Storm Damage Boarding Up in Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)

Storm damage is stressful—especially when it leaves your home, shop, or site exposed overnight. If wind has blown out glazing, dislodged a door, or damaged a rooflight, the priority is to make safe, stop weather getting in, and secure property until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Boarding Up Chelmsford provides emergency boarding up in Chelmsford and across the CM postcode area (CM0–CM77). If you need temporary boarding after storm damage—whether it’s a smashed window, a door that won’t close, or a vulnerable opening—we’ll talk you through the safest next steps and give a realistic ETA over the phone.

Need help now (including out of hours)? Call 01245 945 217

When storm damage boarding up is needed (and what counts as “urgent”)

Not all storm damage looks dramatic at first glance. What starts as a small crack or a loosened frame can become a bigger failure once wind pressure changes or rain gets in. In Chelmsford and the wider CM area, we’re typically called after:

• A smashed window from wind-blown debris (tiles, branches, fence panels)
• Window frames flexing or pulling away, leaving gaps you can’t safely seal
• Patio doors or front doors that no longer latch after impact or swelling
• Commercial glazing cracked or shattered on shopfronts
• Rooflights/skylights damaged, letting water in from above
• Outbuildings and side entrances forced open by wind
• Temporary sites (renovations, void properties) left open after sheeting fails

It’s usually urgent if:

• The opening is reachable from the outside (break-in risk)
• Weather is getting in (rain, wind-driven debris, temperature drop)
• There’s glass on the floor or panels are unstable
• The property will be empty overnight
• It’s a ground-floor window or a door that won’t close

If you’re unsure, call us. We’ll ask a few quick questions and advise whether emergency boarding up is the right immediate step, or whether a safer temporary measure is possible until daylight.

Out of hours storm damage? Call 01245 945 217 for 24/7 boarding up support in Chelmsford and CM postcodes.

What we do first: make safe and secure the property

Storm damage can create hidden hazards—loose glass, damaged frames, overhead risks near rooflines. Our focus is always:

1. Make safe – reduce immediate hazards and prevent further injury or damage
2. Secure property – close off access points and reduce the chance of opportunistic entry
3. Stabilise and weather-protect – stop wind/rain worsening the situation where possible

We’ll also be upfront: boarding up is a security and temporary protection measure, not a substitute for glazing replacement, joinery repairs, or roof reconstruction. Where the surrounding structure is too compromised for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain your options before proceeding.

How storm damage boarding up works (step-by-step)

1) Quick assessment and safe access

On arrival we’ll assess:

• The size and location of the opening
• The condition of the frame (timber, uPVC, aluminium)
• Whether there are overhead risks (loose tiles, damaged soffits, unsafe glass)
• Whether the area can be worked on safely, especially in high wind or heavy rain

If conditions are unsafe, we’ll tell you honestly and discuss the safest alternative—sometimes that means waiting for the wind to drop, or changing the method (for example, securing from inside where possible).

2) Choosing the right boarding material

We typically use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection on larger or higher-risk openings
• 12mm OSB for smaller, lower-risk openings where appropriate

The choice depends on the opening size, exposure, and whether the property is likely to be unattended. We don’t “one-board-fits-all”—storm damage can vary hugely between a small cracked pane and a full panel loss.

3) Fixing method: secure, tidy, and hard to remove from outside

Where possible, we use anti-tamper fixings and methods that reduce the chance of removal from the outside—particularly important for empty properties, ground-floor windows, and commercial frontages.

We’ll also consider:

• Avoiding damage to remaining frame where feasible
• Protecting surrounding surfaces
• Maintaining safe access/egress (you still need to live/work in the building)

4) Documentation for your insurer or landlord

After securing, we can provide what insurers typically ask for:

• Itemised invoice
• Work statement describing what was secured and how
• Time-stamped photos of the opening and the boarded result (where practical)

We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims—but good documentation helps your claim move faster. For more guidance, see our page on insurance claims support.

Securing different types of storm damage in Chelmsford and CM postcodes

Storm damage doesn’t just mean “board up a broken window”. Here’s how we typically approach common problems.

Board up broken window after wind damage

A “board up broken window” call often involves jagged edges, loose beads, and frames under stress. If you’ve got a smashed window, the priority is to prevent injury and stop wind/rain entering.

We’ll usually recommend window boarding as the first response, then you can arrange glazing replacement afterwards.

Related service: window boarding in Chelmsford

Board up door after storm impact or failure

High winds can twist doors, break locks, or blow in side entrances. If the door won’t shut or the frame has shifted, the property is exposed—and it can be unsafe to “force it” closed if hinges or fixings have failed.

Depending on the damage, we can:

• Board up door openings to secure the access point, or
• Discuss stronger short-term options for higher-risk properties

Related service: door boarding in Chelmsford

Shopfront boarded up after storm damage

Commercial glass can fail suddenly—especially large panes or older units. If you operate a shop, café, office, or small unit, a damaged frontage can’t usually wait until Monday morning.

We can secure the opening with sturdy panels and sensible fixing methods suitable for busy areas.

Related service: shopfront boarding in Chelmsford

Rooflights, skylights and overhead openings

Storms can damage rooflights or dislodge coverings, leaving water ingress from above. Access and safety matter here—working at height in poor conditions isn’t always sensible or safe.

If a roof opening needs securing, we’ll advise the safest approach and, where feasible, carry out temporary protection/boarding suitable for the situation.

Related service: roof boarding in Chelmsford

A typical storm damage call-out in the CM area (what it can look like)

A typical call-out might involve a customer in the Chelmsford area ringing in the evening after strong winds. They’ve discovered a ground-floor pane is broken and rain is blowing into the room, with the property likely to be unattended overnight.

Over the phone we’ll ask:

• Which CM postcode you’re in (CM1, CM2, CM3, etc.)
• Whether anyone is at the property and if it’s safe to stay inside
• The approximate size and location of the opening
• Whether any glass is still loose in the frame

On arrival, we’d usually isolate the immediate hazard, then measure and cut an appropriate board (often 18mm exterior-grade plywood for security). We’ll fix it securely—often with anti-tamper fixings where appropriate—so it can’t easily be removed from outside. Finally, we’ll take photos (if you want them for insurance) and leave the opening properly secured for follow-on repairs.

What to do right now after storm damage (before we arrive)

If you’re dealing with storm damage tonight, keep it simple and safe.

1. Check for immediate danger

   • Avoid touching loose glass or unstable frames.
   • Keep people and pets away from the damaged area.

2. If there’s an active hazard, call emergency services

   • Fallen power lines, structural collapse risk, or serious injury: call 999.

3. If safe, take quick photos

   • Photos of the damage and any debris can help with insurance later.

4. Do not climb onto roofs or ladders in high winds

   • Many serious injuries happen during DIY “quick fixes”.

5. If the property is exposed, arrange temporary boarding

   • If you need emergency boarding up or 24/7 boarding up, call us and we’ll advise.

Need to secure property after storm damage (including out of hours)? Call 01245 945 217

Why boarding up matters after storms (security + damage control)

After a storm, many properties in Chelmsford and surrounding CM districts become temporarily vulnerable. Even if you’re planning a full repair quickly, boarding up can help:

• Reduce opportunistic entry through a broken opening
• Prevent further internal damage from wind-driven rain
• Create a clearer boundary for safety while you arrange repairs
• Provide a practical “holding solution” when trades are booked up

If you’re managing a vacant property or a building between tenants, storm damage can escalate quickly. In those cases, you may want to consider longer-term securing options once the immediate opening is stabilised. You can read more about how we approach vacant and void buildings on our vacant property boarding page.

Insurance and storm damage: what we can (and can’t) do

It’s common to ask, “Is boarding up covered by insurance?” Often it can be, but policies vary.

What we can do:

• Provide photos, invoices, and a clear work description
• Describe what was done to make safe and secure property
• Help you show that you took reasonable steps to prevent further damage

What we can’t do:

• Approve claims, determine liability, or interpret policy wording as an insurer would

If you’re claiming, keep your notes simple:

• Date/time you discovered the damage
• Weather conditions (briefly)
• What was damaged and what immediate steps you took

More guidance: storm damage and insurance claims

FAQs: Storm damage boarding up in Chelmsford and CM postcodes

Can you board up my window tonight in Chelmsford?

Yes—if you need who can board up my window tonight in Chelmsford, call us. We provide 24/7 boarding up and will give you a realistic ETA based on workload and conditions.

What if the wind is still very strong—can you still attend?

Sometimes, but safety comes first. If conditions make the work unsafe (especially for roof-level issues), we’ll tell you honestly and discuss alternatives, such as securing from inside or attending as soon as conditions allow.

I need to board up a broken window—should I remove the loose glass?

Only if it’s safe and you have suitable PPE, which most people don’t. If glass looks unstable, keep clear and wait—our aim is to make safe without anyone getting injured.

Do you cover my area in CM1/CM2/CM3?

Yes. We cover Chelmsford and the broader CM postcode area (CM0–CM77). If you call, tell us your postcode and what’s happened, and we’ll confirm attendance options.

Can you secure a shopfront boarded up after storm damage?

Yes. We regularly help businesses that need a shopfront boarded up after glazing fails. We’ll aim to secure the frontage in a way that’s robust and suitable for a public-facing location.

My door won’t shut after the storm—can you board up the door?

Yes. If you need to board up door access after impact or frame movement, we can secure the opening and advise on next steps for a proper repair.

Will boarding up stop rain completely?

Boarding up is primarily for security and risk reduction. It can significantly reduce wind-driven rain entry, but if the surrounding structure is damaged (frame, roofline, seals), some water ingress may still occur. We’ll explain what’s achievable on site.

Do you provide receipts for insurance?

Yes—customers often ask do Chelmsford boarding up companies provide receipts for insurance. We provide an itemised invoice and, where practical, photos/work notes to support your claim.

Related help for storm damage

If you’re dealing with storm damage, these pages may also help:

• If you need urgent attendance: emergency boarding up
• If the main issue is glazing: window boarding in Chelmsford
• If entry points are compromised: door boarding in Chelmsford
• If it’s a commercial frontage: shopfront boarding in Chelmsford
• If the opening is overhead: roof boarding in Chelmsford

Get help with storm damage boarding up in Chelmsford

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance with storm damage and emergency boarding up across Chelmsford and CM postcodes. If it’s not urgent, you can also email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.