Boarding Up Chichester (PO18) — Emergency Property Securing, 24/7
When a window goes in the night or a door won’t close after a break-in, you don’t just need a tradesperson — you need someone who can make safe, secure the opening properly, and leave you with the paperwork your insurer is likely to ask for.
Boarding Up Portsmouth provides emergency boarding up in Chichester and the PO18 area, with coverage that also extends across PO19 and PO20. We don’t promise a fixed arrival time because traffic, access and live incidents vary — especially around busy routes into and out of the city — but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you ring.
If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or you need a shopfront boarded up after an incident, call us any time.
Need help now? Call 023 8272 0371 (24/7).
Chichester (PO18): why boarding up matters here
Chichester and the wider PO18 area includes a mix of rural villages, commuter routes, and city-edge properties — and that creates a few common risk patterns when it comes to emergency boarding up and temporary boarding.
1) Older buildings and traditional windows can fail “messily”
Around Chichester you’ll see plenty of older homes, cottages and period conversions where windows and frames aren’t modern uPVC units. When a pane breaks, you can be left with:
- jagged glass still in the rebate
- loose putty/beading
- frames that split when they’re forced
That matters because a simple “cover it up” approach can make things worse. The goal is to secure property without causing extra damage — and to fix boards in a way that’s hard to remove from outside.
2) Busy roads, passing footfall and visibility
Properties near key routes and busier streets can be more exposed after an incident. A broken ground-floor window that faces a road isn’t just a weather problem — it’s an invitation. Boarding up quickly reduces the chance of:
- opportunist entry
- further vandalism
- animals getting in (especially in rural edges of PO18)
3) Retail and mixed-use units need a different approach
Chichester city centre includes retail frontages and mixed-use buildings (commercial below, residential above). When glass is shattered, the opening is often wide, public-facing, and sometimes still shedding fragments. In these situations, “make safe” often includes:
- checking for secondary cracks in adjacent panes
- clearing immediate hazards (as far as safe/allowed)
- boarding in a way that doesn’t block emergency exits or create trip hazards
If you’re responsible for a unit on or near West Street or North Street, the priority is usually: secure the opening, keep people safe, and leave the site stable for the glazier/repair contractor.
4) Vacant and in-between-tenancy properties
Across PO18/PO19/PO20 there are properties that sit empty between sales, probate, refurbishment or tenancy changeover. Once a property is visibly unsecured (even a small rear window), repeat attempts are common. In these cases, stronger fixings and more robust boarding methods help prevent the “back tonight with tools” scenario.
A typical Chichester call-out (what it can look like)
A typical call-out might involve a late-evening report of a board up broken window after an impact — for example, a ground-floor rear window broken at a property in PO18, with the customer worried about security overnight and rain coming in.
On the phone, we’d usually confirm:
- what’s been damaged (window, door, shopfront)
- whether the opening is accessible from outside
- whether glass is still falling / any immediate danger
- whether police are attending or have attended (if it’s a suspected break-in)
When we arrive, the job often runs in a clear order:
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Safety and access check
We’ll look for loose glass, unstable frames, or signs the opening is still shifting. If it’s not safe to work immediately, we’ll explain what needs to happen first. -
Measure and select the right boarding material
We commonly use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or higher-risk openings, and 12mm OSB where appropriate for smaller/less exposed areas. The choice depends on size, risk, and how long it needs to remain in place. -
Fixing method based on frame condition
- If the frame is sound, we’ll use methods that keep fixings secure and difficult to remove externally.
- If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding — the priority is always secure, not “quick but flimsy”.
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Weather resistance and stability
Boarding should reduce draughts and water ingress as much as reasonably possible for a temporary measure, while staying firm against wind. -
Documentation for peace of mind (and insurance)
Customers commonly need proof that the opening was secured. We can provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a clear description of what was done and what materials were used.
The end result should feel calm: the opening is secure, you can lock up, and you’ve got what you need for the next steps.
What to do in an emergency in Chichester (PO18 / PO19 / PO20)
If you’ve got a smashed window, forced door, or you need a shopfront boarded up, these steps help you stay safe and protect your claim.
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If there’s danger or a crime in progress, call 999
If someone is still on site, or you feel unsafe, don’t confront anyone. Get to a safe place first. -
If it’s a burglary or vandalism, report it and get a reference number
Even if the damage seems minor, insurers often ask for a crime reference number. If police attendance isn’t required, you may be able to report via the non-emergency route — the key is having the reference logged. -
Take photos (only if safe) before anything is moved Quick photos on your phone can be invaluable:
- the whole elevation (showing where the damage is)
- close-ups of broken glass / tool marks
- any damage to locks/frames
Try not to touch potential evidence if it’s clearly a break-in.
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Prevent further damage while you wait
- Keep people and pets away from glass
- If weather is coming in, you can place a towel or temporary barrier internally — but don’t attempt risky external fixes (ladders in the dark are a common cause of injury)
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Call us to secure the opening Tell us if you need to board up door access, secure a rear window, or deal with a public-facing frontage. We’ll advise what to do while you wait, and we’ll bring appropriate board sizes and fixings.
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Contact your insurer early We’re not loss adjusters and can’t approve claims, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for (photos, invoice, description of works). If your insurer has specific wording for invoices or work statements, mention it on the phone.
Our local coverage around Chichester
We cover Chichester and surrounding areas across:
- PO18
- PO19
- PO20
If you’re nearby, you may also want to see our pages for:
Wherever you are in these postcode districts, the aim is the same: temporary boarding that properly secures the property and reduces the chance of repeat entry or weather damage.
Local FAQs — boarding up in Chichester (PO18)
How quickly can you attend a boarding-up job in PO18?
It depends on time of day, traffic and current emergency workload. We don’t give guaranteed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent jobs (especially exposed ground-floor openings and commercial frontages) and we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.
I’m near Chichester city centre — can you board up a shopfront out of hours?
Yes. If you’ve had a smashed window or damaged frontage near areas like West Street or North Street, we can attend out of hours to make safe and secure the opening. Tell us if the glazing is still shedding or if there’s a security shutter involved.
Can you board up if the window frame is cracked or partly pulled away?
Usually, yes — but the method changes. If the frame is too weak for standard fixings, we’ll explain the options on site before we proceed. The priority is a secure result that doesn’t cause unnecessary extra damage.
What should I do if police have sealed the area or asked me not to touch anything?
Follow police guidance first. If they’ve asked you not to disturb the opening, tell us — we can still advise you on interim safety steps and attend when you’re cleared to secure the property. Keeping a crime reference number handy helps with insurance later.
Will boarding up stop rain and wind completely?
Boarding is a temporary security and weather-reduction measure, not a permanent repair. We aim to reduce water ingress and draughts significantly, but if surrounding frames or masonry are damaged, some weather may still get in until proper repairs are completed.
I’m in PO20 and the property is empty — can you make it harder for someone to come back?
Yes. Vacant properties often need stronger, more tamper-resistant solutions than a simple cover-up. When you call, tell us it’s empty and how long it may be unattended so we can plan the most suitable approach.
Do you provide paperwork my insurer will accept?
We can supply what insurers typically request: time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a clear description of the work carried out and materials used. If your insurer has specific requirements, let us know at the start.
Can you board up tonight if I can’t stay at the property?
In many cases, yes — but we’ll need safe access and your permission to proceed. If you’re a landlord or managing agent, we can talk through access arrangements and what you need documented so you can show the property was secured.
Need boarding up in Chichester (PO18) now?
If you need emergency boarding up, temporary boarding, or you’re trying to secure property after damage in PO18 / PO19 / PO20, we’re here to help.
Call now: Call 023 8272 0371
Prefer a callback? Phone through and tell us the best number and a safe time to ring you back.
