Window Boarding in Harrow (HA) – Emergency & Planned Property Securing

A broken or missing window isn’t just inconvenient — it’s an immediate security and weather problem. If you’ve had a break-in, vandalism, a storm-related crack, or an accidental impact, window boarding in Harrow is often the fastest way to make the property safe again.

Boarding Up Harrow provides emergency window boarding across HA0–HA9, securing ground-floor panes, bay windows, sash windows and commercial glazing with the right materials and fixings for the situation. If you need urgent help, call us and we’ll talk you through the next steps.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 5472 for immediate assistance.
Or email photos if you can: [email protected]

When do you need window boarding?

People usually find us after something has just happened — and it’s rarely at a convenient time. We’re set up for urgent call-outs as well as planned securing for vacant properties.

Common reasons for emergency window boarding in Harrow include:

Break-ins and attempted break-ins (shattered panes, prised frames, unsafe latches)
See also: boarding up after burglary repairs
Vandalism (smashed shop windows, repeated damage, stones through glass)
See also: vandalism repair and boarding
Storm damage (blown-in panels, fallen branches, cracked glazing letting water in)
See also: storm damage boarding up
Accidents/impacts (ball damage, moving furniture, vehicle strikes near front windows)
See also: accident damage boarding
Fire damage (glazing compromised by heat or fire service entry)
See also: fire damage securing
Vacant or void properties where windows need securing between tenancies or during probate
Learn more: vacant property boarding

If the frame is badly damaged (splintered timber, bent aluminium, loose masonry), we’ll tell you honestly what can be secured safely and what may need a glazier or builder next. Our role is to secure the opening and reduce risk.

Emergency window boarding vs longer-term security (what’s right for you?)

Not every situation needs the same solution. We’ll recommend a practical approach based on how long the property will be unattended and how exposed the window is.

Emergency boarding (same-day securing)

Best when:

glass has failed and the property is vulnerable today
you need to prevent access, protect from weather, or make the site safe
police/insurer require the property to be secured promptly

Emergency boarding is typically plywood or OSB fitted securely with appropriate fixings.

Longer-term options for repeat risk or voids

If the property is empty for weeks/months, you may be better with:

security screens (steel, ventilated/mesh options depending on risk) for repeated attacks
temporary steel doors if access doors are compromised as well

You can explore related services here:

door boarding in Harrow
shopfront boarding (for large commercial glazing)

How our window boarding service works (step-by-step)

When you call, we keep it simple and focused on safety and speed.

Quick assessment on the phone
We’ll ask what’s happened, what type of window it is (ground floor, bay, sash, UPVC, aluminium shopfront), and whether there are any immediate hazards (hanging glass, exposed nails, alarm sounding).
Arrival and on-site risk check
We check the opening, the condition of the frame, and what we can fix into safely. If the surrounding structure is unstable, we’ll explain the safest available option before starting.
Measure and prepare boards
We measure for coverage that protects the full vulnerable area — not just the missing pane. On bays and larger openings, we may use multiple sections with a secure join depending on access and shape.
Fix using the right method for the window type
- Non-destructive methods where possible (especially for occupied homes)
- Stronger anti-tamper methods where the property will be unattended
Finish, document, and advise on next steps
We can provide:
- time-stamped photos of the boarded opening
- an itemised invoice and work statement suitable for insurers/landlords
- practical advice on what a glazier will need to reinstate the window

For urgent situations outside normal hours, use our dedicated page: emergency boarding up in Harrow.

Materials we use (and why)

We don’t “one-board-fits-all”. The right sheet and thickness depends on the opening size, exposure, and how long you need it secured.

Exterior-grade plywood (typical for domestic windows)

For many residential call-outs in Harrow — from 1930s semis to flats and maisonettes — 18mm exterior-grade plywood is a reliable option:

strong against forced entry attempts
better performance in wet weather than standard interior boards
cleaner edges and a more stable fix on uneven frames

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for smaller/low-risk openings

For smaller windows or short-term coverage where appropriate, 12mm OSB can be used:

cost-effective and quick to install
suitable where the frame offers good fixing points
not always ideal for prolonged exposure in driving rain, so we’ll advise honestly

If you’re unsure what you’ve been quoted elsewhere, ask what thickness and grade they intend to use — it matters.

Fixing methods: securing the opening properly (not just “covering it”)

A board that can be pulled off from outside isn’t doing its job. The fixing method is as important as the sheet material.

Depending on the window and access, we may use:

Anti-tamper screws/fixings to deter removal from outside (important for vacant properties)
Through-bolt methods with internal spreader plates/battens where appropriate (stronger on larger openings)
Framed boarding for irregular or weakened openings, creating a stable perimeter
Non-destructive clamping/anchoring approaches when we need to avoid damaging decorative frames or when a property is occupied and reinstatement is imminent

If the frame is too rotten, too loose, or crumbling, we’ll explain the limitation before proceeding. In some cases, securing the surrounding structure first is the correct call — we won’t pretend otherwise.

Window types we regularly board up across HA0–HA9

Harrow and the wider HA area has a real mix of housing stock and commercial frontage. We commonly secure:

Bay windows on period and interwar homes (often more complex due to angles and multiple panes)
Sash windows in older properties where the frame may be delicate
UPVC window openings where fixing points must be chosen carefully to avoid worsening damage
Rear kitchen/extension windows that are hidden from the street but easy targets
Commercial glazing and side panels on offices, parades and shop units (often requiring larger sheets and stronger fixings)

For businesses with larger glazed areas, you may find shopfront boarding in Harrow is the better match.

What to do right now if your window has been broken

If you’re reading this just after an incident, these steps help keep everyone safe and protect your insurance position:

Check for injuries and immediate danger first
Avoid touching cracked glass. Keep children and pets away from the area.
If it’s a break-in, call the police and keep your reference number
Insurers often ask for it.
Take a few photos if safe to do so
Wide shot + close-ups of damage. Don’t delay if the property is exposed to weather or intrusion.
Call us to secure the opening
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5472

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request. See: insurance claims support.

Residential, commercial & landlord window boarding

Window boarding isn’t only for homeowners. We work with:

Residents and tenants who need fast securing after an incident
More: residential boarding up
Shops, restaurants, and offices where a broken pane affects trading and compliance
More: commercial boarding up
Landlords and managing agents needing a reliable process, photos, and clear paperwork
Facilities management teams requiring RAMS or site rules compliance (where applicable)

If access requires keys, permits, or coordinated entry, tell us on the phone so we can plan properly.

How long does window boarding take?

It depends on:

the size and shape of the opening (a bay is different to a small casement)
whether there’s hanging glass to make safe
if the frame is intact enough for non-destructive methods
whether ladders or restricted access are involved

We won’t promise a fixed duration or guaranteed arrival time. What we will do is prioritise genuine emergencies and keep communication clear.

Window boarding in Harrow: areas we cover

We cover Harrow and the full HA postcode area (HA0–HA9), including key neighbourhoods and surrounding districts. If you want local details, start here: areas we cover.

Some popular local pages:

FAQs – Window boarding in Harrow

Do you provide emergency window boarding near me in Harrow?

Yes — we cover Harrow and all HA postcodes. If you’re in HA0–HA9, call and we’ll confirm availability and the best way to secure your specific opening. For urgent incidents, use emergency boarding up.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage or impact — but policies vary. Keep your incident number (if applicable), take photos if safe, and contact your insurer early. We can provide an invoice and time-stamped photos to support your claim. More guidance: insurance claims support.

Will boarding up damage my window frame?

Our priority is to secure the property effectively. Where possible, we use non-destructive or minimal-impact fixing methods, especially for occupied homes where glazing replacement is imminent. If the frame is too weak for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before we proceed.

Can you board up from the outside only?

Sometimes, but not always. Certain stronger methods require internal access (for example, through-bolting with internal supports). If you can’t access the inside (tenant away, keys unavailable), tell us — we’ll advise the safest workable approach.

Can you board up upstairs windows?

Yes, where safe access is possible. Upper-floor windows may require additional access planning. If there are rooflights or skylights involved, roof boarding may be more appropriate.

Ready to secure a broken window?

If your property is exposed, the priority is simple: secure the opening, reduce risk, and document the work clearly so you can move on to repairs.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 5472 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? Send details/photos to [email protected].

Request a Call-Back Today