Boarding Up Pricing in Ilford (What Affects the Cost)

If you’re searching for boarding up pricing in Ilford, it’s usually because something’s gone wrong fast — a smashed window, a forced door, or a shopfront that needs to be made safe. We’ll keep this page straightforward: we can’t responsibly publish fixed prices for boarding up because every opening, property, and access situation is different. But we can explain exactly what drives the cost, what you’ll get for your money, and how we quote so there are no surprises.

For urgent help, go straight to our emergency page: emergency boarding up or Call 020 4634 8292.

Why we don’t list fixed prices (and what we do instead)

Boarding up isn’t a one-size job. A “board up broken window” on a ground-floor flat is very different from securing a damaged shopfront panel or boarding a door that’s been forced. If we gave a single headline price, it would either be inaccurate or misleading.

Instead, when you call we’ll ask a few practical questions and give you a clear, realistic quote based on:

  • The size and number of openings
  • The type of opening (window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight)
  • Whether you need out of hours attendance
  • Access and safety requirements (for example, height, rear access, restricted parking)
  • The most suitable method: plywood/OSB boarding, temporary steel doors, or security screens for longer-term protection

You’ll always be able to decide before work starts. If something changes on arrival (for example, the frame is more damaged than it looked), we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Typical price factors (what affects the cost)

1) Type of boarding required (window, door, shopfront, roof)

Different openings require different materials, fixings, and labour.

  • Windows are often secured with 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and weather resistance, or 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate. Learn more about window boarding in Ilford.
  • Doors may need heavier-duty boarding, frame stabilisation, or a proper temporary access solution. See door boarding.
  • Shopfronts typically involve larger sheets, busier environments, and careful fixing choices to reduce tampering. See shopfront boarding.
  • Roof openings and skylights can involve safe access, ladders, or working at height, plus weatherproofing considerations. See roof boarding.

2) Size and number of openings

A single smashed window is one thing; multiple panes, a wide shopfront, or several access points after a break-in can change the time and materials needed.

When you call, it helps if you can tell us:

  • Rough measurements (even “about 1 metre wide” helps)
  • How many openings are affected
  • Whether it’s glass only or the frame is damaged too

3) Fixing method (non-destructive vs through-fixing)

Where possible, we use secure methods that avoid unnecessary damage. However, the safest method depends on the frame condition and risk level.

  • Anti-tamper fixings are often best where a property will be unattended.
  • If frames are rotten, split, or unstable after impact, non-destructive fixing may not be suitable. If that’s the case, we’ll talk you through the options on site before any changes are made.

4) Access, height, and working conditions

Access can be the difference between a straightforward job and one that needs extra time.

Examples that can affect cost:

  • Flats above shops where access is via a shared entrance or rear stairwell
  • Rear windows with narrow access
  • Multiple-storey properties where safe working at height is required
  • Busy frontages where we need to work safely around the public

5) Time of day (standard vs out of hours)

We provide emergency boarding up and attend out of hours when required. Work done late at night, weekends, and bank holidays can cost more because it needs immediate mobilisation and can take longer in low-visibility conditions.

We don’t promise fixed arrival times online. If you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on current workload and conditions: Call 020 4634 8292.

6) Security level needed (temporary boarding vs longer-term solutions)

Sometimes boarding is enough for a short period. Other times you may need something stronger if the property will be vacant.

Common options include:

  • Temporary boarding (fast make-safe after damage)
  • Temporary steel doors (more secure access solution after forced entry)
  • Security screens (for longer-term protection on void properties)

For guidance on what “boarding up” actually includes, see what is boarding up?.

What’s included in our quote (so you can compare like-for-like)

When we quote for boarding up services in Ilford and across the IG postcodes, we aim to be clear about what you’re paying for. A proper make-safe job usually includes:

  • Materials (appropriate thickness plywood/OSB; fixings; weather protection where feasible)
  • Labour and installation time
  • Safe fixing approach based on opening type and condition
  • Basic clean-up of immediate hazards (for example, removing loose shards where safe)
  • A straightforward explanation of what we’ve done and what to do next

If the opening is unsafe, unstable, or suggests structural damage (for example after a vehicle impact), we’ll secure what we can and recommend next steps. We’re not structural engineers — our role is to secure the property and reduce immediate risk.

For scenario-specific help, these pages are useful:

Insurance claims: what we can provide (and what we can’t)

If you’re claiming boarding up on insurance, documentation matters. We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims — but we can provide what insurers typically request after emergency works.

What we can provide

  • Time-stamped photos (before and after, where safe)
  • An itemised invoice
  • A clear work statement describing what was secured and how

For practical guidance, see insurance claims support.

What you can do to help your claim

  • If the police attend (for break-ins), keep your crime reference number
  • Take your own photos before we arrive if it’s safe
  • Notify your insurer early and ask what evidence they require

How to get an accurate price quickly (without back-and-forth)

The fastest way to get a solid quote is a short phone call. If you can, have this ready:

  1. Postcode (we cover Ilford and IG districts IG1–IG11)
  2. What happened (e.g., “smashed window”, “board up door”, “shopfront boarded up”)
  3. The number of openings and rough size
  4. Any access issues (upper floor, rear access, shared entrance)
  5. Whether it’s urgent tonight / out of hours or can be scheduled

Then call: Call 020 4634 8292 or email info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk.

Can I reduce the cost? (Sometimes, yes)

A few practical tips can keep things efficient:

  • Send a clear photo if you’re able (especially helpful for shopfronts or multiple windows)
  • Tell us if the property is occupied — this can affect security recommendations
  • If it’s safe, clear small obstacles near the opening before we arrive (don’t handle broken glass)
  • If you need longer-term protection, ask whether a more robust solution is better value than repeated temporary boarding

Pricing transparency: what to watch out for when comparing quotes

Not all boarding quotes include the same level of security.

When comparing, check:

  • Are they using exterior-grade plywood of suitable thickness?
  • Are the fixings tamper-resistant where needed?
  • Are they accounting for the full opening (not leaving gaps)?
  • Will you receive documentation for insurance (photos, invoice, work statement)?

If you want a clear explanation of methods and materials, see boarding up services.

FAQs: Boarding Up Costs in Ilford

How much does boarding up cost in Ilford?

It depends on the opening size/type, materials, fixing method, access, and whether it’s out of hours. Call us with a few details and we’ll give you a clear quote: Call 020 4634 8292.

Is emergency boarding up more expensive out of hours?

Often, yes. Out of hours work can require immediate mobilisation and may take longer in low-visibility conditions. We’ll always be upfront about any additional costs when you call.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

In many cases, emergency make-safe work may be covered, but it depends on your policy and the situation. We can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. See insurance claims support.

Do you charge to give a quote?

We can usually provide a quote over the phone based on your description and photos. If the situation is complex (multiple openings, unsafe structure, difficult access), we may need to assess on site to confirm the scope.

What’s the difference between plywood and OSB in pricing?

Plywood is generally stronger and more weather-resistant; OSB can be suitable for smaller openings or certain temporary uses. The right choice depends on risk level and how long the board needs to stay in place.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We aim to minimise damage and use sensible fixing methods. If the frame is already compromised (split timber, crumbling masonry, bent metal), the safest approach can change. We’ll explain options before proceeding.

Can you board up a shopfront and still let us trade?

Sometimes. For example, partial boarding or securing specific panels may help, but it depends on the layout and safety. Shopfront situations vary a lot — see shopfront boarding and call us to talk it through.

Do you provide receipts/invoices for landlords and businesses?

Yes. We provide an itemised invoice and work statement, which helps for insurers, landlords, property managers, and facilities teams.

Ready to get a quote?

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 8292 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.