Boarding Up Pricing in East London (E Postcodes)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or a damaged shopfront, cost is usually one of the first questions—right alongside “Can you make it safe tonight?”. We keep our pricing straightforward and explain what affects it, so you can make a decision quickly without surprises.

We provide boarding up across East London and the E postcode area (E1–E77). For urgent help, see emergency boarding up. For a quote, call us on 020 4634 6384 or email [email protected].

How we price boarding up (and why it varies)

Boarding up isn’t “one size fits all”. A simple ground-floor window can be secured very differently from a shattered shopfront panel or a damaged door frame after a break-in.

When you contact us, we’ll ask a few practical questions and give you a clear quote based on what’s actually needed. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we do prioritise urgent calls and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Pricing is usually based on:

  • Type of opening: window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight
  • Size and number of boards needed
  • Material choice (e.g., 18mm exterior-grade plywood vs OSB for smaller, lower-risk openings)
  • Fixing method (standard fixings vs anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended)
  • Level of damage (intact frame vs splintered timber, twisted uPVC, cracked masonry around fixings)
  • Access and height (ground floor vs upper storeys, rear access, shared entrances, restricted access)
  • Out of hours / night work (evenings, weekends, bank holidays)
  • Extra security options (e.g., temporary steel doors or security screens for vacant properties)

If the frame is too damaged for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain the options before proceeding—especially where extra fixing points or temporary strengthening is required.

Typical price factors by job type

Below is what tends to change the cost depending on the kind of work required.

Board up broken windows (single and multiple)

A “board up broken window” call-out is often the most straightforward—especially if the frame is sound and the opening is a standard size. Price usually changes with:

  • Window dimensions (small pane vs large bay/window section)
  • Whether glazing is still loose (we may need to remove unsafe shards to make safe)
  • Internal access (occupied home vs locked/tenanted property)
  • Fixing type: standard vs anti-tamper (recommended if the property is vacant)

Related service: window boarding in East London

Board up door after forced entry

Door damage after a break-in can range from a split panel to a compromised frame and lock area. Costs depend on whether we can secure using boards alone or whether a temporary steel door is the safer option for medium-term security.

Price commonly depends on:

  • Door type (timber, composite, metal, communal entrance)
  • Condition of the frame and surrounding masonry
  • Whether the property must remain accessible (e.g., landlord/tenant needs to enter)
  • Requirement for a temporary steel door vs boarding only

Related service: door boarding up
Related situation: securing a property after a burglary

Shopfront boarded up (commercial glazing)

A shopfront boarded up job often involves larger sheets, wider spans, and higher security expectations—particularly if stock remains inside. We price these based on the size of the frontage, risk level, and the fixing method needed to prevent removal from outside.

Costs are influenced by:

  • Width/height of glazing and number of panels
  • Whether the frame is still secure enough to take fixings
  • Need for anti-tamper fixings and stronger board thickness
  • Time and working conditions (busy frontage, shutters, access constraints)
  • Whether the site requires method statements / RAMS (common for managed sites)

Related service: shopfront boarding
Related situation: vandalism repair and boarding

Rooflights, skylights and overhead openings

Roof and skylight boarding often costs more due to access complexity and safety considerations. In storm damage cases, the goal is usually to secure property and reduce weather ingress until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Factors include:

  • Safe access (internal loft hatch vs external access constraints)
  • Roof pitch and working area
  • Size/type of rooflight/skylight opening
  • Weather conditions at the time of attendance

Related service: roof boarding
Related situation: storm damage boarding

Out of hours pricing (evenings, weekends and emergencies)

If you need emergency boarding up or 24/7 boarding up in East London, the price can be higher outside normal hours. That’s mainly due to:

  • Night-time labour and call-out allocation
  • Extra time needed to work safely in low light
  • Increased need for higher-security fixing methods when a property will be unattended overnight

If you call us out of hours, we’ll still talk you through the options so you can choose the right level of security for the situation.

For urgent help tonight: 24 hour emergency boarding up in East London

Materials and methods that affect cost (and security)

We’ll recommend a practical solution based on risk, exposure and how long the opening needs to stay secured.

Plywood vs OSB: what we use and when

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for stronger, more durable boarding—especially for street-facing windows and shopfronts.
  • OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings) can be suitable in lower-risk or more sheltered locations where a shorter period of temporary boarding is expected.

We’ll tell you what we propose and why. If you have insurer requirements (some specify thickness or fixing method), let us know.

Anti-tamper fixings and why they matter

Where a property is vacant or in a higher-risk spot, we often recommend anti-tamper fixings. These are designed to be far harder to remove from outside, reducing the chance of repeat entry after a smashed window or forced door.

Temporary steel doors and security screens (medium-term)

If a door has been forced and the frame is compromised, boarding alone may not be the best option for a property that needs to remain secure for days or weeks.

  • Temporary steel doors provide a robust, lockable solution for damaged entrances.
  • Security screens can be appropriate for longer void periods where regular access may still be required.

If you’re managing an empty building, see vacant property boarding up.

What you’ll receive (useful for landlords and insurance)

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the documentation insurers and property managers typically need.

You can request:

  • Itemised invoice (clear description of work completed)
  • Work statement (what was secured and how)
  • Time-stamped photos of the opening(s) before/after (where safe and appropriate)

If your incident follows a break-in, vandalism, fire, flood or impact, keep any reference numbers (police/fire) and take photos before we arrive if it’s safe to do so.

More guidance: insurance claims support for boarding up

How to get a fast, accurate quote

The quickest way to price a job properly is a short phone call. If you can, send photos as well—especially for a shattered shopfront, a split door frame, or anything overhead.

What we’ll ask you

  • The postcode (we cover E1–E77 across East London)
  • What happened (burglary, vandalism, accident, storm damage, etc.)
  • What needs securing (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)
  • Approximate size and whether it’s ground floor or upper floor
  • Whether the property is occupied, vacant, or needs controlled access
  • Any immediate hazards (loose glass, exposed wires, unstable frames)

What to do while you’re waiting

  • Keep people away from broken glass and sharp frames
  • Don’t attempt to remove large shards at height
  • If the property is insecure, wait somewhere safe and visible (especially for commercial premises)
  • If there’s been a crime, avoid touching damaged areas and contact the police first

If your priority is immediate attendance, go straight to: emergency boarding up

Pricing FAQs (East London)

How much does boarding up cost in East London?

It depends on the opening size, the material and fixing method, access (especially upper floors), and whether it’s out of hours. Call 020 4634 6384 and we’ll provide a clear quote based on the details you give us.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidental impact. Cover varies by policy and excess. We can provide itemised invoices and photos to support your claim. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.

Do you charge more for out of hours boarding up?

Out of hours work can cost more due to call-out allocation and safety considerations at night. We’ll explain the price before we attend and give you options based on the level of security required.

Can you quote from photos?

Usually, yes—photos help us estimate board size, access needs, and likely fixing method. For complex damage (e.g., twisted frames or crumbling masonry), we may need to assess on arrival, but we’ll keep you informed.

What if the frame is too damaged to fix boards securely?

If boards can’t be safely fixed without further damage or risk, we’ll talk you through alternatives—such as additional bracing, different fixing points, or a temporary steel door for entrances. We won’t just proceed without explaining what’s changed and why.

How long does boarding up take?

Simple window boarding can be relatively quick once access is available, but larger shopfronts, multiple openings, or roof/skylight work takes longer. We’ll give you a realistic expectation when you call.

Can you help if my shop window is smashed and I need to trade tomorrow?

Yes—we can secure and make safe the opening so the premises isn’t left exposed overnight. If you need a shopfront boarded up, tell us your opening hours and any constraints (shutters, alarms, managed site rules) when you call.

Ready to get a quote?

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 6384 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote. If it’s urgent and you need temporary boarding tonight, visit our emergency boarding up page.