide on what to do after bad weather, see storm damage boarding and make safe.
4) Vacant or between-tenancy homes that become vulnerable
Empty properties can attract unwanted attention—especially if mail builds up, a window is already cracked, or there’s been a previous incident. If you’re a landlord, executor, or agent, boarding can reduce the chance of repeat entry while you arrange repairs, probate, or refurbishment.
For longer void periods, you may want additional options beyond timber boarding. Our team can explain what’s suitable for your risk level and timescales, and we can also point you to our approach for vacant property security.
5) Fire or flood incidents (securing only)
After fire service attendance, doors and windows are sometimes left insecure for safety access, or glazing may be compromised by heat. Flooding can swell timber and distort doors so they no longer close. We’re not a remediation company (we don’t handle smoke odour treatment or drying), but we can secure the property so your home isn’t left open.
If you’re dealing with one of these events, start here:
How residential boarding up works (what we actually do on site)
When you call us, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we bring the right fixings and materials:
- What’s been damaged: window, door, patio door, rooflight
- Approximate size of the opening (even a rough estimate helps)
- Is the frame intact or splintered/crumbling
- Is the property occupied right now
- Any access constraints (rear access, communal entry, stairs, parking limits)
On arrival, we typically follow a straightforward “make safe” process:
-
Safety check and assessment
We’ll look for loose shards, hanging frames, and signs the surrounding structure is unstable. If there’s any sign of structural risk, we’ll tell you honestly and discuss safer options. -
Clear and prepare the opening (as appropriate)
We’ll remove loose glass where safe and prepare the edges so the board can sit flush. We keep disruption as low as we can, but safety comes first. -
Measure and cut boarding to fit
For most residential work we use:- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable security
- 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
We choose based on opening size, exposure to weather, and security needs.
-
Fix securely using the right method
We use fixing methods suited to the frame type (timber, masonry reveal, UPVC surrounds). Where necessary, we use anti-tamper fixings to make it much harder to remove the board from outside—important if the home will be unattended. -
Final check and documentation
We’ll confirm the opening is secure and explain what we’ve done. If you need insurer documentation, we can provide an itemised invoice and a clear description of works, and we can take time-stamped photos where requested.
If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. The goal is always to secure the home with the least avoidable damage.
Materials and methods we use in homes (and why they matter)
Residential properties have specific challenges: noise considerations in terraces, shared access in flats, and the need to maintain privacy as well as security. The method matters.
Plywood boarding (most common for homes)
Plywood is strong, consistent, and reliable for most residential openings. It provides a robust barrier and can be fixed neatly to reduce gaps and rattling.
Best for:
- Broken windows and patio doors
- Repeated break-in risk
- Longer temporary periods while waiting for replacement glazing
OSB boarding (useful for certain smaller openings)
OSB can be suitable for smaller, less exposed openings or quick stabilisation. We’ll only use it where it makes sense for the risk level.
Best for:
- Small panes or side windows
- Lower-risk, shorter-duration temporary boarding
Anti-tamper fixings and internal bracing (where appropriate)
If your home will be empty overnight (or longer), we may recommend anti-tamper fixings or additional reinforcement to reduce the chance of removal from the outside.
Best for:
- Unoccupied homes
- Rear access locations not overlooked
- Repeat incidents (attempted re-entry)
Temporary steel doors (when a door is badly compromised)
If a front or back door has been forced and the frame/lock area is heavily damaged, a timber board can secure it, but it’s not always the best medium-term solution. A temporary steel door provides a much more practical way to control access while repairs are arranged.
This is commonly used for:
- Landlord properties between tenancies
- Homes awaiting joinery or frame repairs
- Situations where trades need controlled access
(If you call, we’ll talk through whether this is appropriate; it depends on the opening, the frame condition, and your timescales.)
What you can do right now (before we arrive)
If you’re dealing with a broken window or door tonight, these steps help keep everyone safe:
-
If there’s a threat or a crime in progress, call 999
If the situation is safe but you’ve been burgled or there’s criminal damage, report it and keep your crime reference number. -
Avoid handling broken glass
Keep children and pets away. Don’t try to clear glass from a frame that’s still under tension. -
Take photos if safe to do so
Insurers often want evidence of the initial damage. A few clear photos (wide and close-up) can help. -
If weather is coming in, do only safe, short-term measures
A towel at the sill or moving furniture away from the opening is safer than trying to tape up glass at height. -
Call us and describe the opening
If you need to board up a broken window or board up a door out of hours, we’ll prioritise urgent make-safe jobs and give you a realistic ETA.
Emergency help: Call 01245 945 217
Insurance and landlords: what documentation you’ll usually need
We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t tell you what your policy will cover, but we can help you stay organised.
Common insurer/agent requests include:
- A description of damage and emergency works completed
- Date and time of attendance
- Photos showing before/after (where safe)
- An itemised invoice for the emergency boarding up / make safe
If you’re managing a rental property, it also helps to record:
- When the tenant reported the issue
- Any police reference number (if relevant)
- Any follow-on repairs booked (glazier, locksmith, joiner)
For more guidance, see our insurance claims support for boarding up.
Local residential coverage across Chelmsford and CM postcodes
We cover residential boarding up throughout Chelmsford and across CM0–CM77. That includes city locations, villages, and commuter areas where homes can be left empty during working hours.
If you’re searching for boarding up CM1 or boarding up CM2, we can help—whether you’re in a terrace, a newer estate, or a flat with communal access.
You may also find these local pages useful:
If you’re outside these locations but still within the CM area, call and we’ll confirm coverage.
FAQs – Residential boarding up in Chelmsford and CM areas
Do you do emergency boarding up for houses in Chelmsford?
Yes. If you need emergency boarding up after a break-in, a smashed window, or storm damage, call us and we’ll prioritise urgent make-safe work. We can’t guarantee fixed arrival times, but we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone based on location and workload. For urgent help, see our emergency boarding up page.
Can you board up a broken window tonight (out of hours) in CM1 or CM2?
Often, yes. If you need to board up broken window issues out of hours, call and tell us the rough size and whether the frame is intact. We’ll advise on next steps and attendance.
What if my front door has been forced and won’t lock?
Call us as soon as it’s safe. We’ll assess whether door boarding is sufficient or whether a stronger option (such as a temporary steel door) is better for your situation. Start with door boarding in Chelmsford for the main options.
Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?
We aim to secure openings with the least avoidable damage, but the right fixing method depends on what remains of the frame and reveal. If the surrounding area is already cracked or unstable, we’ll explain what’s possible before proceeding.
Is boarding up covered by insurance for residential claims?
Sometimes it is, sometimes it depends on the policy and cause (burglary, accidental damage, storm, etc.). We’re not insurers, but we can provide the paperwork insurers typically request. See insurance claims for practical guidance.
I’m a landlord—can you secure a rental property between tenancies?
Yes. We regularly help landlords and agents secure properties after tenant damage, break-ins, or when a door/window is left vulnerable before repairs. If the property will be empty for a while, we can talk through options suited to void periods and risk.
Do you board up flats and maisonettes with communal entrances?
Yes. Access is often the main challenge—buzzers, stairwells, restricted parking and working considerately around neighbours. If you can, let us know the floor level and access details when you call.
Can you secure a property after vandalism?
Yes. Vandalism often involves smashed windows or damaged doors. We can make safe and secure the opening, then provide documentation for follow-on repairs. For next steps, see vandalism repair and boarding up.
Ready to secure your home?
If you need temporary boarding, want a shopfront boarded up alternative for a mixed-use building, or simply need someone to make safe after damage, we’ll talk you through the best option for your property and your timescales.
Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? [email protected]
