Boarding Up for Vacant Properties in Enfield (EN)
A vacant property can become a target quickly—especially if there are visible signs it’s empty, such as post building up, lights off for days, or a damaged door or window that’s been left unsecured. If you’re a landlord between tenancies, an executor managing a probate property, a facilities manager, or an agent responsible for an empty unit, boarding up is often the fastest way to reduce risk and keep the building weather-tight.
At Boarding Up Enfield, we provide vacant property boarding across the EN postcode area, securing everything from empty flats above shops in Enfield Town to void houses around Bush Hill Park and longer-term empty buildings nearer industrial estates along the A10 corridor. If you need urgent help, our emergency boarding up service is available out of hours as well.
Need to secure an empty property now? Call 020 4634 5688 or email us.
Why vacant properties need a different approach
Boarding up a lived-in home is usually about a single broken window or a forced door and a quick return to normal. A vacant property is different: the building may be unattended for weeks or months, trades may come and go, and the biggest risks are often repeat incidents—not just the initial break-in.
In our experience around Enfield and the wider EN districts, the most common challenges with void properties are:
- Repeated attempted entry once the property is known locally as empty
- Hidden damage (loose frames, rotten sills, weakened locks) that makes “quick fixes” fail
- Weather ingress through small openings that become major damp issues over time
- Access and keyholding complications (estate agents, management companies, probate, insurers)
- Compliance and documentation needs for insurers, councils, or managing agents
If you’re unsure what level of security is appropriate, we’ll talk through options on the phone and explain the trade-offs. For example, a short void between tenants might suit boarded windows and doors, while a longer void often benefits from a temporary steel door or security screens.
Typical vacant property scenarios we attend in Enfield
Vacant properties don’t always start with a dramatic break-in. Many call-outs begin with something small that creates an obvious weakness.
After a break-in at an empty house or flat
Empty homes can be “tested” for weak points—rear doors, side gates, and ground-floor windows. Once access is gained, damage is often worse than expected: split frames, snapped locks, or the entire door pulled away from fixings. In these cases we may recommend door boarding in Enfield or a temporary steel door to stop repeat entry.
Related guidance: burglary repairs and boarding up.
Vandalism and nuisance entry
Vacant units can attract vandalism—broken panes, damaged shopfront glazing, or intentional flooding (taps left running). If it’s a commercial unit, the front elevation is usually the priority. We commonly secure these with shopfront boarding using larger sheets and anti-tamper fixings to make removal from the outside far harder.
Related guidance: vandalism repair and boarding.
Storm damage and weather exposure
A single cracked pane or a slipped rooflight can let in wind-driven rain, and a vacant building can deteriorate quickly. We board windows, secure doors, and—when needed—carry out roof boarding for skylights and vulnerable openings to limit water ingress while permanent repairs are arranged.
Related guidance: storm damage boarding.
Probate properties and long gaps between occupation
Probate properties are often unoccupied for extended periods, with multiple stakeholders involved. We can provide a clear work statement, itemised invoice, and time-stamped photos to help with estate administration and insurance communications. (We’re not legal advisers, but we know what documentation insurers typically ask for—see our insurance claims guidance.)
Vacant commercial units and back-of-house entry points
On high streets and parades, the front is obvious—but the weak points are often side/rear access doors, loading areas, and upper-floor windows. We’ll assess all accessible elevations and recommend a practical plan, not just board the most visible opening.
How we secure vacant properties (methods that hold up)
The right method depends on how long the building will be empty, the type of opening, and the condition of the frames.
Window boarding: plywood or OSB, fixed correctly
For most residential voids, window boarding is the quickest way to secure broken glazing and deter entry. We commonly use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robustness and better resistance to impact
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where weight/access is a constraint
We aim for secure fixing that’s appropriate to the substrate (timber, masonry, uPVC frames) and the condition of the opening. When possible, we use non-destructive methods to avoid unnecessary damage—especially important if the property is going to be refurbished and you want to minimise remedial joinery.
Learn more: window boarding in Enfield.
Door boarding and temporary steel doors
If a door has been forced, simply screwing ply over a weak frame can be a short-lived solution—particularly if the property is likely to be targeted again. Depending on the situation, we’ll recommend:
- Door boarding to secure the opening quickly
- Temporary steel doors for medium-term security on voids and repeated-attendance risks
A temporary steel door gives you controlled access for trades (and avoids repeatedly removing and refitting boards). It’s often a sensible choice for longer void periods, especially where multiple contractors need entry.
Learn more: door boarding in Enfield.
Security screens for longer-term void protection
For buildings that will remain vacant for an extended period (or where you want a more “managed” look), steel security screens can be a better fit than timber boarding. They are designed for longer-term use and typically allow better ongoing access arrangements, while still providing robust protection.
If you’re deciding between boards, steel doors, and screens, we’ll explain pros/cons and what’s realistic for your building’s layout and budget.
Shopfront boarding for empty retail units
Commercial glazing tends to be larger, heavier, and more exposed. We size boards to cover vulnerable panes and frames, using fixings that are appropriate for shopfront construction. If there’s a risk of repeat damage, we’ll discuss upgrades beyond basic boarding and how to keep the frontage as tidy as possible while you arrange permanent glazing replacement.
Learn more: shopfront boarding in Enfield.
Rooflights and skylights: securing overhead openings
Vacant properties with rooflights, skylights, or damage to upper-storey glazing can be difficult to keep weather-tight. Where safe access is possible, we can board or sheet vulnerable roof openings as an interim measure. If the surrounding structure is unstable or access equipment is required, we’ll tell you clearly what we can do immediately and what may need specialist support.
Learn more: roof boarding in Enfield.
What to expect when you call us
If you’re dealing with a void property, the biggest stress is usually coordination—keys, alarms, neighbours, and insurers. We keep the process straightforward.
- Initial call and triage – what happened, what’s damaged, whether anyone is on site, and whether the building is exposed.
- Access and safety checks – we’ll agree access arrangements (keysafe, agent attendance, caretaker, or managed access).
- On-site assessment – we check not only the obvious damage but also other vulnerable points if requested/appropriate.
- Boarding / securing work – materials cut and fitted; anti-tamper fixings used where appropriate; emphasis on weather resistance and stability.
- Documentation – time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice, plus a short work description if needed for your records/insurer.
We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, job overruns, and the nature of emergency work can affect scheduling—but we prioritise urgent cases where the property is open to the elements or insecure.
Local knowledge: securing voids across EN postcodes
Vacant properties appear in every part of the EN area, but the risks and building styles vary:
- Enfield Town (EN1) has a busy mix of shops, offices, and flats—especially around the Palace Gardens Shopping Centre and the station area—where rear access and upper-floor windows can be overlooked until there’s an incident.
- Bush Hill Park (EN1) and nearby residential streets feature a lot of early 20th-century housing stock (bay windows, timber frames) where careful fixing matters to avoid splitting old woodwork.
- Ponders End / Enfield Highway (EN3) and the A10 corridor include more industrial and mixed-use sites where larger openings and roller-shutter adjacencies are common.
If you need a local page for your area, start here: areas we cover. Examples include boarding up Enfield Town EN1, boarding up Bush Hill Park EN1, and boarding up Ponders End EN3.
Micro case study: void flat above a parade in Enfield Town (EN1)
A managing agent contacted us after a vacant flat above a retail parade near Church Street, Enfield Town was found with a broken rear window and signs of attempted entry. Access was awkward: the rear elevation faced a service area and the tenant had already moved out, so there was no one on site.
We attended, checked for immediate hazards, and secured the broken window using exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings (important because the property was going to remain empty for several weeks). We also flagged a second vulnerable pane that had been loosened but not fully broken—something that’s easy to miss in a quick inspection. The agent received time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice for their records and insurer.
If you’re dealing with a similar situation, our vacant property boarding service in Enfield can be arranged by landlords, agents, and property managers.
Costs and insurance: what you should know
Vacant property boarding costs can vary significantly. The main factors are:
- Number and size of openings
- Material choice (OSB vs exterior plywood; screens/steel door options)
- Fixing method and substrate condition
- Access complexity (upper floors, rear service roads, restricted parking)
- Whether the building needs a wider “make safe” beyond one opening
We don’t publish fixed prices because the scope can change quickly once frames are inspected. For a transparent overview of what affects cost, visit boarding up pricing.
Insurance-wise, many policies require you to take “reasonable steps” to secure a vacant building. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the photos and paperwork insurers typically request—see insurance claims help.
FAQs: vacant property boarding in Enfield
How quickly should I board up a vacant property after damage?
As soon as it’s safe. If the building is exposed (open door, smashed ground-floor window, missing panel), the risk of repeat entry and weather damage rises quickly. If you need urgent help, use our emergency boarding up option.
Can you secure a property if I’m not there with the keys?
Often, yes—provided lawful access can be arranged. Managing agents and landlords commonly meet us on site, use a keysafe, or arrange caretaker access. We’ll confirm access arrangements during the call before dispatching.
Do you install long-term solutions for voids, not just boards?
Yes. For longer void periods, we can discuss temporary steel doors and security screens, which are often more practical than repeatedly removing boards for contractors.
I’m responsible for a void in EN1/EN3—do you cover my area?
Yes. We cover Enfield and the wider EN postcode area. For local pages, see areas we cover or start with boarding up Enfield Town EN1 and boarding up Enfield Highway EN1.
Is boarding up covered by insurance for a vacant property?
It depends on your policy and the circumstances, but insurers often expect prompt security measures after damage. Keep any police reference number (if applicable), take photos if safe, and see our insurance claims guidance for what to prepare.
Ready to secure a vacant property?
If you’re dealing with an empty house, flat, shop, or unit that needs securing, we’ll help you choose a practical option—whether that’s immediate boarding tonight or a more durable setup for a longer void.
Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 5688 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
