Commercial boarding up in East London (E postcodes)
A smashed shopfront, forced entry to an office, or storm damage to a warehouse door can’t be left “until Monday”. If your commercial premises are exposed, you’re dealing with immediate security risks, potential stock loss, and the headache of keeping insurers, landlords, and facilities teams updated.
Boarding Up East London provides commercial boarding up across the E postcode area (E1–E77). We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. Whether you need emergency boarding up out of hours or planned security for a void unit, we’ll help you make safe and secure the property with a practical, documented approach.
Need urgent help now? Use our emergency boarding up service or Call 020 4634 6384.
When commercial boarding up is needed (typical scenarios)
Commercial sites in East London range from high-footfall retail to mixed-use blocks, industrial units, offices, restaurants, and managed estates. The most common reasons we’re asked to attend include:
Smashed shop windows and damaged glazing
A smashed window on a shopfront is one of the most urgent situations: it’s visible, it invites opportunistic theft, and it exposes the inside of the premises to weather overnight. We’re often asked to board up broken window openings quickly, particularly when the property will be unattended.
If you’ve had a shop window smashed, see: shopfront boarding in East London and vandalism repair boarding.
Forced entry, attempted burglary, and door damage
After a break-in, you may need to board up door areas, side entrances, or rear service doors—especially if the lock, frame, or surrounding masonry is compromised. In some cases, the best option is a temporary steel door so you can continue trading or keep the premises secure while a new door is ordered.
If this has happened, see: burglary repairs and boarding and door boarding in East London.
Accidental impact damage (vehicle strike, delivery incidents)
Commercial premises often have loading areas, bollards, shutters, and glazed frontage near vehicle movement. A low-speed impact can still crack glazing, bend frames, or damage thresholds. You may need an urgent make safe to eliminate sharp edges and prevent unauthorised access while longer-term repairs are arranged.
Related guidance: accident damage boarding.
Storm damage and wind-blown debris
High winds can tear loose panels, damage rooflights, or break windows—especially on taller commercial blocks and exposed corners. Temporary boarding protects stock, electrics, and interiors from rain ingress and helps keep the site secure overnight.
Related guidance: storm damage boarding and roof boarding in East London.
Fire damage (securing only)
After a fire, even if the flames are contained, doors and windows may be compromised by heat, water, or forced entry by the fire service. Our role is to secure the property and prevent re-entry—not to provide smoke or odour remediation.
Related guidance: fire damage securing.
Flood damage and swollen frames
Flooding can swell timber frames and damage hinges/locks so doors won’t close or latch properly. Temporary boarding can stabilise access points and reduce risk while drying and restoration are managed by your contractors.
Related guidance: flood damage boarding.
Vacant units, void properties, and change of tenancy
Retail and office units between occupiers are vulnerable, particularly where glazing makes contents visible or where rear access is secluded. For medium-term protection, we may recommend steel security screens or a temporary steel door rather than repeated timber boarding.
If you’re managing an empty unit, see: vacant property boarding in East London.
Our commercial boarding methods (what we use and why)
Commercial boarding is about more than covering a hole. The aim is to secure access points, reduce liability, and give you documentation that stands up to insurer or landlord scrutiny.
Timber boarding (plywood or OSB)
For most emergency call-outs we use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or higher-risk openings where strength matters
- 12mm OSB for smaller windows or short-term security where appropriate
We select the sheet type and thickness based on the opening size, exposure, and how long the building will be unattended. We’ll also consider whether the opening is at street level (higher tamper risk) or within a controlled site.
This is commonly used for:
- temporary boarding after a break-in
- shopfront boarded up overnight pending glass replacement
- broken office windows and internal courtyard glazing
Anti-tamper fixings and secure installation
On commercial sites, a board that can be removed from outside isn’t much of a solution. We use fixing methods that prioritise anti-tamper security, with the goal of making external removal difficult.
We’ll also assess what we can fix into safely:
- If the frame is sound, we use methods that avoid unnecessary damage.
- If the surrounding frame or masonry is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
Temporary steel doors (for repeated access)
If you need staff or contractors to access the premises while repairs are ongoing, a timber board across a doorway can be impractical. A temporary steel door provides a lockable, robust entry point and is often the better choice for:
- forced-entry door damage
- vacant units awaiting refurbishment
- sites where multiple trades need access over several days/weeks
Discuss this alongside door boarding in East London.
Security screens (medium- to long-term protection)
For void properties, managed estates, or repeated incidents, security screens can be a more durable solution than timber. They’re designed to resist attack and can be removed and reinstated as access is needed.
If you’re planning ahead, ask about options when you contact us—especially if you manage multiple sites across the E postcodes.
Rooflights and skylights (weatherproof, safe access)
Roof-level openings add complexity: safe access, height work, and weather exposure. We can board rooflights and skylights to prevent water ingress and unauthorised entry, while keeping the method proportionate to the building type and risk profile.
See: roof boarding in East London.
What to expect when you call us (commercial process)
Commercial clients often need a clear method statement, predictable communication, and documentation for insurers or facilities logs. Here’s how we typically work:
-
Call and explain what’s happened
Tell us what’s damaged (shopfront, window, door, rooflight), whether the site is occupied, and if police or alarm contractors are attending. -
We provide a realistic ETA and approach
We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, access restrictions, and ongoing emergency workload can affect attendance—but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone. -
On-site assessment and “make safe”
We’ll check the opening, surrounding frame, and immediate hazards (loose glass, sharp edges, unstable panels). If additional risks are present, we’ll talk you through options. -
Secure installation
We fit the boarding using appropriate materials and fixings for the risk level and location. -
Documentation for your records
Where needed, we can provide:- time-stamped photos of the secured area
- an itemised invoice and work statement suitable for facilities records
- notes to support an insurance claim (we’re not loss adjusters, but we provide what insurers typically ask for)
For more on how boarding works, see: what is boarding up?
Keeping your business compliant and secure
Commercial boarding up isn’t just about security—it also helps manage liability. An open frontage or accessible damaged window can create risk for staff and the public. A properly secured opening reduces:
- unauthorised entry and further theft
- weather damage to stock, electrics, and finishes
- injury risk from broken glass or unstable panels
- complications with insurer “reasonable precautions” expectations
If your premises are part of a larger block or managed estate, it can also reduce issues with neighbours and building management, particularly when damage is visible from public areas.
Insurance and facilities management: what helps your claim
If you’re dealing with burglary, vandalism, or impact damage, your insurer may ask what steps you took to prevent further loss. A few practical steps can make the process smoother:
- Take photos before boarding up (if safe to do so)
- Keep your police reference number if police attended
- Record what’s missing or damaged (stock, equipment, fixtures)
- Notify your insurer early and ask what documents they need
- Keep invoices and work statements for the make-safe works
We have a dedicated guide here: insurance claims support (documentation we can provide and what to prepare).
Commercial sites we regularly secure across East London
We work across the E postcode area (E1–E77), supporting:
- independent shops and small retail units
- restaurants, cafés, and takeaways
- offices and shared workspaces
- warehouses and light industrial units
- schools, community buildings, and managed sites
- property management portfolios (planned and reactive)
If you also need domestic help, see: residential boarding in East London.
For area coverage examples, you can view local pages such as:
Or browse all local coverage here: areas we cover.
FAQs: commercial boarding up in East London
How quickly can you board up a shopfront in East London?
We prioritise urgent jobs and aim to attend as quickly as possible, including out of hours. Conditions vary (time of day, access, workload), so we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone when you call 020 4634 6384.
Can you board up a broken window without damaging the frame?
Often, yes—especially if the frame and surrounding structure are still sound. Where the frame is split, rotten, or loose (common after forced entry), we may need a more secure fixing method. If non-destructive options aren’t suitable, we’ll explain why before proceeding.
What’s the difference between plywood and OSB for commercial boarding?
Plywood is generally stronger and more impact-resistant, which is useful for large openings and higher-risk locations. OSB can be suitable for smaller windows or short-term applications. We commonly use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for demanding jobs and 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate.
Do you provide temporary steel doors for commercial properties?
Yes. A temporary steel door is often the best solution when a doorway has been forced and you need secure, lockable access for staff and contractors. It can reduce repeated call-outs compared to re-boarding a doorway.
Can you help if we need to keep trading after a break-in?
In many cases, yes. The priority is to make safe and secure the property. We’ll also consider practical access needs and visibility—particularly for retail. If the site needs ongoing entry, we’ll discuss options such as a temporary steel door rather than fully blocking access.
Will boarding up affect our alarm or shutters?
It can, depending on where sensors and shutter guides are located. If you tell us what systems you have (alarm contacts, shutters, access control), we’ll take it into account when planning the fixing points and board layout.
Do you work with facilities managers and property management companies?
Yes. We’re used to providing photos, clear work descriptions, and itemised invoices for internal reporting and insurance. If your site has access rules, loading restrictions, or on-site security, mention it when you call so we can plan accordingly.
Is emergency boarding up covered by commercial insurance?
It often can be, depending on your policy and the cause (burglary, vandalism, storm, impact). We’re not insurance advisors, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request. See: insurance claims support.
Speak to a commercial boarding-up team in East London
If your premises need securing—whether that’s a shopfront boarded up, a board up broken window, or you need to board up door damage after a break-in—contact us and we’ll talk you through the next steps.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 6384 for immediate assistance, or email us if you’re arranging planned commercial security.
