Window Boarding in Enfield (EN) – Emergency & Planned Securing
When a window goes—whether it’s a break-in, vandalism, storm damage or an accidental impact—you’re suddenly dealing with more than glass. There’s security, weather exposure, and the worry of someone getting back in. Our window boarding in Enfield is designed to secure your property quickly and sensibly, with the right materials and fixings for the situation.
If you need urgent help, use our emergency route: emergency boarding up or call 020 4634 5688.
We cover Enfield and the wider EN postcode area, including EN1–EN11 and surrounding districts listed on our areas we cover page.
When window boarding is the right call (and when it isn’t)
Boarding up is usually the quickest, safest way to secure an opening after glass has failed. It’s commonly needed after:
- Burglary / attempted break-in (often shattered panes or prised frames) – see burglary repairs and boarding
- Vandalism (stones, smashed shopfront side windows, repeated targeting) – see vandalism repair
- Storm damage (blown-in debris, cracked glazing, loosened putty on older windows) – see storm damage boarding
- Fire damage where glazing fails due to heat (we secure the opening; remediation is separate) – see fire damage securing
- Accidental impact (football through a pane, vehicle strike near a frontage) – see accident damage help
Window boarding may not be the best option if the opening can be made safe immediately with reglazing by a specialist and you can keep the property secure in the meantime. When you call, we’ll talk through what’s happened and recommend the most practical route. If boarding is the safest immediate step, we’ll secure it first—then you can arrange permanent repairs without leaving the property vulnerable.
Emergency window boarding in Enfield: what we prioritise
In an emergency, the priorities are straightforward:
- Make the area safe (loose shards, unsafe edges, access risk)
- Stop easy entry (protect the opening and any reachable internal handles/locks)
- Reduce weather exposure (especially overnight or during rain/wind)
- Leave you with clear documentation (useful for landlords, managing agents and insurers)
If this is happening right now, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 020 4634 5688.
Materials we use (and why)
We choose boarding materials based on opening size, exposure, risk level, and how long it needs to stay in place.
18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for most jobs)
For many domestic and commercial windows, 18mm exterior-grade plywood provides strong, reliable security and good impact resistance. It’s especially suitable when a property may be unoccupied overnight or when the window is at street level.
OSB (typically 12mm) for smaller or lower-risk openings
OSB (oriented strand board) can be appropriate for smaller windows, internal communal areas, or situations where the risk is lower and the opening is sheltered. We’ll advise honestly—if plywood is the safer option, we’ll say so.
Security screens and longer-term options
If the building is going to be empty for weeks (probate, refurbishment, void periods), boarding isn’t always the most convenient medium-term solution. In those cases, we may recommend a more durable approach such as steel security screens depending on the risk and exposure. You can also explore options for overall property security via our vacant property boarding solutions.
How we fix boards to windows (without making a mess of your frames)
Fixing method matters. A poorly fixed board can be removed quickly from outside—or it can cause unnecessary damage to frames and reveals. Our approach depends on the window type and surrounding structure.
Typical fixing methods
We’ll usually use one of the following:
- Reveal fix (into masonry/brickwork around the window) where appropriate for strength and stability
- Frame fix only when it’s structurally sound and suitable (and when it won’t create avoidable damage)
- Through-bolting with internal battens for certain openings where we want strong resistance and limited external access to fixings
Anti-tamper fixings
Where there’s a real risk of repeat targeting—street-facing windows, empty premises, properties that have already been attacked—we use anti-tamper fixings so the board can’t be easily removed from outside. That’s particularly important for shops, ground-floor flats, and void properties.
If frames are already badly damaged
Sometimes a window frame is split, rotten, or pulled away during a break-in. If the frame won’t safely take fixings, we’ll explain the options before proceeding—typically securing to surrounding masonry, or discussing a different securing method if boarding alone isn’t adequate.
Domestic window boarding (houses, flats, maisonettes)
Enfield has a real mix of property styles—from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Bush Hill Park and Enfield Town, to 1930s semis and post-war estates across EN1–EN3. Different windows fail in different ways:
- Older timber sashes can rattle, crack, or lose putty after storms
- uPVC casements often fail at the glazing or beading after impact
- Ground-floor flats can be targeted for quick entry, especially if the window is hidden from the street
If you’re a homeowner or tenant, we can secure the opening and help you reduce immediate risks (drafts, access points, and visibility into the home). For broader domestic coverage, see residential boarding up.
Commercial window boarding (shops, offices, sites)
Commercial glazing often needs a slightly different approach:
- Larger panes and wide openings need correctly supported boards to avoid flex
- Shopfronts may need coordinated access with shutters, alarms, or landlords
- Out-of-hours work can require safe working practices around the public realm
If the damaged window is part of a frontage rather than a side/rear window, you may need our dedicated shopfront boarding in Enfield instead.
For offices, warehouses and mixed-use buildings, visit commercial boarding up to understand the options.
What to expect when you call
When you call 020 4634 5688, we’ll keep it simple and practical. Helpful details include:
- The address/postcode (EN1–EN11 and nearby)
- Which window is affected (front/rear/side, floor level)
- What caused the damage (break-in, storm, accident)
- Whether the property is currently occupied and safe to access
- Any immediate hazards (hanging glass, exposed electrics, fire damage)
We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times—conditions change and some jobs are more complex—but we prioritise urgent calls and keep you updated as best we can.
What you get after the job (useful for insurance and landlords)
People often need paperwork quickly after a break-in or incident. We can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the secured opening
- An itemised invoice and work statement (materials, fixings, labour)
- Notes on anything unusual (frame damage, access limitations, follow-on recommendations)
We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy wording, but we can share the documentation insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.
Common emergency scenarios we see in Enfield
Window boarding calls tend to cluster around a few real-life patterns:
- Overnight break-in where the back window or side return has been forced for access
- Vandalism to street-facing glazing where the opening leaves stock or interiors visible
- Storm-driven breakage where wind and debris turn a crack into a full failure
- Accidental impact where a single pane goes but the property can’t be left exposed
If you’re dealing with one of these now, it’s usually better to secure first and sort permanent repairs in daylight—especially if the property will be unattended.
Safety notes (what to do before we arrive)
If a window has smashed:
- Keep people and pets away from the area; don’t try to clear glass if it’s unsafe
- If it’s a burglary, call the police and keep your crime reference number
- Take photos if safe—useful for insurance and records
- If there’s a risk of someone entering, stay in a safe room and call for help
Then contact us: call 020 4634 5688 or email us.
FAQs – Window Boarding Enfield
How long does window boarding take?
It depends on the size and number of windows, access (ground floor vs upper floor), and whether the surrounding frame is intact. A single straightforward opening is often completed quickly once we’re on site, but multiple windows or damaged reveals can take longer.
Is boarding up covered by insurance in Enfield?
Often it can be, especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage or impact—but policies vary. We recommend contacting your insurer early and keeping any reference numbers. We can provide photos and an itemised invoice to support your claim. See insurance claims support.
Will boarding damage my window frames?
We try to minimise avoidable damage by choosing the right fixing method (for example, fixing into the reveal rather than fragile frames where appropriate). If the frame is already compromised, we’ll explain the best way to secure the opening before we proceed.
Can you board up upstairs windows or awkward access points?
Yes, as long as access is safe. Upper floors, rear extensions, and tight side alleys can add complexity. Tell us what you can about access when you call so we arrive prepared.
I’m a landlord/managing agent—can you send documentation?
Yes. We regularly support landlords and property managers with photos, clear work descriptions and invoicing. For more context, see vacant property boarding solutions and our general boarding up services in Enfield.
Related services you might need
Sometimes window boarding is one part of securing the whole property. You may also need:
- door boarding in Enfield if entry was forced
- shopfront boarding for commercial glazing and frontages
- roof boarding for skylights and overhead openings
Need emergency window boarding in Enfield?
If your window has been smashed or compromised and you need to secure the property, we can help.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5688 for immediate assistance.
