Boarding Up Services in Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront, you usually don’t have the luxury of waiting. Our boarding up services in Chelmsford are designed to make safe, secure property, and protect it from further damage—whether that’s after a break-in, vandalism, a storm, or an accident.

We cover Chelmsford and the wider CM postcode area (CM0–CM77) with a practical, calm approach. We won’t promise a fixed arrival time (traffic, access, and workload vary), but when you call we’ll talk through what’s happened and give you a realistic ETA.

Need urgent help right now? Call 01245 945 217 for emergency boarding up.

When you might need boarding up (and what we do first)

Boarding up is about preventing the situation from getting worse. A broken pane can quickly become a bigger security issue; a damaged door can leave the whole building exposed; a compromised shopfront can attract unwanted attention overnight.

A typical call might involve:

  • A board up broken window after vandalism or an accident
  • A board up door after a forced entry
  • A shopfront boarded up to protect a commercial unit until glazing is replaced
  • Temporary boarding to stop wind-driven rain after storm damage
  • Making safe loose glass, sharp edges, or unstable frames where possible

If the opening is unsafe to approach (for example, glass hanging in the frame or a door that’s been struck hard), we’ll prioritise make safe work and stabilisation before we start fixing boards.

For situation-led guidance, see:

How our boarding up service works (what to expect)

When you ring us, the goal is to get you from “exposed and stressed” to “secured and documented” as efficiently as possible.

  1. We ask the right questions on the phone
    We’ll confirm the location (postcode), what’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/roof), whether the site is occupied, and any immediate hazards.

  2. We attend and assess access + frame condition
    Not every job is straightforward. Some properties have restricted access, rear entries, shared hallways, or fragile frames. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

  3. We secure the opening with the right method
    We select materials and fixings based on:

    • opening size and height
    • security risk (occupied vs vacant)
    • weather exposure
    • condition of the surrounding frame/masonry

  4. We provide documentation for your records/insurer
    Where helpful, we can supply:

    • time-stamped photos (before/after)
    • a clear statement of work completed
    • an itemised invoice suitable for insurance claims

If you’re dealing with a claim, our insurance claims guidance explains what insurers typically ask for (we’re not loss adjusters, but we’ll help you with the documentation side).

Materials and methods we use (and why)

There isn’t one “standard” board-up. The right approach depends on security, exposure, and how long the property needs to remain protected.

Plywood vs OSB (and typical thicknesses)

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is a common choice for higher-security or larger openings. It’s strong, stable, and resists splitting when fixed correctly.
  • 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller openings or lower-risk short-term protection, depending on the site.

We’ll always choose a method that’s appropriate for the opening and explain what we’re fitting. If the property is likely to be unattended, we typically recommend more secure fixing methods to reduce the risk of removal from outside.

Fixings and security (anti-tamper options)

Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings because they make it harder for boards to be removed externally. That matters for vacant properties, repeat-target commercial sites, and anywhere that’s likely to be left overnight.

We also take care to avoid unnecessary damage. If we can secure using existing fixing points or non-destructive approaches, we’ll do so—provided it’s still safe and secure.

Our core boarding up services in Chelmsford

Below are the main ways we secure properties across Chelmsford and the CM area. Each service is different in how it’s installed and what it’s designed to protect.

Window boarding (broken or vulnerable glazing)

If you’ve got a smashed window, cracked pane, or a window that won’t close properly after impact, window boarding is usually the fastest way to secure the property and reduce further risk.

This service is covered in detail here: window boarding in Chelmsford.

Typical scenarios:

  • ground-floor residential windows after a break-in
  • side/rear windows out of street view
  • commercial windows where glazing replacement is scheduled but not immediate

Door boarding up (forced entry and insecure doors)

A forced door can be more than cosmetic damage—if the latch side is split or the frame is loose, the door may not be secure even if it still “closes”.

We can board up doors or discuss stronger temporary security where appropriate: door boarding services.

Common reasons people call:

  • kicked-in doors after a burglary
  • communal doors damaged by attempted entry
  • rear/side doors on commercial premises

Shopfront boarding (commercial glazing and public-facing security)

A damaged shopfront is urgent because it’s visible, it’s vulnerable, and it can quickly become a bigger issue if not secured. Shopfront boarding is designed for larger panes and busier environments where you may need to protect stock and prevent entry out of hours.

Read more here: shopfront boarding in Chelmsford.

This often includes:

  • protecting the opening to prevent access
  • considering public safety (sharp glass, wide openings)
  • practical placement so you can later re-glaze efficiently

Roof and skylight boarding (weather exposure and overhead access)

Storm damage, fallen debris, or failed rooflights can leave properties exposed to rain—and water damage can escalate quickly.

We secure roof openings and skylights where safe access is possible: roof boarding services.

Important note: roof work is always access-dependent. We’ll be honest about what can be done safely on the first visit, and what may need specialist access equipment.

Temporary steel doors and security screens (medium-term protection)

For higher-risk sites or longer periods of vacancy, boarding isn’t always the best option. In some cases, a temporary steel door or steel security screens provide a more robust solution.

This is particularly relevant for:

  • vacant/void properties between tenants
  • repeat-target commercial premises
  • properties awaiting major repairs

If you’re securing a building that will be empty for a while, our vacant property boarding guidance explains the options and what to consider.

Residential, commercial, and vacant properties — what changes?

The basics of securing an opening are the same, but the decision-making changes depending on how the building is used.

Residential properties

For homes and flats, the priorities are usually:

  • immediate safety (glass hazards, exposed openings)
  • preventing further entry
  • keeping the property weather-tight as best as possible

See: residential boarding up.

Commercial premises

For shops, offices, and managed buildings, we often need to consider:

  • out of hours access and keyholders
  • maintaining safe public walkways
  • documentation for insurers or facilities teams

See: commercial boarding up.

Vacant/void properties

Where a building is unoccupied, the focus is on:

  • stronger deterrence (anti-tamper fixings, more robust solutions)
  • reducing repeat entry attempts
  • clear documentation for landlords/agents

See: vacant property security and boarding.

Documentation, insurance, and practical next steps

After an incident, you’re often juggling police, landlords/tenants, insurers, and repairs. We keep our part straightforward.

What helps most (if it’s safe to do so):

  • Take a few photos before anything is moved
  • Keep your police reference number if applicable
  • Note what was damaged and any items missing (don’t tidy up until advised by police/insurer)
  • Let us know if the property is occupied tonight or will be left empty

For claim-related help (without the jargon), read: insurance claims support for boarding up.

If you’re trying to understand costs, see: boarding up pricing information (we don’t publish fixed prices because openings, access, and security requirements vary).

Why choose Boarding Up Chelmsford?

People call us when they’re having a bad day. You don’t need hype—you need the property secured properly.

  • 10+ years trading
  • Fully insured
  • DBS-checked technicians
  • Practical options: temporary boarding, anti-tamper fixings, and stronger medium-term security where needed
  • Clear paperwork: photos and itemised invoices suitable for insurers in most cases

If you want to understand the basics before you decide, our guide explains what boarding up is and how it works.

FAQs about our boarding up services

Do you offer emergency boarding up in Chelmsford?

Yes—if you need emergency boarding up we can prioritise urgent call-outs across Chelmsford and the CM postcodes. We can’t guarantee fixed arrival times, but we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call. For urgent situations, use our 24/7 emergency page.

Can you board up a broken window tonight?

Often, yes. If you’ve got a smashed window and need to secure property overnight, call and we’ll advise the best option based on the opening, floor level, and condition of the frame.

Can you board up doors after a break-in?

Yes. If you need to board up door damage after a forced entry, we’ll assess whether boarding alone is sufficient or whether a stronger temporary solution is appropriate. Our door boarding service page explains the usual approaches.

Do you board up shopfronts for businesses?

Yes—shopfront boarded up call-outs are common after vandalism or impact damage. We’ll focus on making safe first, then securing the opening appropriately for a commercial frontage. Details are on our shopfront boarding page.

What areas do you cover besides Chelmsford?

We cover Chelmsford and the wider CM area (CM0–CM77). You can see local pages and nearby coverage on our areas we cover section.

Will boarding up stop rain and draughts completely?

Boarding significantly reduces exposure, but complete weatherproofing depends on the shape of the opening, frame condition, and wind direction. We’ll do what’s practical and explain any limitations on-site—especially for rooflights and irregular openings.

Do you provide receipts/invoices for insurance?

Yes. We provide itemised invoices and can supply photos and a statement of work. Insurers vary, but this is typically what they ask for—see our insurance claims guide for what to keep.

Ready to secure your property?

Need help now or want to book planned boarding? Call 01245 945 217 or email us and we’ll talk you through the safest, most suitable option for your property in Chelmsford or the CM area.