Window Boarding in Bromley (BR) – Emergency & Planned Window Security

When a window goes in Bromley, it rarely happens at a convenient time. A break-in near the back door, a cracked bay window after an impact, or storm-blown debris through a pane can leave your home or premises exposed within minutes. Our window boarding service in Bromley is designed to secure the opening quickly, reduce the risk of further damage, and help you get back to a safe, lockable property.

Need emergency window boarding now? Call 020 4634 7872 or email [email protected].

If you’re dealing with an urgent incident, head straight to emergency boarding up for out-of-hours guidance and next steps.

When window boarding is the right call (and when it isn’t)

Window boarding is typically needed when glazing is broken, missing, badly cracked, or the frame is compromised enough that the window can’t be secured safely.

Common call-outs we see across BR1–BR8 include:

• Post-burglary: smashed panes, prised frames, unsecured ground-floor windows (see burglary repairs and boarding)
• Vandalism: deliberate damage to accessible windows or shopfront side windows (see vandalism repair)
• Storm damage: wind-blown objects, failed seals, loose glazing after heavy weather (see storm damage boarding)
• Accidents/impact: stray footballs, vehicle knocks, building works incidents (see accident damage securing)
• Fire or smoke incidents: windows failed due to heat or fire service entry (we secure; we don’t do remediation—see fire damage securing)

When boarding may not be appropriate:

• If the window is intact and can be secured by locking/repairing hardware instead, we’ll tell you.
• If there’s structural movement or the wall opening isn’t stable, we may advise you to involve a builder/structural professional first. We can still help with temporary security where safe.

Emergency window boarding in Bromley: what happens when you call

If you’re calling because something has just happened, you want clarity—not a long lecture. Here’s what we do.

1. We ask a few practical questions

   • What’s broken (size/type of window)?
   • Is it ground floor/accessible from the street or garden?
   • Is the property occupied or vacant?
   • Any immediate hazards (shattered glass, police on scene, fire service access)?

2. We prioritise safety and quick securing

   • If it’s safe, clear only what’s necessary to board effectively.
   • We board the opening to stop access and reduce exposure to weather.

3. We confirm the method before fixing

   • If the frame is sound, we’ll use non-destructive fixings where possible.
   • If the frame is too damaged, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

4. You get documentation for your records

   • Time-stamped photos on request
   • An itemised invoice and work statement suitable for insurers (see insurance claims support)

Need help tonight or out of hours? Use our 24-hour emergency boarding up page or call 020 4634 7872.

Materials we use (and why it matters)

Not all boards are the same—and the wrong material can warp, split, or fail when it’s wet and windy. We choose boards based on the opening size, location, and risk level.

Exterior-grade plywood (typical for secure window boarding)

For most residential and commercial windows, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood. It’s strong, stable, and holds fixings well. It’s also less prone to crumbling at the edges than cheaper sheet materials—important when the property may be unattended.

OSB (for certain smaller/short-term applications)

For smaller openings or low-risk situations, 12mm OSB can be appropriate. We’ll only use it where it makes sense for the job and where it can be fixed securely.

Fixings and security details

We commonly use:

• Anti-tamper fixings where the board could be attacked or removed from outside
• Coach screws / suitable anchors depending on masonry and reveal depth
• Packers/spacers to avoid crushing weak frames and to keep boards sitting correctly
• Sealing where appropriate to reduce draughts and water ingress (without claiming it’s a permanent weatherproof repair)

If you need a more robust medium-term solution (particularly for voids), we may recommend steel screens rather than repeated re-boarding—see vacant property boarding solutions.

How we board up windows: methods you can trust

Every window opening is different. Bromley has everything from Victorian terraces with timber sash windows to 1930s semis and modern flats—so the method must suit the building, not just the problem.

Reveal-fit boarding (neater and harder to tamper with)

Where the window sits within a masonry reveal, we often cut the board to fit inside the opening. This can be more secure and less visually obtrusive, especially on street-facing elevations.

Best for:

• Smashed panes where the frame/reveal is still solid
• Ground-floor windows that need stronger resistance

Over-frame boarding (when the reveal isn’t suitable)

If the reveal is irregular, too shallow, or the frame is damaged, we may board over the opening and fix into solid points around it.

Best for:

• Damaged frames
• Larger or awkward window shapes (bay returns, side panels)

Non-destructive vs. necessary fixings

We try to avoid causing additional damage, but we won’t compromise security. If non-destructive methods aren’t safe or reliable due to the condition of the window/frame, we’ll explain why and agree the approach with you before we proceed.

Window boarding for homes, flats, and commercial sites in Bromley

Residential window boarding

In BR postcodes, we often secure:

• Ground-floor windows to the rear (garden access is a common vulnerability)
• Bay windows on 1930s-style semis where a single broken pane can leave a large opening
• Side windows near alleyways or shared access paths

If the break-in involved a door as well, you may need door boarding in Bromley or even a temporary steel door for safer access control.

Commercial and shop window side glazing

Many businesses don’t just have a single shopfront pane—there are side windows, rear staff windows, and upper-floor panes that get hit during vandalism. If the main frontage is affected, you may need shopfront boarding for larger panels and a more commercial-focused approach.

Vacant properties and between-tenancy situations

Void properties need a different mindset. It’s not just about tonight—it’s about repeat attempts and visibility from the street. For longer-term security, we can advise on options beyond standard plywood, depending on risk.

Start here: boarding up for vacant properties.

A realistic Bromley scenario (micro case study)

A landlord in Shortlands (BR2) called after a ground-floor rear window was smashed during a break-in attempt. The property backs onto residential gardens and foot access routes that make rear elevations less visible from the street. Police had attended, but the opening was still exposed and the tenant didn’t feel safe overnight.

We assessed the frame condition, removed only loose glass where needed for safe boarding, and installed 18mm exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings where appropriate. We provided a clear work statement and photos for the landlord’s insurer, and advised on next steps for glazing replacement. The tenant had a secured property the same evening, and the landlord had documentation ready for the claim.

If you’re in a similar situation, start with burglary repairs and securing or call 020 4634 7872.

What you receive after we board up a window

You’ll get practical, insurer-friendly paperwork—without the fluff:

• A clear description of what was secured and how
• Itemised invoice (materials, labour, any access considerations)
• Photos if requested (useful for landlords, agents, and insurance claims)
• Advice on whether a follow-up visit is sensible once glazing is ready to be replaced

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can help you stay organised—see insurance claims guidance.

Before we arrive: 6 steps that genuinely help

Only do what’s safe—especially if there’s broken glass.

1. If a crime is involved, call the police first and keep your reference number.
2. Take photos of the damage (from a safe distance) for your insurer/landlord.
3. Keep people and pets away from the affected area.
4. Don’t attempt to clear embedded glass from frames if you’re not equipped.
5. If weather is coming in, move valuables away from the opening if it’s safe.
6. Tell us about access (rear alley, side gate, flats with entry systems, parking limits).

FAQs – Window boarding in Bromley

How long does window boarding take?

It depends on the number of windows, their size, and access (front elevation vs rear garden vs upper floor). A single domestic window is usually straightforward; multiple openings or difficult access can take longer. We’ll talk you through what to expect on the phone.

Is window boarding covered by insurance in Bromley?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or impact. Policies vary, and excess applies. We provide invoices and work descriptions insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.

Can you board up a window without damaging the frame?

Where the frame and reveal allow it, we use methods intended to be as non-destructive as possible while still being secure. If the frame is already compromised, we may need more robust fixings—if so, we’ll explain your options before proceeding.

Do you cover my area—Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst?

Yes—our service covers Bromley and BR postcodes (BR1–BR8). If you want a local page, start with areas we cover or see nearby pages like boarding up Bromley (BR1) and boarding up Beckenham (BR3).

What if my window is high up or hard to reach?

Tell us when you call. Upper floors, skylights, and awkward access may require additional safety steps. If the issue is roof-level glazing, you may need roof boarding instead of standard window boarding.

Related services you may need alongside window boarding

Window damage often comes with other problems. Depending on what happened, you might also need:

• door boarding in Bromley (forced entry, damaged locks, broken door panels)
• shopfront boarding (large commercial glazing and frontage panels)
• roof boarding (skylights, rooflights, upper-level openings)
• Help after a specific incident: storm damage, vandalism repair, flood damage

Ready to secure your window?

If you’re staring at a broken window right now, you don’t need guesswork—you need the opening secured properly with the right boards and fixings.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 7872 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? [email protected]

Helpful Links

• Emergency boarding up in Bromley
• Insurance claims support
• Door boarding
• Shopfront boarding
• Roof boarding
• Areas we cover