Boarding Up Prices in South East London
Boarding up prices in South East London depend on a few key factors – the size and number of openings, the height and access, the materials used and whether the work is out-of-hours. Because every emergency is different, we do not publish fixed or indicative prices, but we do offer clear, itemised quotes before we start work.
If you need emergency boarding up today, we can explain likely cost factors over the phone and confirm everything on site before you commit.
What Affects the Cost of Boarding Up?
Several elements go into the price of boarding up and emergency securing in South East London. Understanding these will help you speak confidently with insurers and compare quotes on a like‑for‑like basis.
1. Size and Number of Openings
- Single broken window vs multiple windows/doors
A straightforward broken front window will cost less than securing several smashed windows, doors and side lights. - Small panes vs large shopfront glass
Boarding a small sash window in Peckham is a different job to securing a full-height shopfront in Greenwich or Lewisham High Street.
We’ll always assess each broken opening separately and include it clearly on your itemised invoice for any insurance support.
2. Height and Access Requirements
- Ground floor vs upper floors
Ground floor windows and doors are faster and easier to reach, keeping labour time down.
Upper floors in flats or maisonettes (for example around Forest Hill or Woolwich) may require ladders or access towers. - Obstructions and restricted access
Balconies, sloping ground, conservatories or nearby roofs can affect how we set up safely.
Where access is more complex, this will be explained clearly in your quote before any boarding up starts.
3. Type of Opening: Windows, Doors, Roofs and Shopfronts
Different openings need different methods and materials, which affects cost:
- Windows
Broken window board up is usually more straightforward and uses less material per opening. Learn more on our dedicated window boarding in South East London page. - Doors
After a kick‑in or forced entry, we may need to secure the frame, lock area and hinges, or fit a temporary secure door. This is typically more involved than a simple window board‑up. See our door boarding up service for what’s involved. - Shopfronts and commercial premises
Large panes, aluminium sections, roller shutters and signage can all influence the work. Out‑of‑hours commercial shopfront boarding in South East London is usually more complex than a domestic call‑out. - Roof lights, skylights and roof damage
Access equipment and extra safety measures (especially for storm damage) make roof & skylight boarding a distinct category.
4. Material Choice: Plywood vs OSB, Thickness and Specification
We use robust timber sheet materials suitable for security and safety:
- Plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
Both are widely used for emergency securing. The choice depends on availability, exposure to the weather and structural needs. - Typical thicknesses
For most residential boarding up in South East London, we use boards in the region of 11–18mm thickness, chosen to balance strength, weight and fixing security. - Weather exposure
Exposed street‑front locations or roof apertures may require moisture‑resistant boards and additional weatherproofing.
Heavier‑duty boards and larger sheet sizes affect material cost but are often required for business premises, busy streets or longer‑term vacant property security.
5. Fixings and Security Level
The way boards are secured is just as important as the boards themselves:
- Anti‑tamper fixings
We commonly use anti‑tamper fixings designed so they can’t be easily removed from the outside, which insurers often favour for added security. - Non‑destructive securing wherever possible
Our default is to avoid drilling or damaging frames if we can safely clamp boards to internal structures. Only where frames are already broken, rotten, or structurally unsafe will we use more invasive fixings. - Steel security screens and temporary steel doors
For vacant or high‑risk properties, anti‑vandal steel screens or steel doors can be installed, which changes the materials and labour involved. This is particularly relevant for vacant property boarding in South East London.
6. Time of Day and Out‑of‑Hours Work
- Standard hours vs out‑of‑hours
Evening, night and weekend call‑outs involve additional costs (overtime, staffing and logistics). - Emergency vs planned securing
A pre‑planned void property security job in Bexley or Sydenham can be scheduled and priced differently to a 2am break‑in on Old Kent Road.
Our 24/7 emergency boarding up service is always available, with clear explanation of any out‑of‑hours rates before work starts.
7. Location Within South East London
We cover the full SE postcode area (SE1–SE28), including areas such as:
- Bermondsey, Southwark, Elephant & Castle, Bankside (SE1)
- New Cross, Deptford, Brockley, Lewisham (SE4–SE8)
- Peckham, Camberwell, Dulwich and surrounding districts (SE5, SE15, SE21–SE24)
- Greenwich, Blackheath, Woolwich, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood (SE3, SE7–SE28)
Travel time and parking can influence cost, particularly in busier central zones, but we always aim to keep our pricing fair and competitive across the region.
What Your Quote Includes
When we provide a quote – whether over the phone or on site – we aim to keep it clear and easy to understand.
You can expect:
- Labour
Time for our DBS‑checked technicians to measure, cut and fit boards or temporary doors safely and securely. - Materials
Plywood or OSB boards, fixings (including anti‑tamper fixings where appropriate), and any necessary timber bracing. - Access equipment
Standard ladders or portable towers if required for safe upper‑floor or roof access. - Clean‑up and disposal (where agreed)
Sweeping up broken glass and debris from accessible areas, and where agreed, disposal of damaged boards or glass (some clients prefer to keep materials for insurance inspection). - Photos and basic documentation
Time‑stamped photos and a simple statement of work can be provided to support your insurance claim for boarding up.
Any additional items – for example, temporary steel doors, steel security screens or repeat visits – will be explained and costed separately before you decide.
Value vs “Cheap” Boarding Up
Searching for “cheap boarding up in South East London” can be tempting, especially after an unexpected break‑in or storm. However, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.
Key considerations:
- Security standard
Poorly fixed boards, thin materials or easily removable screws can leave your property vulnerable. - Non‑destructive vs destructive methods
We use non‑destructive securing wherever possible to avoid unnecessary damage to frames and brickwork, which can save you money on follow‑up repairs. - Insurance acceptance
Insurers may question makeshift solutions (e.g. loose boards, tape, plastic sheeting) after a burglary or forced entry. Insurer‑friendly, professional work is an investment in a smoother claim. - Experience and safety
Our team has over 10 years’ experience in emergency securing across SE postcodes, is fully public liability insured, and DBS‑checked where required for residential and sensitive sites.
We always aim to provide affordable boarding up without cutting corners on safety or security.
How Our Pricing Process Works
We try to make the pricing and booking process as simple and reassuring as possible, especially if you’re already stressed by damage or a break‑in.
Step 1: Initial Call and Basic Assessment
When you contact us:
- We’ll ask a few quick questions:
- Property type (house, flat, shop, office, vacant property, etc.).
- What has been damaged (window, door, shopfront, roof, skylight).
- Rough sizes and how many openings are affected.
- Location in South East London (postcode and area – for example, SE22 East Dulwich or SE18 Woolwich).
- We may ask you to send photos if possible (for example via email or messaging).
This helps us give you a realistic expectation of cost factors and whether it’s a standard job or something more complex, such as extensive storm damage boarding.
Step 2: On‑Site Confirmation
Once we arrive:
- We’ll confirm the exact scope and price before starting work.
- If extra issues are found (e.g. hidden frame damage, structural concerns), we will explain:
- What needs to be done.
- Why it’s necessary for safety or security.
- How it affects the price.
We never add unexpected extras without speaking with you first.
Step 3: Boarding Up and Securing
We then:
- Carry out any glass clean‑up needed for safety.
- Measure and cut boards accurately.
- Fix boards using appropriate, often anti‑tamper, fixings.
- Fit any agreed temporary steel doors or security screens.
- Check for gaps or issues that might allow water ingress or easy entry.
For property‑specific information, you may find it helpful to read about our residential boarding up services and commercial boarding up in South East London.
Step 4: Paperwork and Payment
At the end of the job, you’ll receive:
- An itemised invoice showing labour, materials and any extras separately.
- A simple statement of work describing what was secured.
- On request, time‑stamped photos suitable for insurer evidence.
If this is a burglary or vandalism incident, remember to keep your police reference number, as your insurer will usually ask for this. Our insurance support for boarding up in South East London page has more detail on typical claim steps.
Insurance and Boarding Up Costs
Many people ask whether boarding up is covered by insurance. While every policy is different, emergency securing after events such as:
- Burglary or attempted break‑in
- Vandalism or malicious damage
- Storm or impact damage
- Fire or flood damage
is often claimable as part of “emergency repairs” or “making safe” costs.
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can help by:
- Providing insurance‑ready paperwork (invoice, statement, photos).
- Clearly describing the incident type (e.g. “post‑burglary boarding up South East London”).
- Separating costs where necessary (for example, door boarding vs window boarding).
For more on this, please see our dedicated insurance support for boarding up page.
FAQs About Boarding Up Prices
How much does it cost to board up a window in South East London?
The price depends on the window size, height, access and whether it’s an emergency call‑out. Because every situation is different, we don’t list fixed prices online. We can, however, give you a clear, no‑obligation estimate over the phone and confirm the final price on site before any work starts.
Can you give a quote over the phone?
We can usually give a ballpark range based on your description and photos, but the final quote is always confirmed on site once we’ve seen the exact damage and access. We won’t start work until you’re happy with the agreed cost.
Is emergency boarding up more expensive at night or weekends?
Out‑of‑hours work does usually cost more than daytime visits, due to staffing and logistics. We’ll always explain any out‑of‑hours rates upfront when you call our 24/7 emergency boarding up service, so there are no surprises.
Are materials like plywood and OSB included in the price?
Yes. Our quotes and invoices clearly include the cost of boards, fixings, and any basic access equipment needed. If additional items are required, such as temporary steel doors or steel security screens for a vacant property, these will be listed separately.
Can I claim the cost of boarding up on my insurance?
Many home and business policies do cover emergency securing after events like burglary, vandalism or storm damage, but you’ll need to check your own policy wording. We support you by providing itemised invoices, photos and a brief work statement, which your insurer can review. For more detail, see our insurance claims support page.
Do you charge extra for multiple windows or doors?
Yes, each opening requires its own materials and labour, so multiple windows and doors will increase the total cost. However, doing several openings in one visit is usually more economical than separate call‑outs, and we’ll always quote the full scope of work in one clear price.
Need help now? Call 020 4538 1506 or Email us for a fast, no‑obligation boarding up quote anywhere in South East London.
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