Boarding Up Prices in South West London

When you need urgent security after damage, you want clear, fair boarding up prices in South West London without surprises. While we don’t publish fixed rates—every job is different—we do explain exactly what affects cost, what’s included in your quote, and how we keep things efficient and insurer-friendly. Our aim is to help you make a confident decision quickly so your property is secure.

Need to talk it through now? For emergency situations, Call 020 4538 6452.

What Affects the Cost of Boarding Up

Every site and situation varies. Your price will reflect a combination of the factors below. We’ll confirm these with a few quick questions and, if needed, a brief site assessment before work starts.

  • Opening size and quantity

    • Single small window vs multiple large panes, doors, or shopfront sections.
    • Oversized or irregular openings may need additional sheets or cutting time.

  • Height and access

    • Ground-floor boarding is faster and simpler.
    • Upper floors, skylights, or roof apertures may require ladders, towers, or specialist access, affecting time on site.

  • Materials and thickness

    • Plywood or OSB boarding is selected based on risk, exposure, and insurer expectations.
    • Common thicknesses: 11–18 mm. Heavier-duty sheets cost more but offer stronger security and weather resistance.

  • Fixings and method

    • Anti-tamper fixings (designed so they can’t be easily removed from outside) are standard for security.
    • Non-destructive securing whenever possible helps keep reinstatement costs down.

  • Doors vs windows

    • Door securing can be more involved due to frame damage or failed locks after a break-in.
    • Temporary steel doors may be recommended where repeated access is required or frames are compromised.

  • Out-of-hours response

    • Night-time, early morning, and weekend call-outs are available 24/7. Emergency dispatch and additional staffing can influence cost.

  • Travel within South West London

    • We cover all SW postcodes (SW1–SW20). Efficient routing helps keep costs fair across South West London neighbourhoods.

  • Temporary steel doors or steel security screens

    • For higher-risk or longer-term securing (e.g., vacant property), specialist solutions are priced separately due to material, fitting method, and hire duration where applicable.

If you’d like to see typical situations, explore our boarding up services in South West London and our areas we cover.

What Your Quote Includes

We provide transparent, itemised quotes so you know where your money goes. A typical quote includes:

  • Labour

    • Trained, DBS-checked technicians; safe, tidy working; removal of loose glass fragments where applicable.

  • Materials

    • Plywood or OSB sheets in appropriate thickness.
    • Anti-tamper fixings and ancillary materials (battening or packers as needed).

  • Access equipment

    • Ladders or towers where needed for safe access (charged only if applicable).

  • Securing methodology

    • Non-destructive securing wherever possible. If structural damage requires a more invasive method, we’ll explain options and implications clearly.

  • Insurer-ready paperwork

    • Time-stamped photos of damage and finished works.
    • An itemised invoice and simple work statement to support your claim. For claims, keep any police reference number safe. You can also read more about our insurance support.

  • Disposal

    • We tidy the area and remove our offcuts. If you need damaged glazing or debris disposal, we can discuss options on site.

For immediate guidance on a damaged window or door, see our dedicated pages for window boarding in South West London and door boarding up.

Value: Why Not Just Use Tape or Cardboard?

Short-term, improvised fixes rarely deter intruders and won’t meet insurer expectations. Professional boarding:

  • Minimises further damage and weather ingress.
  • Deters opportunistic entry with robust materials and anti-tamper fixings.
  • Supports insurance claims with evidence and documentation.
  • Reduces overall reinstatement cost by prioritising non-destructive securing.

If your property needs commercial-grade protection (e.g., after a shopfront smash), consider our shopfront boarding to keep your premises safe and trading where possible.

How We Keep Costs Sensible

We aim to balance security, speed, and cost:

  • Right material for the job

    • We’ll recommend plywood or OSB thickness based on risk and exposure, not a blanket “one-size” approach.

  • Non-destructive approach

    • Wherever possible, we fit boards without damaging frames or finishes, protecting your reinstatement budget.

  • Efficient dispatch across SW

    • Mobile teams across South West London help reduce travel time and get you secured quickly.

  • Clear options for access

    • Need access to your property while it’s boarded? We’ll explain the cost difference between boarded doors and a temporary steel door and help you choose the best value.

Typical Scenarios and Cost Considerations

  • Burglary or attempted break-in

    • Door frames and locks may be compromised. Securing often involves bracing and potentially a temporary steel door. See post-burglary boarding up for what to expect.

  • Vandalism or smashed shop window

    • Glass sizes and shutter coordination influence time on site. Learn more about our shopfront boarding.

  • Storm damage or high winds

  • Accidental breakage

Non-Destructive Securing, With Clear Exceptions

Our standard is non-destructive securing. That means fixing boards in ways that avoid unnecessary damage to frames and finishes. Exceptions can include:

  • Severely damaged frames where safe fixing points no longer exist.
  • Structural instability that requires bracing to make safe.
  • Fire or flood damage compromising materials or fixings.

In these rare cases, we will discuss the safest and most cost-effective method with you before proceeding.

Guarantees, Insurance and Professional Standards

  • Experience

    • Over 10 years securing homes and businesses across South West London, from SW1 to SW20.

  • DBS-checked technicians and public liability insurance

    • Your property is in professional hands.

  • Workmanship assurance

    • We stand behind the quality of our boarding and fixings. If something is not right, tell us and we’ll put it right.

  • Insurer-ready documentation

Getting a Quote: Simple Steps

  • Share the essentials

    • Tell us about the damage, location (e.g., SW11, SW3), and the number and size of openings. Photos help.

  • We advise and price

    • We’ll recommend an approach—plywood vs OSB, thickness, anti-tamper fixings, and any access equipment—and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.

  • Schedule and secure

    • For urgent needs, we dispatch 24/7. For planned works, we book a convenient time and keep you updated.

If you’re still comparing options, our team can walk you through the differences between window, door and shopfront solutions. Explore boarding up services in South West London or head to our FAQs for quick answers.

Cost Factors at a Glance

  • Size and number of damaged openings
  • Height and access needs (ladders/towers)
  • Plywood vs OSB and board thickness
  • Anti-tamper fixings and securing method
  • Window vs door vs shopfront complexity
  • Out-of-hours response requirement
  • Travel within SW postcodes
  • Temporary steel doors or security screens (if needed)

Ways to Save Without Compromising Safety

  • Provide clear photos and approximate sizes to avoid contingency allowances.
  • Confirm if you need access through a boarded door—choosing a temporary steel door only if it’s truly necessary.
  • Let us know about shutters or alarms so we can coordinate efficiently on arrival.
  • Group multiple openings in one visit when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to board up a window in South West London?

There isn’t a single price that fits every case. Costs depend on size, height/access, material thickness, and whether it’s out of hours. We’ll ask a few questions (and look at photos if you can share them) to give a clear, no-obligation quote. For more details on what’s included, see above or visit our FAQs.

What is the process for emergency boarding up?

We make the area safe, take measurements, cut plywood or OSB to size, and fix using anti-tamper fixings. We prioritise non-destructive securing. You receive photos and an itemised invoice. If you need urgent help, see our 24/7 emergency boarding up.

Do you charge extra for late night call-outs?

Out-of-hours attendance can affect price due to staff availability and logistics. We’ll confirm any uplift before work begins, so there are no surprises.

Can you help with insurance claims?

Yes—we provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a simple statement of works. Keep your police reference number if applicable. Learn more about our insurance support.

Is OSB cheaper than plywood, and is it as secure?

OSB can be cost-effective and, in the right thickness, provides strong security. We’ll recommend material and thickness based on your situation, exposure to weather, and insurer expectations.

How long does it take to board up a property?

Most single openings are secured in under an hour on site, but multiple or high-level openings take longer, especially with access equipment. Our focus is always to secure you efficiently and safely.

What Happens Next

If you’re unsure which solution you need, our team will guide you to the most cost-effective, secure option—without overselling.

Need help now? Call 020 4538 6452 or Email us.

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