Boarding-Up FAQs — Basingstoke (RG21–RG24)

If you’re here, something’s likely gone wrong—a smashed window, a forced door, a damaged shopfront. This page answers the most common questions we get about emergency boarding up in Basingstoke and the RG21–RG24 area, so you know what happens next, what it costs, and how we work. If you need immediate help, skip to the “Emergency questions” section or call 01256 631 114.

We’ve traded locally for 10+ years, are fully insured, and all technicians are DBS-checked. We cover RG21, RG22, RG23 and RG24 around the clock. For urgent call-outs, see our dedicated page: 24/7 emergency boarding up in Basingstoke.

How our service works

What happens when I call?

  • We’ll ask brief safety questions and confirm the address (RG21–RG24).
  • You’ll get a realistic ETA based on current workload and travel conditions. We don’t quote fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible.
  • We’ll advise anything to do immediately to make safe while you wait.
  • On arrival, we assess, take time-stamped photos, and explain options before we start.
  • After work, you’ll receive an itemised invoice and a work statement—useful for insurers. More on documentation here: insurance claims support.

What materials do you use to board up?

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is our standard for most domestic windows and doors.
  • 12mm OSB may be used for smaller internal openings or where weight is a concern.
  • For medium-term or higher-risk scenarios, we can install temporary steel doors or security screens.
  • We use anti-tamper fixings so boards can’t be removed from outside—vital if the property will be unattended. See service details: window boarding, door boarding, shopfront boarding.

How do you fix boards without damaging the frame?

  • Where frames are sound, we use through-bolting or frame-mounted fixings with spreader plates to avoid crushing.
  • On listed or delicate frames, we’ll discuss non-invasive options (e.g., internal retention where feasible).
  • If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain why and agree the least intrusive method before proceeding.

Do you cover commercial shopfronts and larger panes?

Yes. We carry longer boards and bracing for wider spans, and we can secure curtain wall sections and double doors. If needed, we fit temporary steel doors to maintain access while keeping the unit secure. Learn more: shopfront boarding in Basingstoke and property types: commercial.

Can you secure a vacant or void property?

Yes. For voids between tenancies or long-term empty buildings, we can provide temporary steel doors and steel security screens (Sitex-style) to deter entry. See: vacant property boarding.

Emergencies and response

Can you come out tonight or out of hours?

Yes. We operate 24/7 across Basingstoke and the surrounding RG21–RG24 districts. Call for an ETA: 01256 631 114. For fast triage, visit: emergency boarding up.

How fast can you get here?

Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload. We don’t promise fixed times, but we prioritise urgent risks (e.g., smashed window on a public-facing shopfront, unsafe door that won’t close). We’ll give a realistic ETA on the phone.

What should I do while waiting for you to arrive?

  • If a crime is in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999.
  • If it’s safe, move people away from broken glass and exposed edges.
  • Save the scene for insurers: take photos or video if safe to do so.
  • Keep your police reference number if it’s a burglary or vandalism.
  • If rain is coming through, place a container or sheet beneath leaks to reduce damage.

Will you remove broken glass?

We’ll clear accessible loose glass from the opening and immediate floor area and make safe. Heavy glazing still seated within frames may be left in place if it’s safer to secure around it. We’re not a waste contractor, but we take away what we generate as part of boarding up.

Costs, quotes and payments

How much does boarding up cost in Basingstoke?

Costs depend on:

  • Opening size and number of boards
  • Access (ground floor vs. height, internal vs. external)
  • Time of call (daytime vs. out of hours)
  • Materials required (plywood/OSB vs. temporary steel door/security screens)

We don’t publish fixed prices because every job is different, but we’re always transparent about rates before starting. More detail here: pricing and cost factors.

Do you charge a call-out fee?

We charge for attendance and the work carried out. We’ll outline expected costs on the phone based on your description and confirm on-site before we start.

What payment methods do you accept?

Card or bank transfer are preferred. For commercial clients and facilities managers, we can invoice with agreed terms once account details are set up.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, storm or impact damage. Policies vary, so contact your insurer early. We provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement describing why boarding up was necessary. See our guide: insurance claims.

Technical and quality questions

How long does boarding up take?

A single ground-floor window usually takes 30–60 minutes once on site. Larger shopfronts, multiple openings, or difficult access will take longer. We’ll advise timings on arrival.

Will the property be secure after you leave?

Yes, our priority is to make safe and secure. We use anti-tamper fixings and fit boards to overlap frames. For doors that need temporary access control, we can install a lockable temporary steel door.

Is boarding up weatherproof?

Yes. We size boards to overlap and seal where needed. For roof and skylight issues, we also focus on weatherproofing and water run-off. Read more: roof and skylight boarding.

Will boards damage my render, brickwork or frames?

We use appropriate fixings and spreader plates to minimise marking. On sensitive substrates, we’ll discuss options before proceeding. If a frame is already compromised, some additional fixing points may be unavoidable—we’ll explain and seek approval first.

Can you board from the inside?

Often yes, especially for upper floors or where external access is restricted. Internal boarding can reduce visual impact but must still secure effectively; we’ll recommend the safest approach.

Situations we attend

I’ve had a burglary—what do I do first?

  • If you’re in danger, call 999. Otherwise, report to 101 and obtain a crime reference number.
  • Take photos if safe.
  • Call us to secure your property after burglary.
  • Contact your insurer as soon as practical.

My shop window is smashed—can you make safe before morning?

Yes. We handle “shopfront boarded up” call-outs out of hours. We make safe, remove loose glass, and board to size with anti-tamper fixings. If you need access control, we’ll discuss a temporary steel door.

There’s storm damage—do you attend during high winds?

Where safe to do so. We’ll assess conditions and may adapt methods or return when wind speeds drop if roof access isn’t safe. Meanwhile, we can often “make safe” from inside to reduce water ingress. See: storm damage boarding.

After a fire, can you secure the property?

We secure openings once the fire service has handed control back. We don’t handle smoke or odour remediation. More details: post-fire securing.

Can you help after flooding?

Yes—swollen frames and soaked timber can be hard to close. We can brace and board to secure while drying or repairs are arranged. See: flood damage support.

A vehicle hit my wall—can you still board up?

Often, yes. We can cover exposed openings and liaise with structural engineers if needed. Safety first—if the structure is unstable, we may wait for the site to be made safe. See: accident damage.

Access, safety and compliance

Do you work at height?

Yes. We carry suitable equipment for typical two-storey access. For more complex heights or fragile roofs, we may use towers or specialist access—this can affect timing and cost.

Will you need to turn off utilities?

Sometimes. If glass is near electrical fittings or there’s water ingress, we may ask you to isolate circuits until safe.

Are your technicians DBS-checked and insured?

Yes. All technicians are DBS-checked. We hold public liability insurance and provide RAMS where requested for commercial sites. Learn more about our approach on what boarding up involves and reviews.

Local coverage and availability

Which areas do you cover?

Across Basingstoke and the local authority area, including RG21, RG22, RG23 and RG24. We regularly attend homes and businesses in places like Basingstoke Town Centre, Popley, Chineham, Kempshott, Brighton Hill, Hatch Warren, Old Basing, and Oakley. Explore nearby area pages via Areas.

Do you really operate 24/7 in RG21–RG24?

Yes—nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Demand can spike during storms or widespread incidents, so call for the most accurate ETA: 01256 631 114.

Windows, doors and special cases

Can you board patio doors or bi-folds?

Yes. We can secure large glazed doors, often using bracing to prevent flex. If the locking mechanism has failed after a break-in, we can add a temporary steel door to maintain access.

My sash window is damaged—can you board without harming the box?

In most cases we can secure without interfering with sash weights by fixing to the surrounding structure and using spreader plates. We’ll discuss any limitations on site.

Do you provide temporary boarding for planned works?

Yes—if you’re awaiting reglazing or new doors, we can install temporary boarding or a steel door to maintain security meanwhile.

Aftercare and next steps

How long should I leave boards in place?

Short answer: until permanent repairs are ready. Your insurer or glazier may advise timelines. We can return to remove boards or replace with medium-term options (e.g., security screens) if needed.

Will you come back to remove the boards?

Yes—by arrangement. If a third party is doing the final repair, let them know boards are fixed with anti-tamper screws/bolts so they can plan removal.

Do you provide photos and paperwork for insurance?

Yes. You’ll receive time-stamped before/after photos (where appropriate), an itemised invoice, and a brief statement of work completed. Details: insurance claims.

Still have questions?

Need help now? Call 01256 631 114 for immediate assistance, or email us with photos if you can do so safely.