FAQs — Boarding Up Portsmouth (PO1–PO41)

If you’re here because you’ve had a break-in, a smashed window, or storm damage, you’re probably trying to make a quick decision while dealing with a lot of stress. This FAQ page answers the questions we’re asked every day across Portsmouth and the wider PO postcode area (PO1–PO41).

If you need urgent help right now, use our emergency page: emergency boarding up — or call us and we’ll talk you through the safest next steps.

Need to secure a property today? Call 023 8272 0371 or email us.

Quick answers (for people in a hurry)

  • Yes, we handle emergencies and out-of-hours call-outs — we’ll prioritise urgent jobs and give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
  • We board up windows, doors, shopfronts, roofs/skylights and can fit temporary steel doors and security screens where appropriate.
  • We cover Portsmouth and PO postcodes PO1–PO41, including residential, commercial, and vacant properties.
  • We’re fully insured and use DBS-checked technicians.
  • We can provide documentation insurers usually need (photos, itemised invoices, and a clear statement of works).

Emergency & out-of-hours questions

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up in Portsmouth?

Yes — we provide 24/7 boarding up across Portsmouth and the PO area. We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, weather, and job volume can change, but we do prioritise urgent “make safe” situations and we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.

If it’s urgent, go straight to: emergency boarding up.

Who should I call first after a break-in or vandalism?

If there’s any danger or the intruder may still be nearby, call 999. If it’s not an emergency but a crime has occurred, call 101 and get a crime reference number.

Once the police are happy for you to secure the property, call us to board up a broken window or board up a door and prevent further entry or weather damage. We can also help you gather the kind of job documentation insurers typically ask for (we’re not loss adjusters, but we know what’s usually required). See: insurance claims help.

Can you board up tonight if my window is smashed?

Often, yes. A smashed window is one of the most common out-of-hours call-outs we attend. If it’s safe to do so, take a couple of photos for your insurer, keep people away from broken glass, and call us to arrange temporary boarding.

For window-specific details, see: window boarding in Portsmouth.

What does “make safe” mean in boarding up?

“Make safe” usually means we attend to remove immediate hazards and secure the property against entry and weather. Depending on the situation, that can include:

  • Boarding broken glazing (internally or externally, depending on access and risk)
  • Securing a damaged door leaf/frame (or fitting a temporary steel door if needed)
  • Sealing an exposed opening to reduce wind/rain ingress (especially after storms)
  • Making the site safer for occupants, neighbours, or staff

If follow-on repairs are required (new glazing, carpentry, roofing works), we’ll explain what we can do now and what needs a specialist trade next.

Will boarding up stop rain and draughts completely?

Boarding is primarily about security and reducing exposure, but it’s not the same as a permanent repair. We fit boards tightly and choose fixings based on the surface and condition of the opening, but if the surrounding frame is badly damaged or uneven, some draught or water ingress may still be possible during severe weather.

For overhead damage, see: roof boarding in Portsmouth.

Services, methods & materials

What materials do you use — plywood or OSB?

It depends on the opening, the risk level, and how long the property may be left unattended.

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is a common choice for strong, reliable security and better weather resistance.
  • OSB (often 12mm for smaller openings) can be suitable in some situations, particularly where a shorter-term solution is appropriate.

We’ll recommend what’s sensible on the day, explain why, and won’t overspec a job where it’s not necessary.

How do you fix boards without causing extra damage?

We always aim for the least destructive safe method for the surface and situation. Fixing methods can include:

  • Reveals and frames (where there’s sound timber/masonry to take fixings)
  • Battening (spreading load and improving strength for larger openings)
  • Anti-tamper fixings (to reduce the risk of boards being removed from outside)

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Our goal is to secure the opening properly without creating avoidable repair work later.

Can you board up doors as well as windows?

Yes. If a door has been forced, split, or won’t lock, we can board up the door to secure the property. In some cases (especially for commercial units or vacant properties), a temporary steel door is a better solution than timber boarding because it allows controlled access while maintaining security.

See: door boarding in Portsmouth.

Do you board up shopfronts and commercial glazing?

Yes — we provide shopfront boarding up across Portsmouth and the PO area. Shopfronts often involve larger sheets, public-facing locations, and higher risk of repeat damage, so we plan fixings carefully and can use stronger methods and anti-tamper approaches where needed.

See: shopfront boarding in Portsmouth.

Can you secure a rooflight or skylight opening?

Yes. Storm damage and fallen debris can crack or dislodge rooflights, leaving a dangerous overhead opening. We can board or sheet the opening to reduce water ingress and improve safety, but roof access is condition-dependent (weather, pitch, and safe access).

See: roof boarding in Portsmouth.

What’s the difference between temporary steel doors and security screens?

  • Temporary steel doors are ideal when you need a secure, lockable entry point for a damaged or missing door. They’re often used for vacant properties, repeated break-in risk, or where trades need ongoing access.
  • Security screens (steel, often used for longer-term void security) are suited to properties that may be empty for a while and need robust protection while still allowing ventilation/light where appropriate.

If you’re unsure, tell us what’s happened and whether anyone needs access. We’ll recommend the most practical option.

Can you put boards on the inside instead of outside?

Sometimes. Internal boarding can be useful where external access is unsafe, restricted, or likely to draw attention. However, external boarding is often more effective for security because it protects the opening directly and can be harder to compromise.

We’ll choose the safest and most secure approach based on access, height, condition of the frame, and the risk of repeat attack.

Pricing, payment & documentation

How much does boarding up cost in Portsmouth?

Cost depends on the size and number of openings, access (ground floor vs height), materials required, fixing method, and whether the opening is a window, door, shopfront, or roof/skylight. Out-of-hours work can also affect the overall cost.

We don’t publish fixed prices because every job is different, but we’re transparent about what affects cost. See: boarding up pricing.

Do you provide invoices and evidence for insurers?

Yes. We can provide the kind of documentation insurers commonly ask for, including:

  • Itemised invoice
  • Statement of works (what was damaged, what was done, materials used)
  • Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)

We’re not loss adjusters and can’t make coverage decisions, but we can help you present clear evidence. See: insurance claims help.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, fire damage, or impact damage — but policies vary. Keep your reference numbers (police or incident), take photos if it’s safe, and contact your insurer early.

For practical claim guidance, see: insurance claims help.

Do you work with landlords, agents, and facilities management?

Yes. We regularly help landlords, letting agents, and facilities teams secure properties after tenant move-outs, forced entries, and accidental damage. We can provide clear documentation and coordinate access responsibly.

If the property is empty or between tenancies, you may also want: vacant property boarding up.

Coverage & practicalities

Which areas do you cover?

We cover Portsmouth and the full PO postcode area (PO1–PO41) — including surrounding towns and coastal communities within PO. If you’re not sure whether your postcode is included, call and we’ll confirm quickly.

You can also browse: areas we cover.

Do you work on residential and commercial properties?

Yes — we secure:

Are your technicians DBS-checked and are you insured?

Yes — our technicians are DBS-checked, and we’re fully insured. If you need this confirmed for a facilities file or landlord compliance, tell us when you call and we’ll provide the appropriate paperwork or confirmation.

How long does boarding up take?

It depends on the size and number of openings, access (including height), and the condition of the frames. A single standard window can sometimes be secured fairly quickly, whereas a damaged shopfront or multiple openings can take longer due to measuring, cutting, battening, and using anti-tamper methods.

If you call us, we’ll ask a few practical questions and give you a realistic expectation.

What information should I have ready when I call?

If possible, have:

  • The postcode (PO district helps)
  • What’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)
  • Whether it’s ground floor or at height
  • Whether the property is occupied, vacant, or a business premises
  • Any safety issues (loose glass, unstable frame, fire/police attendance)
  • A police reference number if it’s a crime

Photos are helpful, but only take them if it’s safe.

Safety, responsibilities & limitations

Is it safe to stay in the property while waiting?

It depends. If there’s broken glass, exposed wiring, structural damage, or signs someone may return, it may be safer to wait elsewhere. Keep everyone away from the damaged area and do not attempt to clear glass without appropriate protection.

If you’re unsure, tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll give practical guidance while you arrange attendance.

Can you repair the window/door as well as boarding it up?

We specialise in securing and making safe. In some cases, we can carry out minor stabilisation (where appropriate) as part of boarding. Full repairs—new glazing units, full door replacements, structural carpentry, or ongoing building works—may require other trades.

If you need immediate securing after an incident, start with the relevant situation page:

Do you handle fire cleanup or smoke/odour removal?

No — we don’t provide smoke or odour remediation. After a fire, our role is to secure the property (doors, windows, and vulnerable points) once it’s safe and access is permitted.

For what to do next after a fire incident, see: after fire damage.

Can you secure a property that has been flooded?

Yes, but flood damage can swell timber frames and affect how doors and windows close. Boarding may be needed where openings won’t secure, but ventilation and drying also matter. We’ll aim to secure the property while avoiding actions that make recovery harder.

See: after flood damage.

Do I need to be on-site for the boarding up?

Ideally, yes — especially for residential properties or where access needs to be arranged. For commercial sites or managed buildings, we can often work with keyholders, agents, or facilities teams.

If you can’t be there, call and we’ll discuss the safest way to proceed (access, permissions, and documentation).

Still got a question?

If you can’t find your exact situation here, contact us — we’ll give straightforward advice and tell you what we can do.

Ready to get started? Call 023 8272 0371 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.