Property Types We Secure Across East London (E Postcodes)

If you need to secure a property quickly after damage, a break-in, or a sudden safety concern, the first question is often: “Do you work on my type of building?” We do. Boarding Up East London secures residential, commercial, and vacant properties across the E postcode area (E1–E77), with fully insured, DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years trading.

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced entry, or a shopfront that needs to be made safe, we can advise on the right option—temporary boarding, a temporary steel door, or longer-term security screens—based on the property type and how long it needs to stay secure.

For urgent help, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call 020 4634 6384.

Which property types do we board up?

We work across East London on three main categories:

  • Residential: houses, flats, maisonettes, blocks (communal doors and windows), estate-managed properties
  • Commercial: shops, offices, restaurants, warehouses, industrial units, schools and community buildings
  • Vacant/Void: empty houses and flats, probate properties, repossessions, unoccupied commercial units, between-tenancy properties

Different property types create different security risks. A ground-floor flat with a broken pane isn’t the same as a retail unit with shattered glazing or a void property that’s been targeted repeatedly. The fix needs to match the risk.

If you’d like a primer on what boarding up actually involves, see what is boarding up.

How we decide the right securing method (based on property type)

When you call, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can bring the right materials and fixings:

  1. What’s damaged, and how big is the opening?
    Windows, doors, shopfront glazing, rooflights and skylights all need different approaches.
  2. Is the frame sound enough to fix into?
    If timber is split, masonry is crumbling, or uPVC is distorted, we’ll explain the safest fixing method available.
  3. Will the property be occupied tonight?
    Occupied homes often need boarding that’s secure but also considerate—safe access, ventilation where appropriate, and minimal disruption.
  4. How long does it need to remain secure?
    One night and an insurer is attending tomorrow is different from a void property that may sit for weeks.
  5. Are there access constraints?
    Upper floors, rear access only, trade entrances, loading bays, or managed buildings with timed access can affect the approach.

Materials we commonly use (and why)

We choose materials based on opening size, exposure, and risk level:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection on larger or higher-risk openings
  • 12mm OSB for smaller openings and lower-risk temporary boarding where appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings where external removal is a concern—particularly important if the property will be unattended
  • Temporary steel doors for forced-entry doorways or vacant properties where a boarded doorway would still be vulnerable

To understand the different services in detail, see:

Residential boarding up (houses, flats, blocks)

Residential jobs are often stressful and time-sensitive—especially after a break-in or vandalism. The main aim is to secure the property quickly, reduce the risk of a repeat incident, and make sure doors and windows are safe around children, neighbours, or returning occupants.

Common residential scenarios we see in East London

  • A smashed window at ground floor after attempted entry
  • A door that’s been forced and no longer closes properly
  • Accidental damage (impact cracks, failed panes) that can’t be left overnight
  • Storm-related breakage where the opening is exposed to wind and rain

What “good” residential boarding looks like

  • The boarding is fitted flush and rigid, without dangerous sharp edges or flex
  • Fixings are positioned to resist leverage and reduce rattle
  • Entry/exit is planned (for example, boarding one window while keeping a safe door route)
  • We focus on making safe first, then discuss whether a stronger solution (like a temporary steel door) is more suitable if the frame is compromised

If you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, our residential boarding up page goes deeper into what to expect.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, industrial)

Commercial sites in East London often need out of hours help because damage happens when premises are closed—overnight, weekends, or during quiet periods. For businesses, boarding up is about security and practical continuity: reducing exposure, protecting stock, and keeping the front safe for staff and the public.

Typical commercial properties we secure

  • High-street and parade shops with large glazing panels
  • Restaurants and cafés with street-facing windows and doors
  • Offices (including shared buildings with common entrances)
  • Light industrial units and warehouses where access points are targeted

What matters most for commercial sites

  • Shopfront boarded up securely, with fixings designed to deter removal
  • Safe pedestrian access and reduced hazards (especially if glazing has fallen)
  • Clear documentation for insurers, landlords, or facilities management
  • A solution appropriate for the timescale—simple temporary boarding vs a more robust option

If you manage a business premises or facilities portfolio, see our commercial boarding up page.

Vacant & void property boarding up (empty homes and units)

Void properties can be at higher risk because attackers know there may be no immediate response. If a window is broken and left open, it can quickly escalate into repeated entry, fly-tipping, water ingress, or further damage.

This is where “just boarding the hole” may not be enough. We’ll talk you through options that make sense for medium-term security.

Common void-property call-outs

  • Break-ins where internal damage is present and the property must be secured fast
  • Repossession/probate properties needing a reliable, documented security solution
  • Between-tenancy homes where a weak door or damaged window makes the property vulnerable
  • Empty commercial units with repeated attempts to force entry

Options often used for vacant properties

  • Strong window boarding with anti-tamper fixings
  • Upgraded door security, including temporary steel doors where appropriate
  • Planning for return visits if the situation changes (for example, glazing is being ordered)

For more detail, read our vacant property boarding up page.

What you get from us (whichever property type you have)

Whether it’s a house in E11, a shop unit in E1, or a void property in E14, you should expect a professional, documented job—not a quick patch.

Typically, customers receive:

  • A clear scope of what’s being secured (windows/doors/openings)
  • The most appropriate boarding method explained in plain English
  • Time-stamped photos of the completed boarding (useful for landlords and insurers)
  • An itemised invoice and work statement describing materials and fixings used
  • Straightforward guidance on next steps (glazier, locksmith, insurer, managing agent)

We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy terms, but our paperwork is designed to support the kind of evidence insurers usually request. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.

Property-type considerations that can affect the job

Some factors can change how we secure an opening. We’ll always explain what we can do—and what we can’t—before we start.

  • Damaged frames or unsafe substrate: If there’s nothing solid to fix into, we may need a different approach, or we may advise that additional repairs are required first.
  • Listed/heritage considerations: Some buildings require extra care to avoid unnecessary damage. Where possible, we use methods that reduce impact, but security and safety come first.
  • Upper floors and roof access: Rooflights and skylights may need safe access planning; for some sites we may recommend specialist access support if conditions aren’t safe.
  • Managed buildings: Communal areas may require permissions, keyholder coordination, or timed access.

Not sure what you need? Start with the situation

Sometimes it’s easier to think in terms of what happened, rather than the building type. If you’re dealing with a specific incident, these pages walk you through the steps:

FAQs about property types and boarding up in East London

Do you work on flats and managed blocks?

Yes. We regularly secure flats and multi-occupancy buildings across East London. If access is controlled (concierge, coded entry, key safe, timed gates), tell us when you call so we can plan accordingly.

Can you board up a door as well as a broken window?

Yes. If you need to board up a door after forced entry, we can secure it temporarily and advise if a temporary steel door is a better short-term solution. See door boarding in East London.

What if the shopfront glass is shattered and the area is unsafe?

Safety comes first. Keep people away from the glass if possible and call for help. We can attend to make safe and get the shopfront boarded up to reduce risk and exposure. Details are on our shopfront boarding page.

Do you handle rooflights and skylights on commercial buildings?

In many cases, yes—especially where safe access is possible. Roof openings are a major weather risk, so we focus on securing and weatherproofing as best we can. See roof boarding.

Is boarding up suitable for a vacant property that will be empty for weeks?

It can be, but we’ll usually discuss stronger, longer-term options depending on risk and how the property is being managed. Our vacant property boarding up page explains the common approaches.

Can you guarantee an arrival time?

We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times because workload, traffic, and site conditions vary. We do prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone. For urgent help, use our 24/7 emergency boarding up page.

Will my insurance cover boarding up?

Some policies cover emergency securing after break-ins, vandalism, storm damage, or impact incidents, but cover varies. Keep any police reference number, take photos if it’s safe, and contact your insurer early. We can provide documentation—see insurance claims support.

How do I get a quote for my property type?

Call and tell us what type of property it is (residential/commercial/vacant), what’s damaged, and the postcode. If you can safely send a photo, that often helps us quote accurately. You can also review our approach on pricing.

Ready to secure your property?

Need to secure a property in East London (E1–E77)? Call 020 4634 6384 or email us and we’ll talk you through the best option for your property type. If it’s urgent or out of hours, visit emergency boarding up.