FAQs — Boarding Up in Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)
When your window or door is damaged, you usually need answers quickly: Who do I call? How soon can you secure it? Will my insurer cover it? This FAQ page is designed to give clear, practical guidance for boarding up Chelmsford properties across the CM postcode area.
If you need help now (including out of hours), call 01245 945 217 or email info@boarding-up-chelmsford.co.uk.
Quick help (if you’re dealing with a smashed window or forced entry)
If you’ve got a smashed window, a door that won’t lock, or an exposed shopfront, your priorities are safety and security:
- If there’s any immediate danger or crime in progress, call 999. If it’s already happened, call 101 and request a crime reference number.
- Take photos if it’s safe (inside and outside), especially of entry points and damage.
- Keep people away from broken glass and don’t attempt a risky clean-up.
- Call us to make safe and secure the property: 01245 945 217.
For urgent call-outs, see emergency boarding up. - Contact your insurer early; we can provide documentation insurers typically ask for.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer 24/7 boarding up in Chelmsford?
Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up across Chelmsford and the wider CM area (CM0–CM77), including evenings, weekends, and out of hours call-outs when you need urgent help to secure property after damage.
For urgent situations, start here: emergency boarding up.
How soon can someone board up my house in Chelmsford?
Attendance depends on the time of day, location within the CM postcodes, and what our technicians are already dealing with. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, because conditions can change, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you call.
If you need someone to board up broken window damage tonight, call 01245 945 217.
What areas do you cover?
We cover Chelmsford and surrounding locations across CM0–CM77. That includes CM1 and CM2 (Chelmsford), and wider areas such as CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, CM9, and beyond.
If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, check areas we cover or call 01245 945 217.
What’s the difference between boarding up and a security screen?
Boarding up usually means fitting timber panels (often 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or higher-risk openings) to secure a window, door, or shopfront quickly. It’s commonly used after break-ins, vandalism, and accidental damage.
Steel security screens are typically a more robust, longer-term option for vacant/void properties or repeated attacks, using anti-tamper fixings and purpose-made frames where appropriate. If you’re not sure which is best, we’ll talk through the risk, the condition of the frame, and how long the property will be unattended.
Related reading: what is boarding up.
Can you board up a smashed window the same day?
Often, yes—particularly if the opening leaves the property insecure or exposed to weather. If you’ve had a smashed window and need temporary boarding, we’ll assess:
- size and location of the opening
- whether glass is still loose in the frame
- access (ground floor vs upper floor)
- whether the frame is stable enough for secure fixings
For the specific service, see window boarding in Chelmsford.
Do you board up doors as well as windows?
Yes. We can board up door openings after forced entry, fire, or impact damage. If the door and frame are too compromised to secure with timber alone, we may recommend a temporary steel door to restore controlled access and improve security for a longer period.
Learn more about the method here: door boarding.
Can you board up a shopfront after vandalism or an attempted break-in?
Yes. We regularly help retailers, offices, and other commercial sites that need a shopfront boarded up quickly to protect stock, prevent further entry, and reduce liability. We can also coordinate access around shutters, internal glazing, and alarmed entrances.
For more detail, see shopfront boarding.
What materials do you use—plywood or OSB?
It depends on the opening and the risk level.
- Plywood (commonly 18mm exterior-grade) is often preferred for strength and durability, especially on larger openings or higher-risk locations.
- OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings) can be appropriate for some lower-risk or smaller apertures where the frame and access allow secure fixing.
We choose the material and fixing method based on what will safely make safe the opening and resist attempted removal.
How do you fix boards without damaging my window frames?
We aim for a secure fit while minimising unnecessary damage. The method depends on the frame material, reveal depth, and how compromised the structure already is. Options may include:
- fixing into sound masonry where appropriate
- using battening to spread load and reduce stress points
- anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended
If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding—especially if there’s a risk of further cracking or collapse.
Can you board up after a burglary?
Yes. After a break-in, the priority is to secure property so you can safely stay put (or lock up and leave) without worrying about repeat entry. We commonly deal with:
- splintered door frames and failed locks
- broken glass and bent window hardware
- rear/side access points that are hidden from view
We can also provide the work record and photos you may need for your claim. See burglary repairs and boarding.
Can you help after storm damage?
Yes. Storms can cause sudden breakage—blown-in debris, dislodged panels, and compromised roofs or skylights. We can secure openings to reduce water ingress and prevent further damage, focusing on making the property safe and weather-resistant.
If the issue is overhead or roof-related, read roof boarding or storm damage boarding.
Do you handle fire damage?
We do post-fire boarding to secure doors, windows, and other access points after the fire service has finished. Our role is to prevent unauthorised entry and reduce further loss—not smoke removal or restoration.
For what to expect, see fire damage securing.
Can you board up a property after flooding?
Yes, with care. Flooding can swell timber, distort frames, and create electrical hazards. In those cases, we focus on:
- safe access and avoiding unstable structures
- securing openings while allowing ventilation if needed
- discussing whether temporary security is needed while drying and repairs take place
More on this scenario: flood damage securing.
Do you work with landlords, letting agents, and facilities managers?
Yes. We regularly support:
- landlords securing properties between tenancies
- agents needing fast attendance and documentation
- facilities teams arranging planned security upgrades
For longer-term security on empty buildings, see vacant property boarding.
Are you insured and are your technicians DBS-checked?
Yes. We are fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, and we take site safety seriously—especially on commercial sites or where there may be members of the public nearby.
Will you provide photos and paperwork for my insurer?
Yes. We can provide documentation commonly requested for claims, such as:
- time-stamped photos of damage and completed boarding
- a clear description of what was secured and how
- an itemised invoice and work statement where needed
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we aim to make the claim process easier. For guidance, see insurance claims support.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Often, emergency security work can be covered under buildings or contents policies (depending on your cover and circumstances), particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact. Policies vary, and excesses apply, so it’s best to check with your insurer.
We can help by providing the paperwork and photos insurers typically request. More detail here: insurance claims support.
How much does boarding up cost in Chelmsford?
Costs depend on factors like:
- number and size of openings
- height/access requirements (e.g., upper floors)
- whether the frame is stable or needs additional support
- materials used (e.g., plywood thickness)
- whether it’s out of hours
We don’t list fixed prices because every job is different, but we’ll explain the likely cost drivers on the phone and provide a clear quote. See pricing.
Can you remove the boards later?
Yes—where we fitted the boarding, we can usually return to remove it once glazing/repairs are ready, subject to access and scheduling. If boards were installed into unstable material or emergency conditions required a particular fixing method, we’ll explain what’s involved in safe removal.
If you’re planning repairs, it can help to share your glazier’s timeframe when you call.
Do you replace the glass as well?
Our main focus is boarding up and property security—making the site safe, secure, and protected from weather and unauthorised access. If you need replacement glazing, we can still help by securing the opening until your chosen repair contractor completes the permanent works.
If you’re not sure what you need, start with window boarding in Chelmsford and we’ll advise.
What information should I have ready when I call?
If possible, have:
- the property postcode (CM area) and best access point
- what happened (burglary, accident, vandalism, storm)
- how many openings are affected (window, door, shopfront)
- photos (if safe)
- whether police have attended and a reference number (if applicable)
This helps us plan materials and fixings so we can secure the opening properly on arrival.
Still got a question?
If you can’t see your question here, contact us and we’ll give you straightforward advice—whether you need temporary boarding, a shopfront boarded up, or help to make safe a damaged opening.
Ready to get started? Call 01245 945 217 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
