Boarding Up for Vacant Property in Ilford (IG1–IG11)

A vacant property can look “fine” from the outside and still be a magnet for opportunists. Whether it’s an empty flat between tenants, a probate property, a long-term void above a shop, or a site awaiting refurbishment, one broken pane or a weak door can turn into a bigger problem quickly.

We provide boarding up for vacant property in Ilford and across the IG postcodes—helping landlords, estate agents, local businesses and facilities teams secure property, make safe, and document the work for insurers or managing agents. If you need urgent help (a door has been forced, a window is open to the street, or you’ve had repeated attempts), use our emergency boarding up service.

Need to secure a vacant property now? Call 020 4634 8292
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk

Why vacant properties in Ilford need a different approach

Vacant buildings have different risks to lived-in homes:

No “eyes on the property” — damage can go unnoticed for days.
Higher likelihood of repeat attempts once someone realises it’s empty.
Weather exposure becomes more serious when an opening is left unsecured.
Insurance requirements can be stricter for voids (including evidence of security measures).

Our aim is practical: stop access, reduce risk, and leave you with clear proof of what was done.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked—important when you’re handing over access codes, keys, or asking someone to work in an empty building.

Typical scenarios we see for vacant and void properties

Vacant property call-outs rarely arrive as a neat, single issue. These are common triggers:

Between tenancies (private rentals and HMOs)

A tenancy ends, keys are returned, and then:

A rear window is found open or damaged during checks
A door is kicked in after neighbours notice the property is empty
The property is left vulnerable while repairs or cleaning are arranged

In these cases, temporary boarding buys you time to organise glazing, door replacement, and inspections—without leaving the building exposed.

Probate / inherited properties

Often empty, sometimes for months. Risk increases if there’s:

Post building up
Curtains removed / lights off consistently
Tradespeople coming and going during clearance

We can secure vulnerable openings and talk through medium-term options if the property will remain vacant.

Vacant flats above shops or mixed-use blocks

Access can be awkward (communal entries, stairs, restricted working hours). Break-ins can happen through:

Rear alley access
Shared corridors
Weak external doors or old windows

We’ll focus on non-destructive fixing where possible and advise when the frame condition limits safer methods.

Fire, flood or impact damage leaving the building uninhabitable

After a serious event, your priority is usually: secure it and stop further loss. We can board up after:

We’re not a remediation company (e.g., smoke/odour removal), but we can make safe and secure openings so follow-on contractors can work.

Repeated vandalism or attempted entry

Vacant sites can attract repeated damage—especially if a “quick board” has been pulled off before. In these cases, we’ll recommend anti-tamper fixings, thicker sheet materials, and—where appropriate—steel security screens or a temporary steel door for better resistance.

If it’s connected to deliberate damage, see our vandalism repair support.

How we secure vacant properties (what we do and why)

The right method depends on how long the building will be empty, where the opening is, and how damaged the frame is. We’ll explain options before proceeding—especially if the opening is too weak for non-destructive fixing.

1) Window boarding (plywood or OSB)

For most domestic voids, window boarding is the quickest way to secure glazing openings, broken panes, or vulnerable ground-floor windows.

For larger or higher-risk windows, we typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood
For smaller openings, 12mm OSB can be suitable where appropriate
Fixings are chosen to reduce removal from outside (anti-tamper where required)
We’ll consider ventilation needs—especially if the property is damp or has had a leak

Related service: window boarding in Ilford

2) Door boarding and temporary steel doors

If the main door has been forced or is structurally weak, boarding alone may not be enough—especially for a vacant property.

Options include:

Door boarding over the damaged door/frame to prevent access
Installing a temporary steel door (a strong, lockable solution suited to voids and longer projects)

Temporary steel doors are particularly useful when:

Multiple trades need access over several weeks
The door opening has been damaged by forced entry
You need a more robust deterrent than plywood

Related service: door boarding in Ilford

3) Shopfront-style boarding for larger glazed areas

Mixed-use properties and ground-floor commercial units sometimes sit empty between lets. Large panes and open frontages need careful boarding so the site stays secure and presentable.

Larger boards require stronger fixing strategies
We aim for a secure fit that reduces leverage points
We’ll discuss access, working hours, and safety considerations

Related service: shopfront boarding

4) Rooflights and skylights (often overlooked on voids)

Vacant buildings can be accessed from above—especially if scaffolding is present or a rear extension roof is reachable. Broken rooflights also let water in quickly.

We can secure roof-level openings and skylights, where safe access is available, using appropriate boarding methods and fixings.

Related service: roof boarding

5) Security screens (longer-term void security)

For properties left empty longer term, repeated damage can make re-boarding costly. Steel security screens (often used on voids) offer stronger resistance and better repeat protection than timber alone.

If you’re managing multiple voids, we can talk through the pros/cons for your portfolio and how to phase upgrades.

What “make safe” means for an empty building

When you call us to make safe, it’s not just putting a sheet over a hole. It’s about leaving the property in a condition where:

There’s no straightforward external access
Sharp edges and loose glass risks are reduced where possible
The opening is covered in a way that can withstand weather and attention
The work is documented so you can show what was done, when, and why

If the frames are rotten, heavily charred, or structurally compromised, we’ll tell you clearly what’s feasible and what needs follow-on repair.

What you get for insurance, landlords, and managing agents

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers—but we provide the documentation insurers and agents typically ask for:

Time-stamped photos of damage and completed boarding
Itemised invoice showing labour and materials
Work statement describing what was done and why (useful for claims and compliance)

If the call-out relates to a break-in, keep the police incident or crime reference number handy. For guidance, see insurance claims support.

Vacant property security: practical tips before we arrive

Only do what’s safe. If you’ve discovered a forced entry or you suspect someone is inside, step away and call the police.

If safe, these steps help:

Take a few photos of the damage (inside and out)
Don’t clear up glass if it might be needed as evidence
If you have keys, check whether any other access points are compromised (rear doors, side windows, basement windows)
Let us know if the property has alarms, shutters, or communal access restrictions

Areas we cover for vacant property boarding (IG1–IG11)

We’re based in Ilford and cover Redbridge and surrounding IG postcode districts, attending both residential and commercial voids.

Local pages you may find useful:

For a full view, see areas we cover.

Vacant property vs. other property types (and why it matters)

Securing a void is often about deterrence and durability—not just immediate patching.

You may also want:

residential boarding up if it’s a lived-in home with a sudden breakage
commercial boarding up if it’s a retail unit, office, or mixed-use block

If you’re unsure, call and describe the property and how long it will be empty—we’ll suggest the most sensible option.

FAQs – vacant property boarding up in Ilford

Can you secure a vacant property out of hours?

Yes. If it’s urgent (forced entry, smashed window, exposed shopfront), use our 24/7 emergency boarding up. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Someone has broken in—should I go inside to check damage?

If you suspect anyone may still be inside, don’t enter. Call the police first. Once it’s safe, we can attend to secure property and board up doors/windows.

Related situation page: board up after burglary

What’s better for a void property: plywood boarding or a temporary steel door?

It depends on the risk level and how long it will remain empty. Plywood is fast and effective for many openings. A temporary steel door is often better for repeated attempts, long void periods, or where multiple trades need access.

See: door boarding in Ilford

Can you board up a smashed window the same day?

Often, yes—subject to workload and access. If you need to board up broken window damage urgently, call us and we’ll confirm what’s possible and provide an ETA.

Will boarding up affect my insurance claim?

Insurers typically expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further loss. Boarding up is commonly part of that. We can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim.

More guidance: insurance claims

Can you secure a property without damaging the existing frames?

We try to use the least destructive method that still provides secure fixing. If frames are rotten, split, or badly damaged, non-destructive options may not be safe or effective—we’ll explain the choices before we proceed.

Do you board up flats and properties with communal access?

Yes. We regularly work on flats and maisonettes, including flats above shops. If there are restrictions (parking, entry fobs, concierge), let us know when you call so we can plan access.

Can you board up rooflights or skylights on vacant buildings?

Yes, where safe access is available. Roof openings are often overlooked on voids, and they can cause serious water ingress. See: roof boarding

The property is empty but I need trades to access—can it still be secured?

Yes. We can advise on options such as a temporary steel door, or ways to secure specific openings while allowing controlled access for approved contractors.

Next steps: secure your vacant property in Ilford

If your empty property has a smashed window, a forced door, or you want to prevent repeat entry, we can help with temporary boarding, upgraded security options, and the documentation you’ll need for management or insurance.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk

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