Window Boarding in Brighton (BN) – Secure Broken Windows Fast
When a window goes during a break-in, storm, or accident, it’s rarely “just glass”. It’s security, weatherproofing, and peace of mind—especially if the property will be empty overnight. Our window boarding in Brighton covers homes, flats, shops and sites across the BN postcode area, using proven fixings and the right sheet materials for the opening.
If you need urgent help, we can prioritise emergency jobs and talk you through the safest next steps while you’re on the phone.
Need emergency window boarding in Brighton right now? Call 01273 092 166
Prefer to message? info@boarding-up-brighton.co.uk
When window boarding is the right call (and when it isn’t)
Window boarding is most useful when glazing is broken, cracked, missing, or insecure—and you need a temporary but robust barrier until a glazier can replace the unit.
Typical emergency window boarding Brighton call-outs include:
- Burglary / attempted break-in: smashed panes, bent frames, compromised locks (see boarding up after a burglary)
- Vandalism: repeated targeting of ground-floor windows or shopfront side panels (see vandalism repair and boarding)
- Storm damage: blown-in panes, wind-rattled sash windows, debris impact (see storm damage boarding)
- Accidental impact: footballs through back windows, slips during renovations, vehicle impact near forecourts (see accident damage boarding)
- Fire service access: windows broken to ventilate or gain entry after an incident (see post-fire property securing)
When window boarding might not be appropriate:
- If the opening is overhead (skylight/rooflight) or access is above safe working height—this may be better handled as roof boarding in Brighton with the right access plan.
- If the frame is dangerously loose or there’s structural movement. We can still often secure it, but we’ll explain what’s possible before fixing into unstable material.
If you’re unsure, call us—we’ll ask a couple of practical questions (opening size, height, frame condition) and advise the safest option.
Emergency window boarding in Brighton: what happens when you call
Emergencies don’t arrive neatly scheduled. Our job is to make the situation simpler.
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We take the essentials
- Address/postcode (BN1, BN2, BN3 and wider BN area)
- What’s happened (break-in, storm, impact)
- Which window(s) are affected, and whether it’s ground floor/upper floor
- Any immediate risks (loose glass, vulnerable occupants, public access)
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We guide you on immediate safety
- If it’s safe, keep people and pets away from the opening
- Don’t try to remove shards from toughened/laminated glass without gloves and eye protection
- If police have attended, keep your crime reference number handy
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We secure the opening
- We measure up, select the appropriate board, and fix it using a method suited to the frame type and location.
- If there are multiple broken windows (common after vandalism), we’ll prioritise the most exposed openings first.
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You receive documentation
- We can provide an itemised invoice and a brief work statement for landlords, agents, and insurers.
- Time-stamped photos are available on request (useful if you’re managing the property remotely).
For truly urgent situations, you may also want our emergency boarding up page—especially if the property has been targeted and needs securing tonight.
The materials we use (and why)
We don’t treat every window the same. A basement flat on Western Road has different risks to an upper-floor sash near Preston Park, and a rear elevation in Patcham isn’t the same as a shop unit in the city centre.
18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for security)
For most emergency window boarding jobs, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood because it:
- resists flexing and forced entry better than thinner sheets
- holds fixings securely
- performs reliably in wet coastal weather (important around Brighton & Hove)
This is the standard choice when the property is unoccupied or where security is the main concern.
12mm OSB (for smaller or lower-risk openings)
For certain smaller windows, short-term covers, or where the fixing substrate limits what we can do, 12mm OSB can be appropriate. It’s:
- quicker to handle and cut for small openings
- cost-effective for very short durations
We’ll only use OSB where it’s suitable for the risk level and location.
Fixings: anti-tamper where it matters
Where there’s a risk of someone trying to remove the board from outside, we use anti-tamper fixings. The aim is simple: the board should not be easily undone from the street.
We also carry a range of:
- coach screws / structural screws (for solid timber substrates)
- masonry fixings (for some reveals—used carefully, and explained beforehand)
- packers/spacers to reduce frame stress where needed
If the surrounding frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll talk through options before proceeding.
How we board up windows (methods we choose on-site)
There are a few correct ways to board a window—what’s “best” depends on frame type, access, and whether you’ll need the window reopened soon.
Method 1: Recess fit (within the reveal)
Where there’s enough depth in the window reveal, we can fit the board into the recess, which:
- gives a neater finish
- can offer better resistance to prising
- reduces edges that can catch wind
This is often suitable for many traditional Brighton terraces with deep reveals, but not always—particularly where frames sit proud.
Method 2: Over-fit (overlapping the opening)
If the frame/reveal is compromised, or the opening is irregular, an over-fit board overlaps the opening onto the surrounding substrate. This can:
- spread load and improve stability
- cover fractured edges and reduce draught/water ingress
- be quicker for badly damaged frames
We’ll keep it as tidy as practical, without compromising the hold.
Method 3: Non-destructive boarding (when possible)
If you’re a landlord between tenancies or you’re awaiting a specific glazing unit, you may prefer minimal alteration. Where the substrate allows, we aim for non-destructive approaches.
That said, security comes first. If a non-destructive method won’t hold, we’ll say so.
Brighton-specific realities: access, property types, and why it matters
Brighton properties throw up practical challenges that affect window boarding:
- Basement flats and lightwells around Brunswick Town and Kemptown: restricted access, moisture, and public-facing windows that need anti-tamper fixings.
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Preston, Hanover and Seven Dials: sash windows, older timber, and sometimes brittle paintwork—care is needed when fixing.
- Student lets and HMOs around Lewes Road and Moulsecoomb: multiple windows, urgent securing after incidents, and clear documentation for agents.
- Coastal exposure (Saltdean, Rottingdean, Shoreham-by-Sea): wind-driven rain is a real issue, so we focus on stable fixing and sensible overlap where needed.
If you’re securing commercial premises, you may be better served by shopfront boarding in Brighton which is set up for larger glazed panels and higher footfall environments.
What you get from our window boarding service
We keep deliverables straightforward—especially when you’re dealing with police reports, tenants, or an insurer.
- Correctly sized boards cut on-site where needed
- Fixing method chosen to suit the frame and risk level
- A clear explanation of what we’re doing and why
- Itemised invoice and work description (useful for agents/landlords/FM teams)
- Photos available on request for your records/insurer
If you’re managing a vacant building, ask about longer-term options via vacant property boarding and securing (including security screens where appropriate).
A realistic emergency scenario (Brighton)
A common job for us is a ground-floor bay window on a busy road—often after an attempted break-in. The glass may be gone, curtains pulled, and the frame slightly split where force was applied.
In that situation we typically:
- check the remaining frame for safe fixing points
- remove or stabilise any loose glass if it’s an immediate hazard (where safe to do so)
- choose 18mm exterior plywood for strength
- use anti-tamper fixings when the opening is public-facing
- provide photos/invoice so the occupier or landlord can progress glazing and insurance
If the damage extends to doors as well (very common), we can coordinate with door boarding in Brighton or discuss a temporary steel door if the doorway is compromised.
FAQs about window boarding in Brighton
How long does boarding up take?
It depends on the size and number of windows, access (basement/upper floor), and how damaged the frame is. A single standard window is usually straightforward; multiple openings or awkward access takes longer. We’ll give you a realistic expectation on the phone once we know the details.
Is emergency window boarding covered by insurance?
Often it can be, especially after burglary, storm damage, or vandalism—but policies vary. We’re not loss adjusters, however we can provide invoices and a description of works that insurers typically ask for. See our guidance on insurance claims support.
Will you damage my window frame?
We aim to keep fixings as minimal as practical, but the priority is to secure the property. If the only safe option involves fixing into timber/masonry, we’ll explain this before we proceed—particularly where frames are already split or rotten.
Can you board up a window if the property is empty?
Yes. We regularly help landlords, estate agents and facilities managers secure empty homes, void flats and commercial units. If you can provide access (key safe, agent meet, or on-site contact), we can board up and send documentation for your records.
Do you cover outside Brighton city centre?
Yes—our coverage is across the BN postcode area. For a wider view, see areas we cover.
Next steps: book window boarding or get urgent help
If your window has been smashed or left vulnerable, the sooner it’s secured the better—particularly in exposed spots or public-facing elevations.
Need help now? Call 01273 092 166 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-brighton.co.uk
