Window Boarding in Ilford (IG) – Emergency & Temporary Window Security

A smashed window is stressful and exposes your property straight away—cold air, rain, theft risk, and the worry of someone coming back. If you need window boarding in Ilford, we can help you make safe quickly and secure the opening with the right materials and fixings.

For urgent help, call Call 020 4634 8292. If it’s not an emergency, you can also email info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk for a quote.

If you’re dealing with an immediate break-in or damage tonight, go straight to our emergency boarding up page.

When you might need emergency window boarding

We’re often called out across Ilford and the IG postcodes when people need to board up a broken window after something unexpected. Common scenarios include:

• Burglary or attempted break-in (shattered panes, prised frames, windows left insecure) – see boarding up after burglary repairs
• Vandalism (a smashed window, thrown objects, repeated targeting) – see vandalism repair and make-safe
• Storm damage (blown-in glass, fallen branches, frame movement) – see storm damage boarding
• Accidents/impact (sports balls, vehicle impact near a frontage) – see accident damage make-safe
• Fire or flood-related damage where windows are compromised (we secure openings; we don’t do cleaning/remediation) – see fire damage securing and flood damage securing

Whether it’s a ground-floor window at home or glazing at a commercial unit, the goal is the same: secure property and reduce further loss until repairs or replacement glazing can be arranged.

Emergency window boarding in Ilford: what happens when you call

If you need emergency boarding up Ilford, keep it simple:

1. Call and tell us what’s happened
   We’ll ask what type of window it is (bay, sash, uPVC, timber), whether it’s fully smashed or cracked, and if any glass is hanging loose.

2. We give you a realistic ETA and advise on safety
   We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, access and current workload vary—but we’ll prioritise urgent calls and tell you honestly what’s achievable.

3. We attend, make safe, and board securely
   We’ll secure the opening using appropriate board thickness and anti-tamper methods where required. You’ll receive documentation suitable for most insurers (see below).

Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292 for immediate assistance.

How we board up windows (materials and methods)

Window boarding isn’t “one size fits all”. The best approach depends on the opening size, frame condition, height, and how long you need the property secured.

Materials we typically use

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood – our go-to for most emergency work and larger openings
  Why: strong, stable, and more resistant to weather exposure than thinner sheet materials.
• 12mm OSB (Oriented Strand Board) – often suitable for smaller or less exposed openings
  Why: cost-effective and quick to deploy in the right conditions.

We choose based on what will remain safe and secure, not just what’s fastest. If you’re unsure how long the board needs to stay in place, tell us—we’ll plan for short-term security or recommend a longer-term option.

Fixing methods (security vs. frame protection)

We aim to secure windows without causing unnecessary extra damage, but we also need the board to stay put.

Common methods include:

• Non-destructive or reduced-impact fixing (where possible)
  If the frame is sound, we may be able to fix in a way that limits additional damage (for example, using the surrounding structure appropriately rather than splitting already fragile timber).

• Through-bolting / coach bolts with internal spreader battens (for higher security)
  This method helps prevent the board being pulled off from the outside—important if the property will be unattended.

• Anti-tamper fixings (where appropriate)
  These reduce the risk of removal from outside and are often requested for vacant or repeatedly targeted properties.

If the frame is already badly damaged (e.g., shattered timber, crumbling masonry reveal, bent uPVC profiles), we’ll explain what’s realistic before proceeding. In some cases, a temporary steel door or screen system may be more suitable than repeated boarding—especially for void properties. See vacant property boarding solutions.

What “make safe” actually includes

When people search for “temporary boarding” or “emergency window boarding near me Ilford”, they usually want three things: safety, security, and weather protection.

Depending on the job, making safe can include:

• Removing or stabilising loose shards where safe to do so
• Securing the opening with correctly sized boards
• Checking that the board cannot be easily levered off from outside
• Reducing draughts/rain ingress as far as a boarded opening reasonably allows
• Advising what to do next (glazier, frame repair, longer-term security)

If there are signs of structural movement or serious frame failure, we’ll tell you. We’re not structural engineers, but we can help you secure the immediate risk and suggest next steps.

Window types we commonly secure

Ilford’s mix of properties means we see a wide range of window styles. We regularly board:

• Ground-floor windows vulnerable after burglary
• Bay windows (often larger boards and extra bracing needed)
• Rear/side windows that are out of sight and targeted
• Flat windows above shops where access and safe working matter
• Commercial glazing where visibility and security are both concerns (you may need shopfront boarding for larger plate glass)

If the damage is to a door rather than a window, see door boarding in Ilford.

Residential and commercial window boarding (what’s different)

Residential properties

For houses, flats and maisonettes, the priorities are usually:

• stopping anyone getting in again,
• protecting children/pets from hazards,
• keeping the home liveable overnight.

If you’re a tenant, you may need to notify your landlord/agent; if you’re an owner-occupier, you may want insurer-approved documentation (see below). More detail here: residential boarding up.

Commercial properties

For shops, offices, restaurants and mixed-use buildings, we focus on:

• higher security (especially on high-footfall frontages),
• minimising downtime,
• documenting the make-safe for insurers and facilities teams.

For larger panes or shopfronts, the right page is shopfront boarding in Ilford. For property managers, see commercial boarding up.

If you need to board up a broken window tonight: practical steps

If the window has just been smashed, these steps help:

1. If a crime is involved, call the police and obtain a reference number.
2. Take photos if it’s safe—wide shots and close-ups of the damage can help later.
3. Keep people away from broken glass and avoid touching shards embedded in frames.
4. Call us to secure the property: Call 020 4634 8292.

If you’re dealing with a break-in, our burglary page covers the order of events and what insurers usually ask for: secure property after burglary in Ilford.

Insurance support: what we provide (and what we don’t)

After emergency window boarding, insurers often request proof that the property was secured and what was done.

We can provide:

• Time-stamped photos of the boarded opening
• An itemised invoice
• A clear work statement describing materials and method used

We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims, but we provide the documentation insurers typically need. Read more: insurance claims help for boarding up.

Areas we cover for window boarding (Ilford & IG postcodes)

We’re based around Ilford and cover the IG postcode area, including IG1–IG11, with regular call-outs in and around:

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

For a wider overview, see areas we cover.

Why choose us for window boarding in Ilford?

• 10+ years trading in boarding-up and property make-safe work
• Fully insured for peace of mind
• DBS-checked technicians (important when we’re working at homes and tenanted properties)
• A practical approach: correct board thickness, appropriate fixings, and clear documentation
• Calm, straightforward communication when you’re dealing with an emergency

If you need a broader overview of what boarding up is (and when it’s used), see what is boarding up?.

FAQs – Window boarding in Ilford

How quickly can you board up a smashed window in Ilford?

We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we can’t guarantee fixed arrival times. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on where you are in the IG area and current jobs.

Can you board up a broken window tonight (out of hours)?

Yes—out of hours call-outs are available. If you need 24/7 boarding up, call 020 4634 8292 and we’ll advise on the next steps.

What board do you use for window boarding?

Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and durability. For smaller openings, 12mm OSB may be suitable. We choose the material based on security needs, exposure to weather, and opening size.

Will boarding up damage my window frame?

Our aim is always to secure the opening while avoiding unnecessary extra damage. If the frame is already compromised, some fixings may be required for safety and security. We’ll explain the method before we start—especially if non-destructive options aren’t viable.

Is window boarding covered by insurance?

Often, yes—particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm or accidental impact—but policies vary. Keep your police reference number (if applicable) and take photos. We provide an itemised invoice and work statement. See insurance claims support.

Can you board windows on flats above shops or upper floors?

Usually, yes, subject to safe access. Tell us if the window is at height, if there’s restricted access, or if it’s in a communal area. We’ll plan the safest approach.

Can you board up just one window, or do you need to do the whole property?

We can secure a single opening. If other windows are vulnerable (cracked, loosely fitted, or already targeted), we’ll point it out so you can decide whether to board additional areas.

What’s the difference between window boarding and security screens?

Boarding is typically a fast temporary boarding solution. Steel security screens are more robust for longer-term protection, especially for vacant properties. If you think you’ll need medium-term security, ask and we’ll talk through options. See vacant property solutions.

Do you provide receipts/invoices for landlords and businesses?

Yes. We can provide itemised invoices and supporting documentation suitable for landlords, agents, and facilities teams, as well as insurers.

Next steps: get your window secured

If you need to secure property after a smashed window, don’t wait and hope it holds until morning—openings attract further damage and theft.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 8292 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email for non-urgent enquiries? info@boarding-up-ilford.co.uk

Helpful links

• emergency boarding up
• door boarding in Ilford
• shopfront boarding in Ilford
• boarding up after burglary repairs
• insurance claims help for boarding up
• what is boarding up?