Boarding Up Services in Brighton (BN1–BN88)

When a window goes in the night, a door is forced, or a rooflight comes loose in a gale off the Channel, you need the property made safe quickly and properly. Boarding Up Brighton provides boarding up services in Brighton and across the BN postcode area (BN1–BN88)—for homes, shops, offices, and vacant buildings.

We’ll talk you through the options in plain English, secure the opening with the right materials and fixings, and leave you with clear documentation (including time-stamped photos where appropriate) to help with landlords, managing agents, or insurance.

For urgent situations, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 01273 092 166.

What “boarding up” actually means (and what it doesn’t)

Boarding up is the practical step that secures a vulnerable opening—typically after break-ins, vandalism, accidental impact, or storm damage—until a permanent repair can be carried out by a glazier, roofer, or builder.

It usually involves:

  • Measuring and cutting panels to suit the opening (windows, doors, shopfronts, rooflights)
  • Fixing them using methods that discourage removal from the outside (anti-tamper fixings where suitable)
  • Protecting the surrounding frame where we can and keeping the site safe and tidy

What it doesn’t mean:

  • It’s not a permanent repair or replacement of glazing/frames
  • It’s not cosmetic restoration after fire or flood (we secure the property—see fire damage boarding and flood damage boarding for what we can do)
  • It doesn’t remove the need to address underlying issues (e.g., loose masonry, compromised frames)

If the frame or wall is too damaged for non-destructive fixings, we’ll explain the risks and options before proceeding.

Our main boarding-up services (what we do and when to use them)

Brighton’s building stock ranges from Regency and Victorian terraces to purpose-built blocks and modern shopfronts. The right solution depends on the opening, the condition of the frame, and how long the property will be unattended.

Window boarding (residential & commercial)

Window boarding in Brighton is most commonly needed after break-ins, stones, footballs, or accidental impacts—especially with larger panes, bay windows, and rear-access windows.

Typical approach:

  • For most openings we use exterior-grade plywood (commonly 18mm) for strength and durability
  • OSB (often 12mm) can be suitable for smaller or less exposed openings, depending on risk and access
  • Fixing methods vary: we aim to secure the panel so it can’t be easily removed from outside, while avoiding unnecessary damage to the frame

If you’re specifically looking for this service, see window boarding in Brighton.

Door boarding and forced-entry security

A smashed or kicked-in door leaves you exposed immediately—especially on busy routes or ground-floor flats near thoroughfares like Lewes Road, London Road, or the seafront.

Door boarding can involve:

  • Securing damaged door leaves or sidelights
  • Boarding over compromised entrances where locks no longer function
  • Advising on medium-term options if the property is vacant or repeatedly targeted

Read more about door boarding in Brighton, including when a temporary steel door may be a better fit.

Shopfront boarding (retail, hospitality & offices)

Shopfront glazing is often large-format and street-facing. In Brighton that can mean anything from independent units in The Lanes and North Laine to larger frontages nearer Western Road and Churchill Square.

Shopfront boarding focuses on:

  • Making the frontage safe for the public
  • Deterring repeat attempts (especially if the premises will be closed overnight)
  • Keeping access routes and emergency exits in mind

More detail is on shopfront boarding in Brighton.

Roof boarding and skylight/rooflight security

Rooflights and skylights are a common weak point after storms—particularly in exposed coastal weather and on flat-roof extensions.

Roof boarding may be required when:

  • Rooflights crack or blow out
  • Temporary weatherproofing is needed to prevent further water ingress
  • Access needs to be planned carefully (scaffolding/roof ladders may be required depending on height and pitch)

We’re transparent about limits: we can secure openings and reduce immediate risk, but we’re not replacing roof coverings or carrying out full roofing works.

See roof boarding in Brighton.

Temporary steel doors (medium-term security)

When an entry point is repeatedly attacked or the building will be vacant (between tenancies, probate, refurbishment), a temporary steel door can offer a more robust option than timber boarding alone.

A steel door solution is often appropriate for:

  • Vacant houses and flats awaiting sale
  • Rear service doors on commercial premises
  • Properties with compromised frames where boarding would be frequently removed

If you’re managing an empty building, you may also want vacant property boarding in Brighton.

Security screens for longer-term void protection (where suitable)

For some void properties, steel security screens (often used over windows/doors) provide durable, ventilated protection while allowing light and airflow—useful where the property will be unattended for weeks or months.

We’ll advise honestly whether screens are appropriate for the location, the opening, and the risk level.

Materials and methods we typically use (and why)

We select materials to match the job rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Common considerations include:

  • Exposure to weather: coastal wind and driving rain can punish thin or poorly fixed panels
  • Risk of tampering: street-facing openings may need anti-tamper fixings and more robust panel choice
  • Condition of frames: rotten timber, cracked masonry, or distorted uPVC affects fixing options
  • Access: upper floors, tight alleyways, and rear courtyards can change what’s practical on the day

Where appropriate, we use:

  • Exterior-grade plywood or OSB boards cut to size
  • Anti-tamper fixings for security (especially on unattended properties)
  • Fixing methods designed to reduce damage where the surrounding structure is sound

If we believe a method will cause unavoidable damage due to the condition of the opening, we’ll talk it through before we proceed.

What to expect when you call us

People usually call us when something has already gone wrong. We keep the process simple and calm.

  1. Quick assessment over the phone
    We’ll ask what’s happened, what’s been damaged, whether the property is safe to approach, and if emergency services have attended.

  2. Arrival and on-site survey
    We check the opening, the frame condition, and any immediate hazards (loose glass, unstable doors, overhead risks).

  3. Securing the property
    We measure, cut, fit, and fix the boarding or install the agreed security solution.

  4. Documentation
    Where needed, we provide time-stamped photos, a clear description of the works completed, and an itemised invoice—useful for insurers and managing agents. (We’re not loss adjusters, but we can support the claim process; see insurance claims support.)

The kinds of situations we’re called out to (and what helps)

Different incidents create different risks. If it’s safe, it helps to:

  • Take a few photos before anything is moved
  • Keep your crime reference number (if police attended)
  • Avoid clearing broken glass until it’s safe and you’ve documented it

Common call-out reasons include:

If you need help tonight or out of hours, use 24 hour emergency boarding up in Brighton.

Residential, commercial, and vacant properties: how the approach changes

Residential boarding up (homes, flats, HMOs)

In Brighton’s mix of terraces, converted flats, and basement/garden-level properties, access and neighbours matter. We aim to secure openings neatly and safely, and we’ll discuss any concerns around shared entrances, communal hallways, and lower-ground windows.

See residential boarding up.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, hospitality)

For businesses, priorities often include public safety, protecting stock, and getting you back trading. We can liaise with keyholders or facilities teams and provide clear work statements for your records.

See commercial boarding up.

Vacant property security (voids, probate, refurb)

Empty properties can attract attention quickly—especially if the damage is visible from the street. We’ll help you choose a solution that matches the timescale, from short-term boarding to stronger medium-term options.

See vacant property boarding.

Coverage: Brighton and the wider BN area

We’re based locally and work across Brighton & Hove and the wider BN postcode area, including coastal towns and inland villages. That includes areas such as:

  • Brighton (BN1/BN2), Hove (BN3), Portslade (BN41), Shoreham-by-Sea (BN43)
  • Saltdean, Rottingdean, Peacehaven and Newhaven along the A259 corridor
  • Lewes and surrounding villages, plus Worthing and beyond within BN districts

If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, check areas we cover or contact us.

FAQs about our boarding up services in Brighton

How much does boarding up cost in Brighton?

Costs depend on the size and number of openings, access (e.g., upper floors), materials, and the fixing method required. We don’t publish fixed prices because every job is different, but we’ll explain what drives the cost and provide a clear quote. See boarding up pricing.

Can you board up a property after a burglary and help with insurance?

Yes—we regularly secure windows and doors after break-ins and provide the kind of documentation insurers typically ask for (photos, invoice, description of works). We’re not insurers or loss adjusters, but our paperwork is designed to support claims. See insurance claims support.

How long will the boarding stay up?

It depends on exposure, fixing method, and whether the property is occupied. Boarding is a temporary security measure—some customers keep it for a few days until glazing arrives; others need longer-term protection for void properties. We’ll advise based on your situation and risk.

Do you work with landlords, managing agents and facilities managers?

Yes. We can work with tenants, landlords, managing agents, and facilities teams, and we can provide itemised invoices and work records suitable for property files.

Is boarding up the right option, or do I need a steel door or security screen?

If it’s a simple broken pane, standard boarding is usually the fastest option. If the entrance is repeatedly targeted or the building will be empty, a temporary steel door or security screen may be more appropriate. We’ll recommend the most sensible option based on risk and timescale.

Ready to arrange boarding up in Brighton?

If you need urgent help, go to emergency boarding up or call now.

Need help now? Call 01273 092 166 for immediate assistance.

For planned securing works, you can also email info@boarding-up-brighton.co.uk.