Boarding Up for All Property Types in Chelmsford (CM0–CM77)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a damaged door after a break-in, or you need to secure a property before the next tenant moves in, the first question is usually: “Do you cover my type of building?”

We do. Our team provides boarding up in Chelmsford and across the CM postcode area for residential homes, commercial premises, and vacant properties—using the right fixings and materials for the building, the location, and the level of risk.

For urgent help, including out of hours call-outs, use our emergency line: Call 01245 945 217.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We can’t promise an exact arrival time because conditions and job priority vary, but if you call we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone and talk you through what to do while you wait.

Why property type matters when boarding up

Boarding up isn’t “one size fits all”. The safest method depends on:

  • Construction and access: ground-floor flat vs upper-floor window; rear access vs frontage.
  • Frame condition: sound timber frame vs cracked uPVC/warped door frame after forced entry.
  • Risk level: occupied home vs empty unit; high footfall vs tucked-away side street.
  • Purpose: quick make safe overnight vs medium-term protection until glazing/doors are replaced.
  • Fire/flood/storm impact: wet frames, brittle glass, blown-out panels, or smoke-damaged openings.

We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust protection (especially for street-facing openings), and 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller or lower-risk apertures. Where removal from outside is a concern, we use anti-tamper fixings and methods that reduce the chance of boards being levered off.

If you’re not sure which approach you need, start with our overview of what boarding up is and when it’s used, or call and we’ll advise.

Residential boarding up (houses, flats & maisonettes)

Residential call-outs are often stressful—especially after a burglary or accidental damage. Our priority is to secure the property, prevent weather ingress, and help you regain control of the situation.

Common residential scenarios we attend in CM postcodes

  • A board up broken window after vandalism or a garden accident
  • A board up door after forced entry (split timber, damaged lock area, kicked panels)
  • A cracked pane that’s become unsafe overnight and needs temporary boarding
  • Fire or flood incidents where the home is left exposed and must be secured

How we approach residential work

  • We assess whether boards can be fixed without causing unnecessary additional damage
  • We choose fixings to suit the substrate (brick, timber, stone, render) and opening shape
  • We’ll explain options if frames are too compromised for non-destructive methods, before proceeding
  • Where needed, we can advise on next steps for glazing replacement (we secure; we’re not a glazing company)

If your situation follows a break-in, you may also want to read burglary repairs and boarding up so you know what insurers and police typically expect.

For residential-specific details, see boarding up for residential properties.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, industrial units)

Commercial sites have different pressures: public-facing safety, compliance requirements, and the need to protect stock, equipment, and brand frontage—often out of hours.

Typical commercial needs

  • Shopfront boarded up after impact damage, vandalism, or attempted theft
  • Large glazed panels that need strong boarding and careful fixing to avoid further damage
  • Securing side/rear service doors after forced entry
  • Rapid make safe work to reduce liability risk until repairs are arranged

What makes commercial work different

  • Bigger spans and higher exposure: shopfront panels often need stronger boarding and multiple fixing points
  • Site rules: some premises require sign-in, inductions, or restricted work areas
  • Documentation: we can provide itemised invoices and a clear work statement for management/insurers

If you need a commercial frontage secured, our dedicated service page explains the method in more detail: shopfront boarding in Chelmsford.
For premises-type guidance, see boarding up for commercial properties.

Vacant and void property security (between tenants, probate, refurb)

Empty buildings can attract unwanted attention quickly—especially if there’s visible damage. A single broken pane can turn into repeat entry attempts if it’s not dealt with promptly.

Vacant-property boarding up is often about reducing repeat risk and keeping the building stable while it’s unoccupied.

When vacant property boarding is commonly needed

  • End-of-tenancy voids where windows/doors are already weak
  • Properties awaiting sale, probate, or refurbishment
  • Sites that have had repeat nuisance entry or low-level vandalism
  • Empty commercial units with exposed shopfront glazing

Options for short-term vs medium-term security

Depending on the site and how long it will be empty, we may recommend:

  • Standard temporary boarding using exterior-grade plywood
  • Upgraded fixings and methods for higher risk or longer periods
  • Temporary steel doors as an alternative to repeatedly repairing timber doors
  • Security screens where regular access is needed but break-in resistance must be higher

For void-property considerations, read boarding up for vacant properties.

Matching the solution to the opening: windows, doors, shopfronts & roofs

Property type affects access and risk, but the opening type matters too. If you already know what’s damaged, these service pages explain the practical differences:

If the damage was caused by severe weather, our guidance on storm damage and emergency boarding may help you plan next steps.

What to expect when you call us

Whether it’s a home in CM1/CM2, a retail unit in a town centre, or a vacant property across the wider CM area, the process is straightforward:

  1. Call and explain what’s happened (window/door/shopfront/roof; any immediate hazards).
  2. We’ll ask a few practical questions: size of opening, access, whether the frame is intact, and whether police or fire service have attended.
  3. We give you a realistic ETA based on workload and travel.
  4. On arrival, we assess and make safe: remove dangerous loose glazing only if needed to secure the opening; fit boards/screens/temporary doors as agreed.
  5. You receive documentation: typically time-stamped photos (where possible), an itemised invoice, and a short description of works done—useful for insurance.

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the paperwork insurers commonly request. More on that here: insurance claims support for boarding up.

Safety and insurance tips (any property type)

If you’re dealing with a breakage right now, a few steps can make things safer and smoother:

  • If there’s an active intruder or immediate danger, call 999 first.
  • If it’s safe, take a few photos of damage before anything is moved (inside and outside).
  • Keep your police reference number (especially after burglary/vandalism).
  • Keep people away from loose glass; avoid sweeping shards into public areas.
  • If rain is coming in, move valuables and soft furnishings away from openings if you can do so safely.
  • Contact your insurer early; ask what evidence they need and whether they prefer any specific wording on invoices.

If you need urgent attendance, go straight to our emergency page: emergency boarding up.

FAQs about boarding up different property types

Do you board up flats and upper-floor windows?

Yes. Access is the main consideration. If an opening is above ground level, we’ll discuss safe access options on the phone and confirm what’s practical on arrival. If specialist access equipment is needed, we’ll tell you—safety comes first.

Can you board up a shopfront without blocking the whole entrance?

Often, yes. It depends on what’s been damaged and whether the entrance is safe to use. Where possible we’ll plan the boarding to maintain emergency egress and reduce disruption, while still securing the vulnerable area.

What if my door frame is too damaged to take fixings?

If the frame or surrounding substrate is badly compromised, standard boarding methods may not be secure. We’ll explain the options before proceeding, which may include additional bracing or discussing alternatives such as a temporary steel door depending on the site and risk.

Is boarding up suitable for listed or sensitive buildings?

Sometimes, but methods need extra care. If you tell us the building is listed or has delicate finishes, we’ll aim for the least invasive secure option. In some cases, restrictions may limit fixing points—we’ll be upfront about what we can and can’t do.

I’m a landlord—can you secure a property between tenancies?

Yes. Void periods are a common time for opportunistic entry, especially if there’s any existing damage. We can secure doors and windows and discuss whether straightforward temporary boarding is enough or if longer-term protection is sensible.

Do you provide paperwork for insurers and property managers?

Yes. We can provide itemised invoices and clear descriptions of the works carried out, and we’ll often take time-stamped photos where practical. If you have specific insurer requirements, tell us when you call.

Can you help if the damage is from fire or flood?

We can secure exposed openings after fire or flood (for example, broken windows, compromised doors, or unsafe panels). We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation or drying services—our role is to secure the property and reduce further loss. See fire damage boarding up or flood damage boarding up.

Do you cover properties outside Chelmsford city centre?

Yes—our coverage spans CM postcode districts from CM0 through CM77. If you’re unsure, check areas we cover or call and we’ll confirm.

Ready to secure your property?

Whether it’s residential, commercial, or a vacant building, we’ll help you make the site safe and properly secured.

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email for planned work? info@boarding-up-chelmsford.co.uk.