Property Types We Board Up In Stevenage (SG1–SG19)

If you’re looking for boarding up in Stevenage, the first question is usually simple: “Do you handle my kind of property?” Whether it’s a smashed window at home, a damaged shopfront after an incident, or a vacant unit that needs securing before nightfall, we can help across the SG area.

We provide emergency boarding up Stevenage customers rely on, with a practical, calm approach and clear documentation for landlords, insurers and facilities teams. We’re fully insured, our technicians are DBS-checked, and we’ve been trading for 10+ years across Stevenage and surrounding SG postcodes.

Need urgent help now? Call 01438 594 023 (24/7).
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The property types we secure (and why it matters)

Boarding up isn’t “one size fits all”. The right method depends on:

  • Who needs access (e.g., residents, staff, contractors, emergency services)
  • How long it needs to stay secure (overnight vs days/weeks)
  • The opening type (standard windows/doors vs large glazing and shopfront frames)
  • Risk level if the property will be unattended (repeat burglary attempts are common once a place looks vulnerable)
  • Condition of the frame/substrate (we aim for non-destructive fixing where possible, but sometimes damage limits options)

If you’re unsure what’s best, you can call and describe what’s happened. For urgent situations, our emergency boarding up service is designed to get the property made safe quickly and properly.

Residential boarding up (houses, flats and maisonettes)

Residential call-outs are often stressful and personal—especially after a break-in or an accident. Our priority is to secure the property without making things harder for you.

Typical residential scenarios in Stevenage and the SG area include:

  • A smashed window at the front or rear of the property
  • Forced entry where the door won’t close or lock
  • Internal glazing broken in a communal entrance or stairwell
  • Storm or debris damage that leaves a window open to weather and intruders

How we approach residential jobs

  • We assess whether the opening can be secured with 18mm exterior-grade plywood or OSB (12mm can be suitable for smaller, lower-risk openings).
  • We use fixing methods appropriate to the substrate and access—prioritising safe, solid anchoring and tidy edges.
  • If you need safe access (e.g., you’re staying in the property), we’ll talk through the best way to board up while keeping entry/exit workable.

If your situation relates to an incident, our situation pages may help you understand next steps: burglary repairs and boarding up and accident damage boarding are good starting points.

For more on domestic-specific considerations, see residential boarding up.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices and industrial units)

Commercial properties often need a faster, more controlled response because there’s more at stake: stock, equipment, public liability, and the need to protect staff and customers.

Common commercial scenarios include:

  • A shop that needs the shopfront boarded up after vandalism or impact
  • A door forced overnight where the lock and frame are compromised
  • Side/rear windows damaged on trading estates or business parks
  • Glazing damage where a temporary solution is needed until replacement glass is fitted

What’s different about commercial boarding?

  • Openings are often larger and more visible, so fixings and panel selection matter.
  • We regularly install boards in a way that reduces the risk of tampering from outside (anti-tamper fixings are important where a property will be unattended).
  • If a standard board-up isn’t practical for access needs, a more robust option may be better (such as a temporary steel door in appropriate cases).

If the issue is a retail frontage, our shopfront boarding service explains what to expect. For business premises generally, see commercial boarding up.

Vacant and void property boarding up (between tenancies, probate, empty units)

Vacant properties need a slightly different mindset. The goal isn’t just to cover a broken pane—it’s to reduce the chance of opportunistic entry while keeping the building safe and manageable for future works.

Vacant property risks we see across SG postcodes include:

  • Repeat attempts after an initial break-in
  • Weather exposure through a damaged window or unsecured door
  • Increased attention if the property looks obviously empty (no curtains, no lights, no movement)
  • Ongoing maintenance visits needing controlled access

The right level of security for vacant buildings

For short-term needs, temporary boarding may be enough. For medium-term security, we may recommend more robust methods such as security screens (depending on the opening and risk).

Important note: we’ll always explain the trade-offs. A heavier-duty solution can provide better protection, but it may affect access and cost. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding.

For more detail, see vacant property boarding up.

How the boarding-up process works (any property type)

Whether it’s residential, commercial or vacant, you can expect a straightforward process:

  1. Call and tell us what’s happened
    If it’s urgent and out of hours, that’s fine—our 24/7 boarding up line is there for exactly that.

  2. We ask a few practical questions
    Size/type of opening, access details, whether police/fire service have attended, and whether the area is safe.

  3. We attend and make safe
    We’ll assess the damage and secure the opening using appropriate materials and fixings.

  4. You receive documentation
    We can provide itemised paperwork and job notes that insurers typically ask for. (We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we understand what tends to be required.)

If you’re dealing with an insurance claim, our guidance page can help you prepare: insurance claims support.

Materials and methods we use (and why)

Good boarding up is about more than covering a hole. It needs to resist removal, reduce risk, and protect the building from the elements as far as a temporary measure can.

We commonly use:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm) for strong, reliable window and door boarding
  • OSB (often 12mm) for some smaller openings where appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings to make removal from outside significantly harder
  • Careful fixing methods chosen for the opening and substrate, balancing security with minimising additional damage where possible

If you want the fundamentals explained in plain English, see: what is boarding up?

Which service do you actually need?

Property type is only one piece of the puzzle—the incident matters too. You may be looking for:

If this is happening right now and you’re trying to secure the property tonight, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call.

FAQs about boarding up different property types in Stevenage

Do you board up flats and communal entrances in Stevenage?

Yes. We attend flats and maisonettes across Stevenage and the wider SG area, including communal access points where windows or doors have been damaged. If the building is managed by an agent or freeholder, we can coordinate access and provide documentation for their records.

Can you secure a shopfront without preventing all access to the premises?

Often, yes—depending on the layout and damage. If a shopfront is heavily damaged, the priority is to make safe and secure. Where possible, we’ll discuss options that maintain a usable entry point.

What if my property is vacant—should I choose boarding or a longer-term solution?

It depends on how long the property will be empty and the risk level. Temporary boarding can be suitable for short periods. For longer void periods, more robust measures may be worth considering. We’ll talk through the pros and cons based on your situation.

Do you provide paperwork for landlords, managing agents, and facilities managers?

Yes. We can supply clear job details and invoices suitable for property management workflows. If you’re claiming, we can also provide the information insurers typically request.

Is boarding up covered by insurance for residential and commercial properties?

In many cases it can be, particularly when boarding up is required to prevent further loss after an insured event. Policies vary, so it’s best to notify your insurer early. Our insurance claims support page explains what to document.

Do you guarantee arrival times in Stevenage and SG postcodes?

No—we don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary and workloads can change quickly. We do prioritise urgent calls, and when you phone we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on where our team is and what’s happening at the time.

Ready to get started? Call 01438 594 023 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.