Roof Boarding in Ilford (IG) – Emergency Roof & Skylight Boarding

When part of your roof is damaged, missing, or exposed, the priority is simple: make safe, keep weather out, and secure the property. Our roof boarding service in Ilford covers urgent call-outs and planned securing across the IG postcodes (IG1–IG11), whether it’s a storm-lifted section, broken skylight, damaged roof hatch, or a hole caused by impact.

If you need emergency roof boarding in Ilford, call now and we’ll talk you through the safest next step and give a realistic ETA.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email for a planned job? info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk

When roof boarding is the right option (and when it isn’t)

Roof boarding is a temporary, practical way to secure an opening and reduce further damage until permanent repairs can be arranged. It’s commonly used after:

• Storm damage (lifted felt, missing tiles/slates, wind-blown debris impact)
• Fire damage where sections are unsafe or exposed (we secure the property; we don’t do smoke/odour remediation)
• Flood ingress risk after roof leaks or water entry (boarding helps prevent more water getting in)
• Impact/accident damage (fallen branch, scaffolding incident, vehicle impact to a low roof/extension)
• Burglary attempts via roof access (flat roofs, roof hatches, skylights)
• Vacant property exposure where rooflights or access panels are vulnerable

Roof boarding may not be suitable if the structure is unstable, there are signs of collapse, or access is unsafe. In those cases we’ll tell you plainly on the phone and may advise you to contact the emergency services, building control, or a roofing contractor first.

For immediate help outside normal hours, see emergency boarding up.

Emergency roof boarding: what we can secure

We regularly board and secure:

• Skylights / rooflights (cracked, shattered, or missing panes)
• Flat roof openings and weak points (including areas where felt has peeled back)
• Roof hatches and access panels (often used for maintenance access)
• Dormer and loft-level window openings where glazing is broken and exposed
• Small roof void openings created by storm or impact damage

If you’re unsure, call—describing the opening (size, height, location, and what’s damaged) helps us bring the right materials.

Need a roof opening made safe tonight? Call 020 4634 8292

Materials we use (and why)

Roof and overhead openings are different to ground-floor windows: weather and uplift are the main risks, along with safe fixing into the surrounding structure.

We typically use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust, emergency roof boarding
  • Strong, resists flexing, suitable for larger openings where rigidity matters.
• 12mm OSB (or equivalent) for smaller roof apertures and where weight/handling is a factor
  • Practical for tight access areas or smaller rooflights.

Fixings and security components may include:

• Anti-tamper fixings where external removal is a risk
• Timber battens / bracing to spread load and improve holding strength
• Weather-resistant membranes/tapes where appropriate to reduce water ingress around edges (boarding is not a full waterproof roof repair, but we aim to limit further damage)

We’ll choose the method based on opening size, substrate condition, height, exposure, and whether the property will be occupied or left unattended.

If the surrounding frame or timbers are too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

How we board a damaged roof or skylight (method & process)

Every roof job is different, but our approach is consistent: make safe first, then secure properly.

1) Safety and access assessment

We check:

• Safe access routes (internal loft access vs external access)
• Condition of the edges/frame around the opening
• Immediate hazards (loose glass, unstable material, water ingress, electrics)

If we can’t safely access the area, we’ll be transparent about that and discuss alternatives.

2) Measure, cut, and prepare the board

We measure and cut on site to suit the opening. For roof boarding, accurate sizing matters because gaps invite wind-driven rain.

3) Secure using the right fixings

Depending on the structure, we may:

• Fix into sound timbers or solid substrate
• Use bracing/battens to avoid over-stressing weak edges
• Use anti-tamper fixings where security is critical

4) Make-safe finish and tidy-down

We remove loose hazards we can safely deal with (e.g., loose shards within reach), then leave the area as safe as practical for occupants, neighbours, or follow-on trades.

Prioritising emergency use-cases: what to do before we arrive

If you’ve had roof damage in Ilford or across the IG area, a few steps can reduce risk—only if safe:

• Keep people away from the area below the damage (loose debris can fall)
• If water is coming in, place buckets and move valuables where possible
• Take photos for your insurer before anything changes (if safe)
• If there’s a suspected break-in, call the police and keep the reference number

Then call us to secure property openings and stop the situation getting worse.

Out of hours roof boarding and make safe: Call 020 4634 8292

(If your main issue is broken glazing at ground level, you may need window boarding in Ilford instead.)

What you get: documentation for landlords, insurers, and managing agents

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the practical documentation insurers typically ask for after emergency boarding.

You can request:

• Time-stamped photos of the secured area
• An itemised invoice
• A clear work statement describing what was done and why (make-safe, temporary boarding, access notes)

For more guidance, see our insurance claims support page.

Roof boarding for homes, shops, and vacant properties

Roof openings can affect any building type, and the approach changes slightly depending on the site.

• Residential (houses/flats/maisonettes): protecting belongings, keeping children/pets safe, reducing draughts and water entry. See residential property boarding.
• Commercial buildings: higher risk of unauthorised access, larger rooflights, and security expectations for unattended premises. See commercial boarding up.
• Vacant properties: rooflights and hatches are common weak points; we can discuss more robust short-term solutions. See vacant property boarding.

If you also need ground-floor security after an incident, we can combine roof boarding with door boarding or shopfront boarding where relevant.

Coverage: roof boarding across Ilford and IG postcodes

We provide roof boarding in Ilford and across IG1–IG11, including surrounding neighbourhoods such as:

• Ilford (IG1), Gants Hill (IG2), Newbury Park (IG2), Seven Kings (IG3), Redbridge (IG4)
• Clayhall (IG5), Barkingside (IG6), Hainault (IG6), Chigwell (IG7)
• Woodford Bridge (IG8), Woodford Green (IG8), Buckhurst Hill (IG9)
• Loughton (IG10), High Beach (IG10), Barking (IG11)

You can also browse our local pages via areas we cover.

What happens when you call (3 simple steps)

1. Tell us what’s happened
   We’ll ask a few practical questions (type of opening, approximate size, height, immediate hazards, whether anyone is inside).

2. We prioritise urgent calls and give a realistic ETA
   We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times—conditions and workload vary—but we’ll be straight with you on the phone.

3. We attend, make safe, and secure the opening
   Once boarded, we can provide photos and paperwork for your records or insurer.

Need emergency roof boarding now? Call 020 4634 8292

Typical scenarios we’re called to (roof & overhead openings)

Because roof damage often escalates quickly, we frequently attend for:

• A broken skylight after debris impact
• Storm-lifted materials exposing a section of roof deck/underlay
• A roof hatch that won’t close or has been forced
• A loft/dormer opening with broken glazing letting in wind and rain
• A property where the owner needs temporary boarding until a roofer can complete permanent repairs

If you’re dealing with broader incident damage, you might also want:

• storm damage boarding
• fire damage securing
• accident impact damage make-safe

FAQs – Roof boarding in Ilford

Can you board a smashed skylight the same day?

Often, yes—especially for urgent openings where the property is exposed. Call and we’ll advise what’s possible and give a realistic ETA based on current workload.

Is roof boarding a permanent repair?

No. Roof boarding is a temporary make-safe measure designed to secure an opening and reduce further damage. Permanent roofing repairs should be arranged separately.

Will roof boarding stop rain completely?

It can significantly reduce water ingress, but we won’t promise it’s fully waterproof in all conditions—wind-driven rain and structural damage can affect results. We’ll do what’s practical and explain any limitations on site.

Do you work out of hours for roof damage?

Yes. We handle out of hours call-outs for urgent situations. If you need help tonight, use our emergency boarding up service.

What materials do you use on roofs?

Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength, and 12mm OSB for smaller openings or tight access. Fixings and bracing are selected to suit the structure and exposure.

Can you secure a roof hatch or access panel after a break-in attempt?

Yes—roof hatches and roof access points can be vulnerable. We can secure property access points using appropriate boarding and fixings, and we can provide photos for your records.

Will you provide paperwork for my insurer or managing agent?

Yes. We can provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement. See insurance claims support for guidance on what to keep.

Is your team insured and DBS-checked?

Yes—our technicians are DBS-checked, and we’re fully insured. We’ve been trading for 10+ years.

Can you board roof openings on commercial buildings?

Yes. We support shops, offices, and other commercial sites where rooflights or overhead openings are damaged or vulnerable. See commercial boarding up.

What if the roof structure is unsafe?

If we believe it’s unsafe to access or fix to, we’ll tell you straight away. In some cases you may need a roofer or structural assessment first. We’ll still help you understand the safest next step.

Related services you may need

Roof damage is often part of a bigger incident. Depending on what’s happened, you may also need:

• window boarding in Ilford for broken windows and glazing
• door boarding in Ilford after forced entry
• shopfront boarding for commercial glazing
• Guidance on what boarding up is and when it’s used

Helpful Links

• Emergency boarding up
• Insurance claims support
• Pricing and cost factors
• FAQs
• Areas we cover
• Contact us

Call now for roof boarding in Ilford (IG)

If your roof, skylight, or roof hatch is damaged, don’t wait for the weather to make it worse. We’ll help you make safe and secure the opening with the right materials and fixings, then provide the documentation you need.

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