Window Boarding in North West London (NW) — Emergency & Planned Securing
When a window breaks, you’re not just dealing with glass — you’re dealing with exposure, security risk, and the stress of not knowing how quickly you can make the property safe again. Our window boarding in North West London is designed to secure damaged or vulnerable windows on homes, flats, shops and vacant buildings across the NW postcode area (NW1–NW26).
If you need urgent help after a break-in, vandalism or storm damage, start here: emergency boarding up. If it’s planned securing (void property, repeated damage, or you’re waiting for glazing), this page explains exactly how window boarding works, what materials we use, and what to expect.
Need your window secured today? Call 020 4634 7794 or email us.
When do you need window boarding?
Window boarding is typically required when the opening is no longer secure or weather-tight. In North West London, we’re often called out for:
- Smashed panes after burglary or attempted entry (rear windows, side returns, ground-floor flats)
- Vandalism (stone damage, deliberate breakage, communal stairwell glazing)
- Storm damage (rattled loose panes, debris impact, cracked double-glazed units)
- Accidents (football through a window, removal contractors breaking glass, vehicle impact near ground level)
- Fire damage where glazing has failed and the building needs securing (we secure; we don’t do smoke/odour remediation)
- Vacant/void properties awaiting refurbishment or sale, where repeated break-ins are a risk
If the building is actively exposed and you’re worried about security tonight, use our urgent route: 24-hour emergency boarding up in North West London.
For situation-led guidance, see:
What window boarding actually does (and what it doesn’t)
Window boarding is a temporary security measure that:
- Prevents easy access through a broken or missing pane
- Reduces the risk of further damage, theft or weather ingress
- Helps you meet typical insurer requirements to “make safe” after a loss event
Window boarding doesn’t replace glazing, repair frames, or resolve underlying structural issues. If the frame is unstable or the surrounding brickwork/timber is compromised, we’ll explain what we can secure safely and what needs a builder or glazier next.
If you’re dealing with an insurance claim, our documentation process can help—see insurance claims support.
Emergency window boarding in North West London: what happens when you call
If you’re calling after an incident, you want clear steps — not a sales pitch. Here’s what we do.
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We take key details
- Address and postcode (across NW1–NW26)
- Type of window (sash, casement, bay, shopfront side panel, communal window)
- Approximate size and height (ground floor / upper floor / access issues)
- What caused the damage (police incident, storm, accident)
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We talk through immediate safety
- If there’s glass on the pavement or a public walkway, we’ll advise on safe cordoning
- If there’s a live police scene, we work around it (you keep your crime reference number)
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We attend and assess the opening
- We check whether a non-destructive fix is viable (into frame/reveal) or whether the surround is too damaged
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We board using the appropriate method
- Material selection (plywood/OSB) and thickness based on opening size and risk level
- Fixings chosen to reduce tampering from outside
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You receive proof of works
- Time-stamped photos where possible
- An itemised invoice and a clear work statement (useful for insurers or managing agents)
If it’s urgent, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 020 4634 7794.
Materials we use (and why)
We choose materials based on security needs, opening size, and exposure to weather. The aim is to secure properly, not just “cover the hole”.
Exterior-grade plywood (commonly 18mm)
For most residential and commercial window boarding, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood because it’s strong, stable, and holds fixings well. It’s a reliable choice for:
- Ground-floor windows after burglary
- Bay windows and larger openings
- Properties that may be unattended for a period
OSB (typically 12mm for smaller openings)
For smaller windows or lower-risk openings, 12mm OSB can be appropriate. It’s cost-effective and quick to deploy, but we’ll be honest if the risk level suggests plywood is the better option.
Fixings: security matters as much as the board
A board is only as good as what holds it in place. Where appropriate, we use:
- Anti-tamper fixings to reduce removal from outside (important for vacant properties)
- Fixing patterns that spread load and resist prying
- Methods that avoid unnecessary damage to frames where a clean repair is planned
If the frame is too compromised to take fixings safely, we’ll explain options before proceeding. In some cases, a different security approach may be more sensible—especially for longer-term voids (see vacant property boarding options).
Methods: how we board different window types
North West London’s mix of housing stock means we see everything from Victorian sash windows to modern aluminium frames. Our approach changes depending on the opening.
Sash windows (common in NW1/NW3/NW5 terraces and mansion blocks)
Sash windows often have slender timber sections that can split if fixed incorrectly. We assess whether we can fix into:
- The window reveal (more robust), or
- The frame without causing unnecessary damage
Where a clean glazing replacement is planned, we aim for a method that keeps the follow-on work straightforward.
Casement and uPVC windows
With uPVC frames, the priority is securing the opening without cracking the profile or leaving it unusable for the glazier. We’ll choose fixing points carefully and, if needed, use a reveal-based fixing method.
Bay windows
Bay windows can involve awkward angles and larger boards. We measure carefully and fix in a way that reduces flexing and rattling—especially important if the property is exposed to traffic vibration on main roads.
Communal and stairwell windows
For flats and mansion blocks, access and permissions can be the main challenge. We regularly work with:
- Managing agents and freeholders
- On-site caretakers
- Facilities teams who require documentation for building records
If you manage a block or commercial building, see commercial boarding up.
Residential, commercial & vacant properties — what we prioritise
Residential window boarding (homes, flats, maisonettes)
For domestic call-outs, the goal is fast, safe security with minimal disruption. We’ll help you think through:
- Child/pet safety if the breakage is internal
- Privacy (especially street-facing ground-floor windows)
- Whether a temporary board needs ventilation considerations
More on domestic work: residential boarding up.
Commercial window boarding (shops, offices, sites)
For commercial properties, we focus on:
- Securing the opening without obstructing emergency exits
- Safer access around footfall and public walkways
- Documentation that helps with incident reporting and insurers
If glazing is part of a shopfront system, you may need shopfront boarding in North West London rather than standard window boarding.
Vacant / void property window boarding
If the property will be empty for weeks or months, we’ll discuss whether straightforward plywood boarding is suitable or whether you’re better with longer-term security measures (depending on risk and access).
See: boarding up for vacant properties.
Common emergency scenarios we handle (NW)
We regularly carry out emergency window boarding North West London after:
- Break-ins where the pane is removed or shattered (often rear access points)
- Repeat vandalism on ground-floor windows or side passages
- Storm damage where wind has pushed debris into glass or loosened frames
- Accidental impacts (building works, moving furniture, local traffic incidents)
If you’re unsure which service you need, our what is boarding up? page explains the basics, and our FAQs cover common practical questions.
Insurance: what to do before and after we board up
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we know what insurers typically ask for after a window breakage.
If safe to do so:
- Take a few photos of the damage before anything is moved
- Keep your police reference number (if applicable)
- Avoid clearing every piece of evidence if it’s a break-in (follow police guidance)
- Contact your insurer early and ask what documentation they require
After boarding, we can provide:
- A clear description of what was secured (which elevations/openings)
- Photos where possible
- An itemised invoice for your claim file
More guidance here: insurance claims support.
Window boarding vs other options (when boarding isn’t the right fit)
Window boarding is often the correct short-term answer, but not always. You might need an alternative or an add-on if:
- The main issue is a damaged door or forced entry point (see door boarding)
- The problem is overhead access like a skylight/roof opening (see roof boarding)
- The property needs perimeter control (see temporary fencing)
We’ll talk this through on the phone and recommend the most sensible way to secure the property.
FAQs — Window boarding in North West London
How long does window boarding take?
It depends on the number of openings, access, and whether the frame/reveal is intact. A single standard window can be secured quickly once on site, but multiple windows, bays, upper floors, or complex access will take longer. If you tell us what’s happened, we’ll set expectations before we attend.
Is window boarding covered by insurance in North West London?
Often, yes — particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidental impact, where the policy includes “make safe” works. Coverage depends on your policy and excess. We can supply documentation insurers typically request; see insurance claims support.
Will boarding damage my window frame?
We aim for the least destructive secure method that still provides proper security. Where the frame is fragile (older timber sash windows) we may fix into the reveal instead. If the structure is already compromised, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Can you board windows on upper floors?
Yes, provided there’s safe access. Some jobs require internal access, shared stairwells, or coordinated entry with a managing agent. If specialist access is required, we’ll tell you up front—safety comes first.
Do you replace the glass afterwards?
We focus on securing and making safe. We’re happy to coordinate with your glazier or insurer’s contractor by providing measurements and documentation, but glazing replacement is a separate trade.
Ready to book window boarding in NW?
Whether it’s a smashed pane in a flat, a cracked bay window, or repeated vandalism on a vacant property, we’ll help you secure the opening properly and document the work clearly.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-north-west-london.co.uk
