Roof Boarding in Chelmsford (Emergency & Planned)

When part of your roof is damaged, missing, or exposed, it rarely stays a simple repair job for long. Water ingress, wind lift, and opportunistic entry can turn a bad day into a serious security and insurance problem. Our roof boarding in Chelmsford is designed to make safe, weatherproof what we can, and secure property quickly—especially when you need emergency boarding up after a storm, accident, or fire.

For urgent help, call 01245 945 217. We cover Chelmsford and the wider CM postcode area (CM0–CM77). We can’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent call-outs and will give you a realistic ETA over the phone.

If you’re dealing with an exposed loft, broken skylight, missing tiles, or a hole created by falling debris, you’re in the right place.

When roof boarding is needed (and why it can’t wait)

Roof openings behave differently from broken windows or doors. They’re harder to access, weather gets in faster, and small gaps can become bigger problems overnight.

Typical reasons customers in Chelmsford call us for emergency roof boarding include:

• Storm damage: tiles/slates lifted, ridge damage, felt exposed, sections missing
• Fallen branches or debris: punctures through tiles or into the roof deck
• Skylight damage: cracked or smashed rooflights letting in rain and drafts
• Fire damage: the property is safe to enter but the roofline/openings are exposed
• Accident/impact: scaffolding knocks, vehicle strikes to outbuildings, collapsed sections
• Repeated leaks in vacant property: a temporary secure cover is needed while repairs are arranged

If your priority is immediate attendance, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 01245 945 217 now.

Emergency roof boarding vs a “quick tarp” (what’s the difference?)

A plastic sheet or tarp can help in some situations, but it often fails in high wind, can flap and enlarge damage, and may not address security (especially if someone can access a flat roof or low rear extension).

Roof boarding focuses on:

• Physical protection: a rigid barrier over the damaged area
• Short-term weather resistance: reducing water ingress until roofers complete permanent repairs
• Security: preventing unauthorised access through roof openings where feasible
• Insurance-friendly documentation: clear record of what was damaged and what was done to make safe

We’ll be honest on-site: if conditions are unsafe (wind, severe weather, unstable structure), we may need to delay roof access or propose a safer temporary measure until it’s safe to work.

What we do when you call us (roof boarding process)

Every damaged roof is different, but our approach is consistent and practical.

1. Triage on the phone

   • What happened (storm, impact, fire, leak)?
   • What’s exposed (loft, ceiling void, skylight, flat roof)?
   • Is anyone inside? Any immediate hazards (loose electrics, sagging ceilings)?
   • We’ll discuss access and give a realistic ETA.

2. On arrival: safety and access check

   • We assess weather, height, stability, and safest access route.
   • If the structure is compromised, we’ll explain limitations before proceeding.

3. Measure and select method

   • We choose board type and fixing method based on the opening, substrate, and wind exposure.
   • We aim for a secure fit without causing unnecessary extra damage.

4. Make safe and secure

   • Install boarding to cover the opening, reduce ingress, and deter entry.
   • Where needed, we can also board vulnerable lower-level points (e.g., a broken window from debris) as part of the make-safe.

5. Documentation

   • Time-stamped photos (before and after where possible)
   • A clear description of materials used and fixings
   • An itemised invoice/work statement suitable for insurer submission

If your damage is from a storm event, see storm damage boarding for practical next steps and insurer guidance.

Materials we use for roof boarding (and why)

Using the right board matters more on a roof than almost anywhere else. It’s exposed to wind uplift, driving rain, and often has limited fixing points.

Exterior-grade plywood (common for roof openings)

For many roof boarding jobs we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood because it:

• holds fixings well
• remains rigid across wider spans
• copes better with damp conditions than lighter boards

OSB (useful for smaller or sheltered sections)

For some smaller openings or sheltered sections, 12mm OSB can be appropriate. We’ll choose OSB only where it makes sense for the conditions and span.

Fixings and anti-tamper considerations

Roof work isn’t always about anti-tamper security in the same way as a ground-floor opening, but fixings still matter. We use appropriate screws/anchors and fitting methods based on:

• substrate (timber, masonry, composite trims)
• access angle and load
• ability to remove later without unnecessary damage

Where security is a concern (for example, flat roofs, low extensions, or void properties), we’ll discuss stronger solutions. For medium-term securing, a temporary steel door or security screening may be more suitable on entry points—see door boarding for options.

Methods we use (how roof boarding is actually installed)

Roof boarding is not “one method fits all”. Here are common approaches we use in the CM area.

1) Boarding over a damaged skylight / rooflight

If a skylight is smashed or cracked, we typically:

• measure the aperture and surrounding fixing area
• fit a rigid board over the opening or over the frame (where sound)
• fix into solid timbers or suitable structural points to resist uplift

This helps stop rain getting into ceilings and insulation and reduces the risk of someone accessing the property from above.

2) Boarding a hole from impact (branches/debris)

When debris has created an irregular opening:

• we clear loose fragments where safe (we won’t undertake full roof repairs)
• we cover the opening with a correctly sized board, often oversized to land on sound structure
• we secure it to reduce movement in wind

If internal ceilings are sagging or waterlogged, we’ll advise on safety and may recommend isolating areas until repairs are arranged.

3) Flat roof and low extension boarding (security + weather)

Flat roof damage often creates both a weather and security issue.

• we board to create a stable cover and reduce ingress
• we consider risk of access from neighbouring structures, alleyways, or low walls
• if the property is vacant, we’ll discuss stronger medium-term solutions

For vacant or void buildings, you may want to read vacant property boarding to understand the best balance of security and cost.

4) Temporary oversheeting (only when appropriate)

In some conditions, a rigid board alone may not be enough to reduce water ingress. If safe and appropriate, we can discuss additional protective measures, but we’ll be transparent about limitations: our role is to secure and make safe, not to replace a roofer’s permanent repair.

Emergency roof boarding in Chelmsford: common call-outs we see

People usually find us while searching phrases like “roof boarding near me Chelmsford” or “who can secure property tonight”. Here are realistic examples of urgent scenarios:

• A smashed window plus roof debris after high winds: we may secure both the window and the exposed roof section so the property can be left safely.
  (If the priority is glazing, see window boarding in Chelmsford.)

• Shop or unit rooflight broken out of hours: you need the opening covered fast to protect stock and prevent access. If the frontage is also compromised, shopfront boarded up may be needed as well.

• Post-fire exposure: the fire service has made the area safe, but the roofline or openings are vulnerable. We can secure the site, but smoke/odour remediation is outside our scope—our job is to board and protect access points. See fire damage boarding for what to do next.

What you get from our roof boarding service

We try to make the next steps easier—especially if you’re dealing with an insurer, landlord, or managing agent.

You’ll receive:

• A clear description of the work completed (what was boarded and how)
• Photos (time-stamped where possible) showing the damage and finished boarding
• An itemised invoice and work statement suitable for insurance submission
• Advice on what should happen next (e.g., arrange roofer, keep the area isolated, prevent further ingress)

For insurance-related questions, our guidance page is here: insurance claims support. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request.

How to prepare for a roof boarding visit (practical, safety-first tips)

If you’re waiting for us to attend, these steps can help—only if it’s safe:

• Keep people out of affected rooms if ceilings are bulging, wet, or sagging
• Move valuables away from leaks and cover items with plastic sheeting if you have it
• Switch off electrics to affected areas if water is near lights/sockets (if you can do so safely)
• Take photos for your insurer before anything is moved (again, only if safe)
• Don’t climb onto the roof—especially in wind, rain, or darkness
• If there’s a break-in risk, keep doors locked and consider waiting in a safe area until help arrives

If police attended (for suspected burglary or vandalism), keep your reference number. For break-ins, our related guidance is here: burglary repairs and boarding.

Roof boarding for homes, businesses, and vacant buildings

We work across residential and commercial properties in Chelmsford and CM postcodes.

• Homes and flats: preventing water damage, keeping the property secure overnight, helping reduce secondary damage
  (See residential boarding.)

• Commercial sites: out of hours make-safe for rooflights, service yards, and stock protection—often with documentation for facilities teams
  (See commercial boarding up.)

• Vacant properties: the longer a building is empty, the more important it is to deter access and reduce weather ingress
  (See vacant property boarding.)

We’re fully insured, have DBS-checked technicians, and we’ve been trading for 10+ years.

Roof boarding FAQs (Chelmsford & CM area)

Do you offer emergency roof boarding in Chelmsford out of hours?

Yes. If you need out of hours help to make safe a damaged roof or skylight, call 01245 945 217. We prioritise urgent requests, but we don’t guarantee fixed arrival times—conditions and workload vary. We’ll give a realistic ETA when you call.

Can you board up a broken rooflight or skylight tonight?

Often, yes—provided it’s safe to access. A broken rooflight can let in a surprising amount of water and can be a security concern. If conditions are unsafe (high wind, unstable roof), we’ll explain the safest alternative and next steps.

Is roof boarding weatherproof?

It’s designed as temporary boarding to reduce water ingress and protect the opening, not a permanent roof repair. We aim to stabilise the situation until a roofer can complete proper repairs.

What boards do you use for roof boarding?

Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and rigidity. For certain smaller openings we may use 12mm OSB. The choice depends on span, wind exposure, and fixing points.

Will roof boarding damage my roof further?

We aim to keep additional disturbance to a minimum, but securing boards properly may involve fixings into sound structural points. If the surrounding area is already compromised, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding.

Can you help with insurance documentation?

Yes. We provide photos and an itemised invoice/work statement that insurers typically need. We’re not loss adjusters, but our insurance claims support page explains how to document the incident and what to keep for your claim.

Do you cover areas outside Chelmsford city centre?

Yes. We cover Chelmsford and the wider CM postcode area (CM0–CM77), including CM1, CM2, CM3 and beyond. If you’re unsure, call and we’ll confirm coverage.

Can you also board up windows or doors damaged in the same incident?

Yes. Storms and impacts often break more than one opening. We can secure windows and doors as part of the same make-safe visit where practical—see window boarding in Chelmsford and door boarding.

Ready to secure the property?

If your roof is exposed or a skylight is damaged, don’t wait for the weather to make it worse.

Need help now? Call 01245 945 217 for immediate assistance with roof boarding in Chelmsford and across CM postcodes.
Prefer email for planned work? info@boarding-up-chelmsford.co.uk.