Window Boarding in Stevenage (SG) – Emergency & Temporary Window Security

If you’ve got a smashed window, a cracked pane, or glazing that’s been forced during a break-in, you’re right to want it dealt with quickly. Our window boarding in Stevenage is designed to make safe damaged openings and secure property until repairs can be completed.

Need help now? Call 01438 594 023 for emergency boarding up across Stevenage and the wider SG area (SG1–SG19). If it’s out of hours, call anyway—we prioritise urgent situations and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

When you might need to board up a broken window

People usually call us when they can’t safely leave the property as it is—either because it’s exposed, dangerous, or likely to be targeted again.

Common urgent call-outs include:

• Board up broken window after a burglary or attempted break-in (often ground-floor or side windows)
• Smashed window due to vandalism, stones, or accidental impact
• Damage after storms where the glass has gone and rain is coming in (temporary weather protection)
• A vulnerable window at a vacant property between tenancies
• Commercial premises where a broken pane means the site can’t be left overnight

If a window has failed completely, boarding is often the quickest way to stabilise the situation—especially when you need the property secured tonight and a glazier can’t attend immediately.

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

What window boarding actually does (and what it doesn’t)

Window boarding is a temporary boarding solution to:

• Prevent unauthorised access
• Reduce further damage from weather and intruders
• Remove immediate hazards from exposed glazing
• Help you regain control while you arrange permanent repairs

It doesn’t replace proper glazing. The goal is to secure the opening safely and sensibly—without causing unnecessary damage to frames or surrounding masonry where possible.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

How we board up windows in Stevenage – our methods

Every opening is different. A small bathroom window, a large bay window, and a commercial pane each need a different approach. We aim for a strong, tidy fit that’s difficult to tamper with from outside.

1) On-site safety check and “make safe”

Before we fix anything, we assess:

• Whether any remaining glass is loose and dangerous
• Whether the window frame is structurally sound enough to fix into
• Whether there’s an immediate security risk (e.g., reachable latch points, low-level openings)
• Whether the property needs ventilation (for example after flood or fire-related incidents)

If there are sharp edges, we focus first on making the area safe and reducing the risk of injury to occupants, neighbours, or passers-by.

2) Measuring and cutting boards to suit the opening

We cut boarding to fit the window opening as accurately as possible. A poor fit is easier to pull off and can leave gaps that let wind and rain in.

3) Fixing method: secure, appropriate, and explained to you

Where the frame allows it, we use fixings designed for a secure hold. Depending on the situation, this may include:

• Anti-tamper fixings (particularly important if the property will be unattended)
• Fixing into sound timber frames or suitable solid substrate, where appropriate
• A method that avoids unnecessary damage when you’re expecting a quick glazing replacement

If it’s a high-risk location (for example, a visible street-facing ground-floor window), we’ll talk you through the most secure option.

Materials we use: plywood vs OSB (and why it matters)

We don’t treat boarding as “one board fits all”. Materials affect strength, weather resistance, and how long the boarding can reasonably stay in place.

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

For most emergency work, we’ll use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection. It’s a solid option when you need the property secure quickly and you want a robust barrier.

OSB (useful for certain openings)

12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller openings or lower-risk areas depending on the condition of the frame and the expected duration of the boarding. We’ll choose materials based on what the opening needs—not what’s easiest.

If you’re not sure what’s already been fitted (e.g., you’ve taken over a property with boarding in place), we can assess it and advise whether it’s adequate.

Emergency use-cases we see most often in the SG area

Below are situations where window boarding is commonly the right next step. If you’re currently dealing with any of these, call—especially if it’s out of hours.

Burglary or attempted break-in

After forced entry, the glass and frames are often compromised. Boarding helps you secure property quickly and reduce the chance of repeat attempts.

If this has just happened, you may also want our guidance here: burglary repairs and boarding.

Vandalism and random damage

A smashed window can happen fast—and leaving it until morning can invite further damage. Boarding provides an immediate deterrent and physical barrier.

Related information: vandalism repair and boarding.

Storm damage

If wind has taken out glazing or debris has caused impact damage, boarding provides temporary protection while you organise longer-term repairs.

Related information: storm damage boarding.

Accidental impact (domestic or commercial)

From DIY accidents to vehicle impact near ground-floor openings, we attend to make safe and board where glazing is missing or unstable.

Related information: accident damage boarding.

What to expect when you call us

When you ring, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can arrive prepared:

• Which part of Stevenage / which SG postcode you’re in (e.g., SG1, SG2, SG4, etc.)
• What’s happened (break-in, impact, storm, ongoing threat)
• What type of window it is and roughly how large the opening is
• Whether the property is occupied or vacant
• Whether there are any access issues (rear access, shared entry, upper floors)

We don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need urgent help to board up a broken window? Call 01438 594 023.

Residential vs commercial window boarding

Residential properties

For homes, the immediate priorities are safety, security, and weather protection. We’ll also consider:

• Children/pets in the property
• Night-time security if you’re trying to sleep in the house
• Keeping the boarding as tidy and non-disruptive as practical

If your door has also been damaged, you may need door boarding in Stevenage as well.

Commercial premises

For shops, offices, and sites with public-facing glazing, the focus is often:

• Stronger deterrence while closed overnight
• Minimising risk to stock and fixtures
• Clear documentation for insurers and facilities teams

If you need large frontage panels secured, see shopfront boarding.

Documentation for landlords, agents and insurance

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for, such as:

• Itemised invoice
• Statement of works (what was secured, materials used, method)
• Time-stamped photos before and after (where practical)

If you’re making a claim, it may help to keep:

• Your police reference number (if applicable)
• Photos of damage before boarding (only if safe)
• Any details of forced entry points or missing items

For more guidance, see: insurance claims support.

Can you board up from the outside only?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the window type, the height, access, and the safest fixing method.

If we need internal access to fit boards securely (common for certain openings), we’ll tell you on the phone. If access is restricted (e.g., tenant not present, keys not available), we’ll explain what can and can’t be done safely.

How long can window boarding stay in place?

Boarding is intended as a temporary measure, but “how long” depends on:

• The material used (plywood vs OSB)
• Exposure to weather (wind-driven rain, open elevations)
• Risk level (whether the property is occupied or vacant)
• Condition of the frame and surrounding structure

If you’re securing a longer-term vacant property, we may recommend additional measures beyond standard boarding, depending on the risks. You can also explore vacant property boarding for longer-term considerations.

Window boarding FAQs (Stevenage & SG area)

Do you offer emergency window boarding in Stevenage at night?

Yes—if you need 24/7 boarding up support, call us. We handle emergency window boarding and other urgent security work across Stevenage and the SG postcodes. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and give a realistic ETA on the phone.

I’ve got a smashed window—what should I do right now?

If there’s danger or a crime in progress, call 999 first. If it’s safe:

1. Keep people away from the damaged area (especially children and pets)
2. Don’t try to clear glass with bare hands
3. Take photos for your insurer (only if safe)
4. Call us to make safe and secure the opening

Can you board up a window without damaging the frame?

Often, yes—we aim to use a method suitable for the frame and situation. However, if the frame is already split, rotten, swollen (after water exposure), or unstable, a more secure fixing method might be required. We’ll talk you through options before starting.

Will boarding stop the rain coming in?

Boarding can reduce exposure and help protect the interior, but it isn’t the same as a sealed glazed unit. Where weatherproofing is a priority (especially after storms), tell us when you call so we can plan the best approach.

Is window boarding covered by insurance?

In many cases, insurers will cover emergency security measures after incidents like burglary or vandalism, but every policy is different. We provide invoices and work details to support your claim. More guidance is on our insurance claims page.

Do you board upstairs windows and awkward access points?

We can often help, but it depends on safe access and the nature of the building. Let us know the height, access route, and whether the window opens onto a flat roof, stairwell, or shared area so we can advise.

Can you board up a shop window temporarily until glazing is replaced?

Yes. If you need a shopfront boarded up after breakage, we can secure the opening and provide documentation for your insurer or facilities team. For commercial frontage security, also see shopfront boarding.

Why choose Boarding Up Stevenage?

• 10+ years trading
• Fully insured
• DBS-checked technicians
• Clear, practical approach focused on safety and security
• Coverage across Stevenage and SG1–SG19

If you’d like to understand more about the general approach and limitations of boarding, see: what is boarding up?

Ready to board up a broken window?

If you need window boarding in Stevenage—whether it’s a smashed window, an attempted break-in, or you need to secure property before night—call us and we’ll talk you through the next step.

Need help now? Call 01438 594 023 for immediate assistance.
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