Shopfront Boarding in East London (Emergency & Planned)

A smashed shop window, a forced door, or a damaged frontage is more than an inconvenience — it’s an immediate security risk. If your premises are exposed, you may need a shopfront boarded up the same day, including out of hours, to protect stock, staff areas and the public.

Boarding Up East London provides shopfront boarding in East London across the E postcode area (E1–E77). We’re fully insured, have 10+ years’ trading, and our technicians are DBS-checked. If you need emergency boarding up after vandalism, a break-in, or an accident, we’ll prioritise urgent call-outs and give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 6384 or email [email protected]. For urgent attendance, see emergency boarding up.

When you might need shopfront boarding (and why it can’t wait)

Most people find us when something has just happened — and they need to secure property fast.

Common reasons for emergency shopfront boarding East London include:

• Smashed window / cracked glazing after vandalism (even a small impact can spread and fail)
• Break-ins and attempted break-ins where glazing, frames, locks or hinges are damaged
• Accident damage (e.g., an impact to the frontage) where the opening is unsafe or exposed
• Storm damage where wind-driven debris breaks glass or pulls fittings loose
• Fire service entry or post-fire exposure where the front elevation needs to be made safe (we secure the property; we don’t provide smoke/odour remediation)

The key issue isn’t just the missing glass — it’s that an exposed frontage invites repeat attempts, and it can be dangerous for passers-by. Proper temporary boarding helps you control access, protect stock, and demonstrate to insurers that you took reasonable steps to prevent further loss.

If your issue is primarily a door problem, you may also need door boarding in East London. If it’s a domestic window rather than a commercial frontage, see window boarding in East London.

What “shopfront boarding” actually includes

Shopfronts are different from standard windows: larger panes, public-facing access, and often a mix of glazed areas and doors. Our aim is to make safe and secure the opening with a robust temporary solution that suits the site and the risk level.

A typical shopfront boarding job can include:

• Boarding over broken shopfront glazing and vulnerable side panels
• Securing damaged entrance doors (including emergency board up door measures when required)
• Reducing risk of removal from outside using anti-tamper fixings
• Maintaining a sensible approach to access and fire safety (where possible and appropriate)
• Providing photos and documentation for building managers and insurance claims

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Materials we use (and why)

We choose materials based on opening size, exposure, and how long the property may be unattended.

Exterior-grade plywood (typical for shopfront boarding)

For most shopfronts we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood because it’s strong, impact-resistant, and holds fixings well over larger spans. It’s often the best option when you need the frontage secured quickly and reliably.

OSB (for smaller panels or short-term internal boarding)

For some smaller or less exposed openings, 12mm OSB may be suitable. It can be quicker to fit for minor damage, but it’s generally less robust than plywood for large, street-facing shopfronts.

Anti-tamper fixings (security matters on a high street)

Where the board could be attacked or removed from outside, we use anti-tamper fixings. The goal is simple: if the premises will be unattended overnight (or longer), you don’t want someone to undo standard screws from the pavement.

Temporary steel doors & longer-term options (when boarding isn’t enough)

If the entrance is heavily damaged or the unit will be vacant, boarding alone may not be the best medium-term answer. We can discuss temporary steel doors and other security upgrades to reduce repeated break-ins, especially for void periods. For vacant units specifically, see boarding for vacant property.

How we board up a shopfront: our method (step-by-step)

Every frontage is different, but the process follows a proven sequence. This is designed to keep people safe, protect what’s inside, and give you clear records afterwards.

1. Triage on the phone

   • We’ll ask what’s broken (glazing, frame, door), whether the premises are exposed, and whether police/insurer are involved.
   • If it’s urgent, we prioritise the job and give a realistic ETA.

2. On-site safety and assessment

   • We check for loose glass, sharp edges, unstable frames and any ongoing risk to the public.
   • If needed, we’ll advise on immediate steps while we work (e.g., keeping customers/footfall away from the frontage).

3. Measure, cut and prepare boards

   • We size boards to cover the opening properly, avoiding weak points that can be prised.
   • For larger shopfronts, we plan fixings and joins to keep the face rigid.

4. Secure fixing method

   • Depending on the frame condition, we use suitable fixing points and anti-tamper fixings where appropriate.
   • The aim is a tight, secure fit that resists forced removal.

5. Final checks and documentation

   • We confirm the frontage is secure and safe.
   • You receive supporting information such as time-stamped photos (where possible) and an itemised invoice/work statement that insurers and property managers typically need.

If there’s structural damage beyond boarding (e.g., significant frame failure), we’ll tell you clearly what we can do immediately and what may need a builder, glazier, or locksmith next.

Emergency shopfront boarding: what to do right now

If you’re dealing with a smashed window or a break-in, it’s normal to feel pressured to “do something” quickly. The right steps depend on safety.

1. If a crime is in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999
2. If it’s safe, take a few photos of the damage and surrounding area (helpful for insurers)
3. Avoid touching broken glass and don’t try to clear dangerous debris without PPE
4. Keep your police reference number if officers attend
5. Call us to secure the opening
   • We’ll arrange emergency boarding up and talk you through what we’ll need on arrival (access, alarm codes if relevant, site contact)

For urgent help tonight or out of hours, go straight to 24/7 emergency boarding up in East London or call 020 4634 6384.

Shopfront boarding for different types of premises

Shopfront damage doesn’t only happen to retail. We regularly secure:

• Shops and convenience stores with large glazed panels and high footfall
• Restaurants and cafés where boarded frontage also needs to protect seating and equipment
• Offices at street level with vulnerable windows and door sidelights
• Commercial units between tenants that need the property secured to reduce ongoing risk

If you manage multiple sites, we can support repeat call-outs with consistent paperwork and clear communication. For broader context, see commercial boarding up in East London.

Insurance and documentation (what we can provide)

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we do understand what insurers typically ask for after emergency works.

We can provide:

• A clear description of what was done to make safe and secure property
• Photos of the opening and the completed boarding (where practical)
• An itemised invoice and work statement for your records

More guidance is available on our insurance claims support page. It’s also worth checking your policy wording around emergency security and “preventing further loss”.

Planned shopfront boarding (not just emergencies)

Not all boarding is reactive. There are times when planned boarding makes sense:

• Void periods between tenants
• Repeated vandalism risk
• Refurbishment works where glazing has been removed and needs temporary protection
• Change of use / handover periods where access control is important

If you’re weighing up boarding vs longer-term security, tell us what the property will be used for and how long you need it secured — we’ll recommend a practical approach rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution.

FAQs: Shopfront boarding in East London

How quickly can you board up my shopfront in East London?

We prioritise urgent situations and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t promise fixed arrival times — traffic, time of day, and existing call-outs affect ETAs. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic estimate and keep you informed.

Can you board up a shop window tonight (out of hours)?

Yes — we provide out of hours and overnight assistance across East London. If you need someone to board up broken window glass or a full shopfront boarded up tonight, call 020 4634 6384 and we’ll advise the next steps.

What boards do you use for shopfront boarding?

Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for street-facing shopfronts, and sometimes 12mm OSB for smaller or less exposed openings. We choose based on the size, risk, and how long the boarding is likely to remain.

Will boarding damage my frames or brickwork?

We aim to secure boards using appropriate fixing points and methods that minimise unnecessary damage. However, if the surrounding structure is already compromised, or if there’s no safe fixing surface, some fixings may be necessary to secure the site properly. We’ll explain options before proceeding.

Can you secure just part of the shopfront (for example, one panel)?

Yes. If only one section is damaged (a single pane, side panel, or door sidelight), we can board that area to restore security. If other panes are cracked or loose, we may recommend boarding additional sections to prevent failure later.

Do you provide a temporary door if the entrance is smashed?

Where required, we can discuss temporary steel door options for a more secure medium-term solution — especially if the premises will be unattended. If your immediate need is to board up door damage, we can make safe first and then plan the next steps.

Is shopfront boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage or accidental impact — but coverage depends on your policy and excess. Keep any crime reference number, take photos if safe, and see our guidance on insurance claims.

How long can the boarding stay in place?

Boarding is typically a temporary security measure until glazing or doors are repaired, but it can stay in place longer if needed. If you expect an extended period (e.g., void property), we can advise on more durable solutions and how to reduce repeated tampering.

Speak to a shopfront boarding specialist (East London)

If you need emergency shopfront boarding or planned security for a commercial unit, we’ll talk you through the best way to make safe and protect the property.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 6384
Or email: [email protected]

For urgent attendance, visit: 24/7 emergency boarding up in East London.