Shopfront Boarding in Stevenage (SG) – Emergency Make Safe & Security

If your shopfront has been damaged, time matters. A smashed window, cracked glazing, or forced entry can leave your premises exposed to further theft, weather damage, and safety risks to the public. We provide shopfront boarding in Stevenage and across the SG postcode area (SG1–SG19)—with a practical, calm approach that focuses on getting the opening made safe and your property secured.

Need urgent help now? Call 01438 594 023 for emergency boarding up and a realistic ETA. If it’s easier, you can also email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re fully insured, have DBS-checked technicians, and have been trading for 10+ years.

When you might need shopfront boarded up (today, tonight, out of hours)

Commercial glazing is often large and vulnerable. Even a “small” break can quickly turn into a dangerous opening—especially if the site is unattended overnight.

Common reasons customers call us for shopfront boarded up work include:

• Smashed window after vandalism (including repeated attacks on the same elevation)
• Break-in or attempted break-in causing shattered glazing, bent frames, or damaged locks
• Impact damage (accidental or vehicle strikes) where the opening can’t be secured immediately
• Storm damage where wind has loosened panes or debris has broken glass
• Fire brigade access or forced entry during an incident, leaving doors/windows insecure afterwards

If you’re dealing with a smashed window and need to secure property quickly, start with our emergency boarding up page and call us—especially if it’s out of hours.

What “shopfront boarding” actually means (and what it isn’t)

Shopfront boarding is temporary boarding or physical protection installed over vulnerable commercial openings—typically large glazed areas at street level. It’s designed to:

• prevent unauthorised access
• reduce the risk of further damage
• protect the public from remaining loose glass
• deter opportunistic entry while glazing is being arranged

It’s not a substitute for replacement glazing or full repairs—but it buys you time, helps you stay compliant with basic safety expectations, and reduces losses.

If you need help securing a non-retail opening (like a side window or office window), see window boarding in Stevenage. If the main issue is a damaged entrance, door boarding may be more suitable.

Our approach: make safe first, then secure properly

Every shopfront is different. Some have aluminium frames, some have timber surrounds, and some have modern glazing systems that need careful handling. Our priority is always to make safe first—then install a board-up that actually deters removal and keeps the site stable until repairs are organised.

1) Safety check and hazard control

On arrival, we’ll assess:

• loose or hanging glass
• sharp fragments at threshold level
• damaged frames that may not hold fixings
• risks to customers, staff, and pedestrians

If there’s debris, we’ll advise on safe clearance. If an area is unstable, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

2) Measure and plan fixings (not just “throw a board on”)

Good boarding is as much about fixing method as it is the board.

We consider:

• whether fixings can be installed into surrounding structure safely
• whether non-destructive methods are possible (where frames allow)
• whether anti-tamper fixings are needed due to the location and risk level
• the size/shape of the opening and whether joints are unavoidable

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll talk you through the practical options before doing anything irreversible.

3) Install boarding suitable for street-level commercial risk

For shopfronts we commonly use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable coverage on large openings
• 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk areas where appropriate

We’ll choose the best option based on the opening size, exposure, and how long it needs to remain in place. For prominent locations, we also think about reducing obvious pry points and ensuring edges are properly secured.

4) Documentation for records and insurance

After the job, customers often need paperwork quickly—especially if they’re coordinating with landlords, agents, or insurers.

You can request:

• time-stamped photos of the boarded opening
• an itemised invoice
• a short work statement describing what we installed and why

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for. See our guidance on insurance claims if you’re unsure what to collect.

Materials & methods we use for commercial shopfronts (and why)

A shopfront isn’t the same as a domestic window. It’s usually bigger, more exposed, and more likely to be targeted again if attackers think access is easy.

Plywood vs OSB for shopfront boarding

• Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm): typically preferred for large shopfront openings because it’s tougher, holds fixings well, and resists splitting.
• OSB (often 12mm): can be suitable for smaller openings or where a lighter board is appropriate.

We’ll explain what we’re using and why. If you have a requirement from a landlord, centre management, or insurer, tell us on the phone so we can plan correctly.

Anti-tamper fixings and why they matter

Street-facing board-ups can be targeted. Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings that make it much harder to remove boards from the outside—important if the premises will be unattended.

Protecting frames and finishes (where possible)

On many commercial premises, the goal isn’t only security—it’s also avoiding unnecessary damage before the proper repair contractor attends. Where structure and access allow, we’ll use methods intended to keep the surrounding frame and finishes in reasonable condition.

If the opening is too compromised (for example, frame sections missing or unsafe), we’ll be upfront about that and talk you through next steps.

Typical emergency scenario: shopfront boarded up after a breakage

A typical call-out might involve a retailer in the Stevenage area discovering their front glazing has been broken late evening. They may need to board up broken window sections quickly to prevent entry overnight, especially if replacement glass can’t be fitted until the next working day.

In this situation we would usually:

1. Ask for a quick description (size of opening, whether the door is affected, whether police are attending).
2. Attend and make safe the immediate hazard area.
3. Measure and install temporary boarding using exterior-grade sheet material sized for the opening.
4. Use fixings suitable for commercial frontage and, where needed, anti-tamper fixings for better security.
5. Provide photos and an invoice so the customer can progress an insurance claim or landlord notification.

If the entrance itself is compromised, we may recommend door boarding instead (or as well), depending on how the site has been damaged.

If your shop window is smashed: what to do right now

If you’re dealing with a smashed window or exposed shopfront, these steps help protect people and speed things up:

1. If there’s a crime in progress or immediate danger, call 999.
2. If it’s safe, keep people away from the opening and any loose glass. Don’t try to move large shards without proper PPE.
3. Take photos before anything is moved (only if safe). This can help with insurance and landlord reporting.
4. Call your insurer early and keep your reference numbers handy.
5. Call us for emergency boarding up: Call 01438 594 023. We’ll ask a few practical questions and give you a realistic ETA.

If you’ve already reported the incident to the police, keep your crime reference number—it’s often requested later.

Shopfront boarding for different commercial settings

We board up a range of commercial frontage types across Stevenage and the SG area, including:

• small retail units where the opening is close to the pavement
• offices with glazed street-level panels
• takeaway/restaurant frontages with mixed glazing and doors
• managed sites where access needs coordinating (keyholders, shutters, alarm codes)

If you’re a facilities manager or managing agent, we can work with your process (sign-in, RAMS if required, restricted access). If you need ongoing support for multiple premises, see commercial property boarding up.

How fast can you attend?

We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times—traffic, access, and workload vary. What we can promise is:

• we prioritise urgent calls
• we aim to attend as quickly as possible
• when you call, we’ll give you the most realistic ETA we can

For urgent situations, start here: emergency boarding up and call 01438 594 023.

What you get from us (so you can move on to repairs)

When your shopfront is damaged, you usually need more than just a board. You need clarity and paperwork.

You can expect:

• clear explanation of the plan before we fix anything
• suitable sheet material for commercial openings
• secure installation designed to deter removal
• photo documentation on request
• itemised invoice for insurers/landlords

If you also need advice on cost factors (without sales talk), see pricing.

FAQs – Shopfront boarding in Stevenage & SG

Can you board up my shop window tonight in Stevenage?

Yes—call 01438 594 023. We handle out of hours requests where possible and will tell you a realistic ETA on the phone. If it’s urgent, we prioritise calls where the premises are open to entry or pose a safety risk.

Do you board up shopfronts across SG1 and SG2?

Yes. We cover Stevenage and the wider SG postcode area (SG1–SG19). If you’re not sure whether you fall within our normal call-out area, call and we’ll confirm.

Will boarding up stop another break-in?

Boarding is a strong deterrent and helps secure property, but no method can guarantee prevention. We use appropriate materials and fixings for street-facing risk, and we’ll advise if extra measures (like a more robust temporary solution) would be sensible.

What materials do you use for shopfront boarding?

Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for large commercial openings, and 12mm OSB where suitable. The choice depends on opening size, exposure, and how long it needs to stay in place.

Can you board up the door as well as the window?

Often, yes. If the entrance is damaged or can’t be locked, door boarding may be required in addition to shopfront boarding. Tell us what’s damaged when you call so we can plan the right solution.

I’m a tenant—should I call you or my landlord?

If the premises are unsafe or exposed, it’s usually better to make safe first and notify the landlord/agent immediately after (unless your lease says otherwise). If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll help you think through the practical steps.

Is shopfront boarding covered by insurance?

It can be, depending on your policy and the circumstances. We’re not insurers, but we can provide invoices and supporting details that insurers typically request. See insurance claims for practical guidance.

Can you remove the boards later?

Yes—once your glazing contractor is ready, boards can typically be removed as part of the reinstatement process. If you need us to return for removal, mention it when booking so we can advise on access and timing.

Helpful Links

• For urgent call-outs: emergency boarding up
• For other glazing openings: window boarding in Stevenage
• For damaged entrances: door boarding
• Insurance paperwork help: insurance claims
• Cost guidance (no fixed prices): pricing
• Common questions: FAQs

Need help now? Call 01438 594 023 to get your shopfront made safe and securely boarded. You can also email us if you’d like to arrange a callback.