Window Boarding in Chelmsford (Emergency & Planned Window Boarding)

A smashed window is more than an inconvenience — it’s a security risk, a weather risk, and (for many people) a shock. If you need window boarding in Chelmsford after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage or an accident, we can help you make safe and secure the property across the CM postcode area.

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for emergency boarding up advice and a realistic ETA. If it’s not urgent, you can also email us to arrange planned temporary boarding.

When you might need a window boarded up

Window boarding is most often needed when glass has failed and the opening is exposed — but there are also times when boarding is the safest short-term option even before glazing is replaced.

Common call-outs we attend across Chelmsford and the wider CM area include:

• Board up broken window after burglary or attempted entry (rear windows, side windows, patio areas)
• Smashed window from vandalism (including repeated targeting on unattended properties)
• Weather damage where the window is cracked, blown in, or missing panes and you need to stop rain and wind
• Accidental impacts (DIY mishaps, vehicle strikes, fallen branches)
• Fire incidents where the glass has failed and the building needs to be secured (we secure openings; we don’t provide smoke/odour remediation) — see after fire damage
• Flood events where frames swell, locks fail, and windows can’t be properly closed (we’ll secure as needed and discuss ventilation) — see after flood damage

If you’re dealing with an urgent situation out of hours, our focus is simple: make safe, reduce risk, and help you stabilise the property until glazing repairs can be arranged.

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

Emergency window boarding in Chelmsford: what we prioritise

When customers call us in a panic — often because the property has just been broken into, or a ground-floor window has been smashed — we prioritise the things that matter most:

1. Safety first

   • We’ll ask whether anyone is injured and whether the police have attended (or need to).
   • We’ll advise you not to clear glass with bare hands and to keep people/pets away from the area.

2. Securing the opening

   • Our goal is to secure property access points so the building isn’t left vulnerable overnight.
   • We’ll choose fixings and board type based on the window size, height, and frame condition.

3. Weather protection

   • Boarding won’t “fix” a window, but it can significantly reduce water ingress and draughts until re-glazing.
   • Where possible, we use methods that sit neatly and reduce rattling in wind.

4. Documentation for insurance

   • We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide the practical documentation insurers typically ask for: itemised invoices and a clear work description.
   • If requested, we can supply time-stamped photos of the secured opening.

If you need a board up broken window tonight in Chelmsford, call: 01245 945 217.

How our window boarding service works (step-by-step)

Every property is different. A small bathroom window isn’t treated the same as a large bay window or a first-floor sash. Here’s what you can generally expect when you book window boarding with us:

1. Quick assessment on arrival

   • We check the size of the opening, the condition of the frame, and any remaining glass risks.
   • If there’s a reason boarding isn’t safe (for example, unstable masonry or access limitations), we’ll explain options before proceeding.

2. Measure and prepare the board

   • We cut boards to suit the opening and the fixing method we’re using.
   • We aim for a tight, tidy fit to reduce movement and improve security.

3. Fixing with security in mind

   • Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings so the board can’t simply be removed from outside — particularly important if the property will be unattended.
   • If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain what’s achievable and why.

4. Make safe and clean-down

   • We remove immediate hazards around the opening as far as practical (loose shards, dangerous edges).
   • We leave the area secure, and we’ll talk you through what we’ve done before we go.

5. Provide paperwork and photos

   • You receive an invoice suitable for most insurance claims and a clear statement of the works completed.
   • If you’re managing the property remotely (landlord/facilities), we can send photos so you can keep stakeholders informed.

If you’re also dealing with forced entry damage to the door, you may need door boarding in Chelmsford alongside window boarding.

Materials we use (and why)

We don’t treat “boarding up” as one-size-fits-all. The material choice depends on security level, opening size, and how long it needs to stay in place.

Exterior-grade plywood (typical for most emergency window boarding)

For many domestic and commercial jobs, 18mm exterior-grade plywood is the go-to option.

• Strong and impact-resistant
• More durable than thinner sheet materials
• Suitable for larger openings when cut and fixed correctly

OSB (often suitable for smaller openings)

12mm OSB can be appropriate for smaller windows or where short-term coverage is required.

• Cost-effective for certain situations
• Works well on smaller apertures when securely fixed
• Not always the best choice for large or high-risk openings — we’ll advise honestly

Fixings & methods (security matters)

We select the fixing method based on the opening and the risks:

• Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a risk of attempted removal from outside
• Fixing methods that avoid unnecessary damage when frames are sound
• More robust approaches when frames are compromised and security is critical

If you need medium-term protection for a vacant building (especially repeated targeting), window boards can be a first step, but you may also want solutions designed for longer durations. We’ll explain the options based on the building and how long it will be empty — see boarding up for vacant property.

Domestic window boarding in Chelmsford (houses, flats, maisonettes)

Residential call-outs often involve vulnerable access points: ground-floor windows, side alleys, or secluded rear gardens. After a burglary or a smashed window, most people want reassurance that the home is secure enough to sleep in — and that rain isn’t going to pour in overnight.

We regularly help:

• Homeowners who need to secure property after a break-in
• Tenants who need an urgent make safe while waiting on landlord/agent instructions
• Landlords dealing with void periods or forced entry between tenancies

If the incident was a break-in, this guide may help with next steps and insurer expectations: help after a burglary.

Commercial window boarding (shops, offices, and sites)

Commercial properties often need boarding quickly because a broken window can mean:

• Immediate security risk to stock, equipment, or sensitive information
• Higher visibility of damage (and a risk of repeat vandalism)
• Pressure to reopen or maintain safety for staff and customers

For shopfront glazing specifically, boarding is usually larger-format and may require additional planning around access and pedestrian safety. See shopfront boarding if your frontage is damaged and needs to be shopfront boarded up.

For facilities managers and multi-site operators, we can provide consistent paperwork and photo documentation to support internal reporting and insurance.

How long does window boarding last?

Window boarding is intended as temporary boarding. How long it can remain suitable depends on:

• Exposure to weather and wind
• The size of the opening and the fixing method
• Whether the property is occupied or vacant
• Risk of repeat targeting

If glazing can’t be replaced quickly, tell us. We’ll secure the opening in a way that matches the likely timeframe and risk level — and we’ll be upfront if your situation calls for a more robust medium-term solution.

What to do right now if your window is smashed (Chelmsford & CM postcodes)

If you’ve just had a smashed window or you need to board up broken window damage, these steps help keep you safe and protect your claim:

1. If there’s a threat or a break-in, call 999 (or 101 for non-emergency)
2. Don’t touch glass with bare hands; keep children and pets away
3. Take photos if it’s safe (wide shots + close-ups of damage and entry point)
4. Find your insurer details and keep your crime reference number if police attend
5. Call us for emergency window boarding: 01245 945 217
6. Avoid DIY boarding if you’re unsure
   • Poorly fixed boards can be pulled off from outside
   • Incorrect fixings can damage frames further, making repairs more expensive

If you’re planning an insurance claim, this page may help you understand what documentation is typically needed: insurance claims support.

Why choose Boarding Up Chelmsford?

You don’t need big promises when you’re dealing with property damage — you need a capable team that turns up prepared and does the job properly.

• 10+ years trading
• Fully insured
• DBS-checked technicians
• Coverage across Chelmsford and CM postcodes (CM0–CM77)
• Practical documentation: itemised invoices, work descriptions, and photos where needed

We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times, because conditions and workload vary — but when you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA and prioritise urgent risks.

FAQs: Window boarding in Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)

How soon can someone board up my house in Chelmsford?

It depends on the time of day, our current workload, and where you are in the CM postcode area. We prioritise urgent jobs (exposed ground-floor windows, break-ins, commercial security risks). Call 01245 945 217 and we’ll give you a realistic ETA.

Can you board up a window out of hours?

Yes. We handle out of hours call-outs for 24/7 boarding up support. If your window has been smashed and the opening is exposed, call us and we’ll advise what to do while you’re waiting.

What board do you use to board up windows?

Typically we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most emergency window boarding. For smaller openings, 12mm OSB may be suitable. We choose based on security, opening size, exposure, and how long it needs to remain in place.

Will boarding up stop rain coming in completely?

It can significantly reduce water ingress, but boarding is not the same as a sealed glazed unit. If the frame is damaged or the opening is irregular, we’ll secure it as well as possible and explain any limitations.

Can you board up from the outside if I can’t be there?

Often yes, if we can access the window safely and legally (and you can confirm permission). For landlords and managing agents, we can also provide photos and documentation after the make safe is completed.

Do you provide receipts/invoices for insurance?

Yes — we provide itemised invoices and a description of the work carried out. We’re not loss adjusters, but we supply the kind of documentation insurers typically request. See insurance claims support.

My frame is damaged — can you still board it?

Usually, but the method may change. If the frame is too compromised for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain options before proceeding. The priority is to secure property safely without creating additional hazards.

Is window boarding only for burglary damage?

No. We also board windows after storm damage, accidents, vandalism, and fire-related glass failure. For event-specific guidance, you can read help after vandalism or after storm damage.

Ready to book window boarding in Chelmsford?

If you need to board up broken window damage, want a shopfront boarded up, or need urgent help out of hours, we’re here to get the property secure and stable.

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance.
Prefer to message? Email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.