Shopfront Boarding in Ilford (Emergency & Planned Security)

A smashed shop window is more than a mess — it’s a security risk, a safety hazard, and a fast-moving problem if you’re responsible for staff, customers, or a premises you can’t leave exposed overnight. Our shopfront boarding service in Ilford helps you make safe quickly after break-ins, vandalism, impact damage or storms, with robust materials and fixings designed to deter tampering.

For urgent help, use our emergency line. We cover Ilford and the wider IG postcode area (IG1–IG11).

Need a shopfront boarded up now? Call 020 4634 8292
Prefer not to speak on the shop floor? You can also email us and we’ll call back.

Internal links for more help:

If this is urgent: emergency boarding up
If it’s mainly glazing: window boarding in Ilford
If doors have been forced: door boarding
If you’re dealing with vandalism: vandalism repair & make-safe

When you need shopfront boarding (common call-outs)

Shopfront glazing and frames take a different kind of hit compared with domestic windows. The opening is usually bigger, more visible, and often part of a busy frontage — meaning you may need a shopfront boarded up quickly to protect stock, prevent entry, and keep the site safe.

We’re commonly called for:

Smashed window after attempted theft or overnight attack
Board up broken window following a disturbance, thrown object, or cracked pane
Shopfront boarded up after a vehicle impact, trolley strike, or accidental breakage
Out of hours security when shutters won’t close or the frame is compromised
Temporary boarding for vacant units between tenants (short-term protection while repairs are arranged)
Weather-related damage where wind has loosened panels or exposed an opening

If you’re unsure whether the damage is “bad enough”, treat it as urgent if:

Someone could reach in and unlock from inside
The opening is at street level
Glass is missing or hanging loose
Your insurance requires immediate steps to secure property

Need to make safe tonight? Call 020 4634 8292

Emergency shopfront boarding vs planned boarding (what’s the difference?)

Emergency boarding up (urgent make-safe)

Emergency boarding is about speed, safety, and preventing further loss. If your frontage has been compromised, we focus on:

Making the area safe (reducing sharp edges and exposed access where possible)
Fitting strong boarding to prevent entry and reduce further damage
Giving you documentation to support an insurance claim

If you need immediate help, go straight to: 24/7 boarding up in Ilford

Planned shopfront boarding (prevention and vacant units)

Planned boarding is typically used when:

A unit is empty between tenants
You’re waiting for replacement glazing lead-times
You’ve had repeat issues and need a stronger interim security approach

For longer-term protection, we can discuss options like temporary steel doors and security screens where appropriate (depending on access and the condition of the frame).

How our shopfront boarding works (what we do on arrival)

Every frontage is different — aluminium shopfront systems, timber frames, mixed panels, and odd-shaped openings all need a slightly different approach. Here’s what you can expect when we attend in Ilford and the IG area:

Assessment & safety check
- We look at the size of the opening, frame condition, and any hazards.
- If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain your options before proceeding.
Measure and select the right board
- We use suitable sheet materials depending on span and risk level:
  - 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most shopfront openings (stronger and more resistant to flex)
  - 12mm OSB may be suitable for smaller panels or temporary low-risk closures
- We’ll advise what’s appropriate, especially if the property will be unattended.
Fixing method chosen to suit the frame
- Where possible, we use fixings designed to deter removal from outside.
- For larger openings we may use multiple sheets with secure joins, so the boarded section remains rigid.
Secure, tidy up, and document
- Once the site is secure, we provide the records you typically need for insurers (details below).

If you’re dealing with a combined issue — for example, a smashed shopfront plus a forced rear door — we can carry out door boarding alongside shopfront boarding to fully secure property.

Materials and methods (and why they matter on a shopfront)

Shopfronts are high-risk openings because they’re public-facing, often well-lit, and easy to approach. The difference between a quick cover-up and a proper board-up is usually the materials and fixings.

Plywood vs OSB: what we use and why

Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm)
Common choice for shopfront boarding because it’s strong, holds fixings well, and resists splitting. It’s typically better for larger spans and higher-risk frontages.
OSB (often 12mm)
Can be suitable for smaller openings or where the priority is short-term closure. It’s cost-effective, but generally not as robust as plywood for large retail frontages.

We’ll recommend the most appropriate option on the day based on the opening, risk, and how long you expect the board to stay in place.

Fixings: anti-tamper matters

On shopfronts, we aim for anti-tamper fixings where suitable. The reason is simple: if someone can remove the board from outside with common tools, the property is still vulnerable. Anti-tamper methods help reduce opportunistic entry, especially out of hours.

Protecting the frame (when possible)

We take care to secure boarding without causing unnecessary extra damage. That said, if the frame is already compromised (twisted, cracked, pulled away), some methods may not hold safely. In those cases we’ll talk you through next steps and may recommend additional security such as emergency boarding up followed by a planned upgrade.

What you get (make-safe documentation for insurance)

After a break-in or vandalism, you often need to prove that you acted quickly to reduce further loss. While we’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, we provide the documentation insurers commonly ask for.

You’ll receive:

Time-stamped photos of the opening and the completed board-up (when practical and safe)
Itemised invoice showing labour and materials
Work statement describing what was done and why (e.g., “temporary boarding installed to secure street-level opening”)

Helpful next steps:

Keep any police reference number to hand
Take your own photos before we arrive if it’s safe
Contact your insurer early and ask what evidence they require

For more guidance, see: insurance claims support

Shopfront make-safe for different property types

Retail units and high-footfall frontages

If your frontage is on a busy road, the priority is often to make safe quickly and reduce public risk. We’ll look at:

Pedestrian safety (loose glass, sharp edges, exposed corners)
The likelihood of repeat attempts
Practical access for fitting larger boards

Restaurants, takeaways and mixed-use buildings

Sometimes the premises are on the ground floor with flats above. That can affect access and fixing options, especially if there are shared entrances or restricted parking/loading. We’ll work with whoever is responsible on site to keep disruption as low as possible.

Vacant shops and units between tenants

If you’re securing a void property, you may want more than basic temporary boarding. We can advise on longer-term options (including security screens) depending on how long the unit will be empty and the condition of doors and frames.

More detail here: vacant property boarding

Typical emergency scenario (what it often looks like)

If your shop window is smashed overnight, you might arrive to find the glass gone, the frame stressed, and stock exposed or disturbed. In many cases, the priority is to board up broken window sections quickly so you can:

prevent another entry attempt,
protect remaining stock and fixtures,
and show your insurer you’ve taken reasonable steps to secure property.

If you’re in that situation now, don’t wait for a “perfect time” — the risk often increases once an opening is visible from the street.

Need emergency shopfront boarding in Ilford? Call 020 4634 8292

Coverage: Ilford and the IG postcode area (IG1–IG11)

We provide shopfront boarding in Ilford and across the surrounding IG districts. Whether you’re in central Ilford (IG1) or further out in the borough and nearby areas, we aim to prioritise urgent make-safe call-outs.

You may also be looking for nearby local pages:

For a broader overview, see: areas we cover

Shopfront boarding FAQs

How quickly can you board up a smashed shop window?

We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t quote guaranteed arrival times because traffic, workload and site conditions vary. If you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone based on where our team is.

If it’s urgent right now, use: 24 hour emergency boarding up in Ilford

Can you board up out of hours if my shopfront is damaged tonight?

Yes — out of hours call-outs are a common reason people contact us. We can arrange emergency boarding up to help you make safe and secure the opening.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292

What material do you use for shopfront boarding?

For most shopfront openings we typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength. For smaller areas, 12mm OSB may be appropriate. The best option depends on the opening size, the condition of the frame, and how long the boarding needs to remain.

Will boarding damage my shopfront frame?

We aim to secure the board-up with minimal additional damage. However, if the frame is already split, loose, or unsafe, some fixings may not hold without further work. If that’s the case, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Can you board up a door as well as the shopfront?

Yes. Break-ins often involve multiple access points (front glazing plus a forced door, or a rear entry). We can combine shopfront boarding with door boarding so the whole premises is secured properly.

Is shopfront boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, but policies vary. We’re not insurers or loss adjusters, but we provide documentation insurers usually ask for (photos, itemised invoice, work statement). Keep any police reference number and contact your insurer as soon as practical.

More guidance: insurance claims

What if the glass is still hanging or there’s debris inside?

Tell us what you can see when you call. We’ll advise on immediate safety steps. If there’s a significant hazard, keep people away from the area and wait for professional help. Our priority is to make safe before securing the opening.

Do you handle shopfront boarding for Ilford and surrounding IG areas?

Yes — we cover Ilford and IG postcodes (IG1–IG11). If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm.

How long can temporary boarding stay in place?

It depends on exposure, risk level, and what repairs are planned. Boarding is often used as a short-to-medium term solution while glazing is ordered or a frame is repaired. If the property will be unattended for a longer period, we can discuss more robust options such as security screens.

Can you provide paperwork for my landlord or facilities manager?

Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice and work statement suitable for landlords, agents and facilities teams, and share photos where practical. If your site requires specific documentation for contractors, let us know when you call.

Next steps: get your shopfront secured

If your shopfront is damaged, the safest move is to secure it quickly and reduce the chance of further loss. We’ll talk you through the options, arrive with suitable materials, and leave you with the documentation you need.

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

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