Storm damage boarding up in North West London (NW)
Storm damage is stressful because it’s sudden, noisy, and often leaves your home or premises exposed to the street. If wind has blown in a window, lifted roofing felt, or dislodged a door panel, the priority is simple: make the building safe, stop further weather getting in, and reduce the risk of opportunist entry.
We provide storm damage boarding up in North West London across the NW postcodes (NW1–NW26). If you need urgent help, use our emergency line:
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794 for immediate assistance.
When storm damage usually happens (and what it looks like in NW London)
North West London properties take a battering when strong winds funnel along main roads and open spaces—think exposed stretches near the North Circular (A406), higher ground around Hampstead Heath, and long, straight residential streets lined with mature trees. The most common call-outs we see after storms include:
- Broken or blown-in windows (often side-return kitchen windows, sash panes, or large rear glazing)
- Doors forced or twisted by wind (especially uPVC doors that no longer latch)
- Shopfront glazing cracked or shattered from flying debris or signage coming loose
- Roof tiles displaced causing water ingress, or skylights damaged and leaking
- Fences or garden structures collapsing into windows at ground level
Even if the damage looks “small”, a cracked pane can quickly fail, and an unsecured opening can invalidate insurance conditions if the building is left unattended.
If you’re dealing with immediate exposure, go straight to our emergency boarding up page and call us.
First steps: what to do straight away (before we arrive)
If it’s safe to do so, these steps help protect you and make the boarding-up faster:
- Keep people away from the damaged area (especially children and pets). Glass fragments travel further than you think.
- Don’t climb onto a roof or attempt to re-seat tiles in high winds. Roof work is one of the highest-risk tasks during storms.
- Turn off electrics if water is entering near sockets, consumer units, or visible wiring. If you’re unsure, wait for a qualified electrician.
- Take photos and short video for your insurer (only if safe). Include wide shots showing where the opening is on the building.
- Locate any keys or access details (communal entrances, rear gates, plant room access for commercial sites).
If the police or fire service have attended, keep your incident or reference number—insurers often ask for it.
How we secure storm-damaged properties in North West London
Storm damage isn’t just about covering a hole. The fix has to be secure, weather-aware, and appropriate for the type of opening—window, door, shopfront, or rooflight. We’ll talk you through options on arrival, and if something isn’t safe to secure without additional work, we’ll explain why before proceeding.
1) We make the area safe and assess the opening
On arrival, we’ll check:
- Whether any remaining glass is loose or likely to fall
- The condition of frames (timber, uPVC, aluminium) and the surrounding brickwork
- Whether the opening needs boarding, a temporary steel door, or security screening
- Access constraints (rear alleys, basement areas, upper floors, commercial shutters)
For commercial sites or managed blocks, we can work with on-site security or facilities teams to keep access controlled.
2) We board up using the right material for the job
For storm-related openings we typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable window and door boarding
- 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
We choose the board and fixing method based on the size of the opening, the risk level, and whether the property is occupied. Where needed, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance of boards being removed from the outside—especially important if the building will be empty overnight.
For more on methods and where each option is used, see what is boarding up.
3) We weatherproof as far as the situation allows
Boarding up is primarily a security measure, but after storms it also helps reduce further water ingress. Depending on conditions, we’ll:
- Cover vulnerable openings to stop driving rain entering
- Secure loose panels to prevent them flapping and enlarging the damage
- Advise if the surrounding structure needs a roofer/glazier before a full seal is possible
We’re always honest here: if the frame is badly distorted or the brickwork has failed, boarding may need additional support. We’ll explain the safest approach before we fix anything.
4) You receive clear documentation for insurers or managing agents
After the job, we can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the opening before and after securing
- An itemised invoice and a brief work statement
- Notes on visible damage (useful when you speak to your insurer or property manager)
We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims, but our documentation is typically what insurers ask for on emergency works. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.
Storm damage solutions (choose what fits your situation)
Different storm events call for different securing methods. These are the most common options we provide in NW London:
Emergency window boarding (cracked, blown-in, or missing panes)
From Victorian sash windows to modern double glazing, storm impacts can compromise security quickly.
- Best for: broken panes, cracked glass, failed seals, rear extensions with large glazing
- Typical approach: cut-to-size board, secure with appropriate fixings, anti-tamper options where required
Learn more about window boarding in North West London.
Door boarding and temporary security for forced or warped doors
If a storm has blown a door open, snapped hinges, or twisted the frame so it won’t lock, boarding prevents access until repairs are arranged.
- Best for: doors that won’t close, damaged frames, unsecured side entrances
- Upgrade option: temporary steel doors for properties that will be vacant or awaiting major repairs
See door boarding in North West London.
Shopfront boarding after storm impact or flying debris
Storm damage to commercial glazing needs fast action—both to secure stock and to reduce liability risk.
- Best for: cracked shopfront panels, smashed glazing, exposed entrances
- Considerations: out-of-hours access, mall/loading bay rules, coordination with shutters/alarm contractors
See shopfront boarding in North West London.
Roof and skylight boarding for wind-lifted panels and rooflight damage
Roof-level openings are a common source of water ingress after storms—especially rooflights, dormers, and skylights.
- Best for: damaged rooflights, broken skylights, exposed loft openings
- Considerations: safe access, weather conditions, and whether temporary covering or boarding is safest
See roof boarding in North West London.
What to expect when you call us
When you call, we’ll keep it practical and focused. We’ll ask:
- The address and postcode (we cover NW1–NW26)
- What’s damaged (window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight)
- Whether anyone is inside and if the property can be accessed safely
- Whether emergency services are on scene or access is restricted
We don’t promise fixed arrival times—storm conditions, road closures, and multiple incidents can affect how quickly anyone can move around London. What we can promise is that we’ll prioritise genuine security risks and exposed properties, and keep you informed.
Need urgent help today? Call 020 4634 7794
Common storm-damage scenarios we handle in North West London
Storm calls rarely look identical, but these are typical:
- A rear patio door panel has shattered and the home backs onto an alleyway
- A top-floor flat has a cracked skylight and rain is entering the stairwell
- A shopfront has spider-cracked glazing and the unit is due to open the next morning
- A vacant property has had a window blown out, and neighbours report it’s accessible
If your situation is linked to another event—like impact damage from debris or a vehicle—our accident damage page may also help.
FAQs about storm damage boarding up (North West London)
How quickly should I board up after storm damage?
As soon as the opening creates a security risk or allows weather in. Even a small crack can fail overnight if temperatures drop or winds pick up, and an exposed opening can attract unwanted attention.
If it’s urgent, use emergency boarding up and call us.
Is storm damage boarding up covered by insurance in North West London?
Often it can be, but policies vary. Many insurers expect you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage—boarding up commonly falls into that category. Keep photos and receipts, and contact your insurer early. We can provide documentation typically requested—see insurance claims support.
Can you board up a window if the frame is damaged?
Usually yes, but it depends on how compromised the frame and surrounding masonry are. If non-destructive fixing won’t hold safely, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Do you secure commercial properties and shopfronts after storms?
Yes—storm damage to shopfront glazing is common, especially where debris hits large panes. We can secure entrances and glazed frontage and provide paperwork for landlords, managing agents, and insurers. Start with shopfront boarding.
I have a rooflight/skylight leak—do you repair roofs?
We secure and protect openings (including rooflights and skylights) to prevent further ingress and access issues. Full roof repairs are usually for a roofing contractor, but our roof boarding service can stabilise the situation while you arrange permanent works.
Next steps: get your property secured
Storm damage is disruptive, but securing the building quickly makes everything else easier—insurance calls, temporary accommodation decisions, and arranging repairs.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-north-west-london.co.uk
