Door Boarding in Enfield (Emergency Door Boarding & Property Security)
When a door has been kicked in, forced at the lock, or left hanging on damaged hinges, you need it made safe quickly. Our door boarding in Enfield is designed to secure homes, flats, shops and vacant properties across the EN postcodes after break-ins, accidents, fire attendance, or storm damage—without adding unnecessary damage.
If you’re dealing with an urgent security risk right now, use our emergency service: emergency boarding up is available for out-of-hours and same-day call-outs where possible.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5688 for immediate assistance.
When do you need door boarding?
Door boarding is most commonly needed when the property can’t be secured with its existing door and lock. In Enfield, we often see this after a burglary attempt on older timber doors, communal entrances to flats, or rear doors to alley-access properties.
Common scenarios include:
- Forced entry / burglary damage (splintered frames, broken multipoint locks, kicked panels) – see burglary repairs and boarding
- Vandalism (doors kicked, glass panels smashed, repeated targeting) – see vandalism repair and boarding
- Accident/impact damage (vehicle strikes, delivery impacts, damaged threshold) – see accident damage boarding
- Fire service entry (door or frame compromised after emergency access) – see fire damage securing
- Storm damage (doors blown in or pulled off hinges) – see storm damage boarding
- Vacant properties where a standard lock isn’t enough (repeat break-ins, squatting risk) – see vacant property boarding solutions
Door boarding is about immediate security and weather protection. It’s not a “repair” to the door itself—but it buys you time to arrange joinery, locksmithing, glazing, or a full replacement door.
What we do (and what we don’t)
We secure the opening and reduce the risk of further entry, theft, and weather damage.
What we do:
- Board up damaged external doors and vulnerable entrances
- Stabilise loose sections where safe, then secure over the opening
- Use anti-tamper fixings so boards can’t be easily removed from outside
- Advise on whether a temporary steel door or security screens are more suitable for medium-term security
What we don’t do:
- We’re not locksmiths or door manufacturers—if you need lock replacement after we secure the site, we can work alongside your chosen trades
- We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for
- If the surrounding structure is unsafe, we’ll prioritise safety and explain options before proceeding
For general background, you can also read what boarding up is and when it’s used.
Emergency door boarding in Enfield: what to do first
If your door has been forced or you’ve had a break-in, it’s normal to feel rattled—especially at night or if you’re responsible for tenants or a shop.
If it’s safe:
- Call the police (or obtain a crime reference number if already reported)
- Don’t touch broken locks or splintered timber—sharp fixings and glass are common
- Take a few photos for your insurer before we arrive (only if safe)
- Call us for urgent help via emergency boarding up
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5688
Materials we use for door boarding (and why)
The right material depends on the opening size, the condition of the frame, and whether the property will be occupied.
Typical materials:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood: our go-to for most external door openings due to strength and screw-holding ability
- 12mm OSB (or equivalent structural board): used where appropriate for smaller or lower-risk openings, or internal door protection
- Timber battens and bracing: to spread load and reduce further frame damage
- Anti-tamper fixings: chosen to resist removal from the outside—important for unattended properties and commercial entrances
- Weather sealing (where appropriate): to reduce drafts and water ingress, especially after storm or fire attendance
We’ll always choose a method that balances security with minimising additional damage—particularly important for rental properties, listed-style façades, and commercial frontages where you’ll want a clean reinstatement later.
Our method: how we board up a damaged door (step-by-step)
Every door opening is different, but our process is consistent and practical.
-
Site check & risk assessment
We check the condition of the frame, threshold, hinges, and any adjacent glazing. If there’s structural movement or unsafe debris, we’ll discuss safe options first. -
Measure and cut boards for a tight fit
We cut boards to suit the opening and choose fixings to suit the substrate (timber, masonry surround, mixed materials). -
Fix securely using the safest approach
- Where possible, we use methods that avoid unnecessary damage
- If the frame is too compromised for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain what’s needed and why before proceeding
-
Reinforce and finish
We add bracing where needed and check there are no lever points. On exposed sites, we consider weatherproofing and stability. -
Documentation
We can provide time-stamped photos, a clear work description, and an itemised invoice—helpful for landlords, managing agents, and insurance claims. See insurance claims support.
Temporary steel doors (when boarding isn’t enough)
If a property is vacant, repeatedly targeted, or needs to remain secure for weeks rather than days, a board over a doorway may not be the best solution.
A temporary steel door may be recommended when:
- The building will be empty between tenancies
- There’s a history of repeated break-ins
- You need controlled access for contractors
- The doorway is a primary entry point and needs stronger protection
We’ll talk you through the options and what’s suitable for your timeframe and risk level. For other security measures, you may also want to combine door boarding with window boarding in Enfield if adjacent glazing has been damaged.
Door boarding for homes, flats and commercial premises
Residential door boarding (houses, flats, maisonettes)
Enfield has a real mix: Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, and purpose-built flats with communal access doors. We frequently secure:
- Front doors with damaged locks or split timber
- Rear doors affected by alley access
- Communal entrances where a temporary solution is needed until a new lockset arrives
More on domestic call-outs: residential boarding up.
Commercial door boarding (shops, offices, restaurants)
For commercial premises, the priorities are often security, liability, and continuity—especially if you’ve had an attempted break-in or your entrance is unsafe for staff.
We can help secure:
- Back-of-house delivery doors
- Side entrances and service corridors
- Office doors after forced entry
More on business sites: commercial boarding up and, for glazed fronts, shopfront boarding.
How long does door boarding last?
Door boarding is usually a temporary security measure to protect the property until repairs can be completed. How long it can remain in place depends on:
- Exposure to weather
- Whether the building is occupied
- The condition of the surrounding frame
- Local risk of repeat targeting
If you need a medium-term solution, we’ll discuss whether a temporary steel door or additional measures make more sense than repeated boarding.
Costs: what affects the price of door boarding in Enfield?
We don’t quote a one-size-fits-all price because door damage varies widely. The cost depends on:
- Size of the opening and number of doors affected
- Extent of frame damage (simple boarding vs bracing and stabilisation)
- Access constraints (tight communal corridors, rear alleys, upper-floor entrances)
- Whether out-of-hours work is required
- Whether additional openings need securing (often windows too)
For a clear explanation of pricing factors, see boarding up pricing.
FAQs about door boarding in Enfield
Can you board up my door tonight?
If it’s urgent, use our emergency boarding up service and call. We don’t promise fixed arrival times because jobs and conditions vary, but we prioritise security risks and vulnerable properties.
Will boarding damage my door frame?
We aim to secure the property while keeping additional damage to a minimum. However, if the frame is already split or unstable, we may need to use stronger fixings or bracing. If non-destructive methods aren’t suitable, we’ll explain why and what the options are before we proceed.
Can you secure both the door and nearby windows?
Yes—this is common after forced entry where sidelights or adjacent glazing is broken. We can combine door boarding with window boarding in Enfield and, for retail, shopfront boarding.
Is door boarding covered by insurance?
Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm, fire, or impact damage. We’re not insurers, but we can provide the photos, description of works, and invoice insurers typically request—see insurance claims support.
Do landlords and managing agents arrange door boarding?
Yes. We regularly help landlords, estate agents and facilities teams secure properties after break-ins or during void periods. If you’re managing multiple sites, it can help to send access details, any site rules, and who should receive completion photos.
Book door boarding in Enfield (EN postcodes)
We cover Enfield and the wider EN postcode area for urgent and planned door boarding. If you’re unsure whether boarding is the right option—or whether a temporary steel door is better—tell us what’s happened and we’ll talk you through the safest next step.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5688 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-enfield.co.uk
