Boarding Up Questions: Epsom FAQs
These are straight answers to the boarding up questions we hear most in Epsom, from broken windows and forced doors to empty properties and insurer paperwork. If something’s damaged right now and you’d rather talk it through, a person answers the phone 24 hours a day: Call 01372 656234.
Safety first
What should I do before you arrive?
Keep everyone, including pets, away from broken glass and anything that looks unstable. Don’t try to pull loose glass out of a frame, and don’t go up a ladder or onto a roof to check damage. If it’s safe, take a few photographs from a distance. After a break-in, report it to the police and keep the crime reference number. If there’s been a fire, wait until the fire service has handed the site back. For anything happening tonight, our 24-hour emergency boarding up page covers the first steps.
Should I sweep up the glass myself?
Only if you can do it safely, with proper gloves and footwear, and the glass is already on the ground. Making glass and debris safe can be part of our visit, so tell us on the call how much there is and where it is.
Boarding versus repairs
Is boarding up a permanent repair?
No. Boarding is a make-safe. It closes the opening, keeps out weather and intruders, and gives you time to arrange the permanent repair properly. Glazing and replacement doors come afterwards, fitted by the relevant trade once you’ve sorted out quotes and, where it applies, your insurer’s agreement.
How long can boards stay up?
They’re designed to hold until the permanent repair is done. Exterior-grade plywood stands up well to the weather, but it’s still a temporary measure. It isn’t intended to replace the window or door.
Doors, frames and fixings
Can a damaged door frame be secured?
Usually, yes. After a forced entry, the frame or lock often takes more damage than the door itself. We assess what’s left. If the frame is sound enough, we secure the door and board over the damaged section. If the frame has split badly or come away from the wall, we explain the options before starting, because fixing straight into rotten or splintered timber won’t hold. Our door boarding service goes into more detail.
What materials do you use?
Most openings are boarded with exterior-grade plywood, typically 18mm. For smaller openings, OSB can be suitable. Security or anti-tamper fixings are available where the board needs to resist being removed from outside. The van carries boarding stock and fixings, so standard openings can usually be covered on the first visit.
Will the fixings damage my window frames?
Where the frame allows, we use non-destructive fixing so that the frame isn’t damaged further. That isn’t always possible on a badly damaged frame, and we’ll tell you if so. If your building is listed or in the Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area, mention it on the call so we can talk through fixing options with that in mind.
Can you board upper-floor windows, roofs or skylights?
Yes. Roof and skylight boarding is part of what we do. Height and access affect the job and the quote, so tell us roughly which floor it is, whether there’s a flat roof or skylight involved, and anything that could make ladder access awkward.
Is boarding a permanent replacement?
No. We secure damaged openings with timber sheet materials while you arrange permanent glazing, door or roof repairs with the appropriate trade.
Calls, quotes and attendance
How quickly can you get to me?
We work out the arrival time on the call, based on your postcode and what’s needed. We attend at any hour, including nights, weekends and bank holidays, but we won’t guess at a time without knowing where you are.
How much does boarding up cost?
You get a free, clear quote on the call before any work starts. The price depends on the number and size of openings, height and access, materials and board thickness, the fixing method, whether a damaged door or frame needs securing first, and any glass or debris to make safe. Our pricing page explains each factor.
What should I tell you when I call?
- Your postcode
- What’s damaged: window, door, shopfront, roof or skylight
- Roughly how big each opening is and how many there are
- Which floor, and how easy it is to reach
- Whether the door or frame is still sound
If you can safely take photographs, send them to us. They help us quote accurately and bring the right materials.
Do you board up shops and offices?
Yes. We board shopfronts and commercial premises, including shops, offices, restaurants and warehouses. That covers older shop terraces in the town centre as well as modern units. Large display windows and glazed doors take more planning, so photographs are especially useful.
Empty properties
Can you secure a vacant property?
Yes. For landlords, agents and owners of empty homes or commercial units, we board the windows and doors to deter entry and protect the building while it’s unoccupied. Let us know how many openings there are and whether any are already damaged.
Insurance
What paperwork do I get for my insurer?
You’ll get an itemised invoice, time-stamped before and after photographs, and a written statement of the work done. Our insurance claims guide explains how to use them.
Will my insurer pay for the boarding?
That’s for your insurer to decide. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, so check your policy or ask your insurer directly. What we can do is provide clear documentation of what was done and why.
About us
Are you insured and checked?
Yes. Boarding Up Epsom is an independent local boarding-up service with over 10 years’ experience. We’re fully insured (certificate available on request) and DBS-checked.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover Epsom and the surrounding area, including Ewell and Ashtead. We also cover Stoneleigh, Langley Vale and Epsom Downs, subject to confirming your address on the call.
Still have a question?
If your question isn’t here, or you’d like a quote, get in touch. Give us your postcode, tell us the type and size of the opening, and send safe photographs if you can. We’ll talk through access and give you a clear price before anything starts.