Window Boarding in Luton (Emergency & Planned Securing Across LU1–LU7)

A smashed window is more than an inconvenience — it’s a security risk, a weather risk, and often an insurance headache. If you need window boarding in Luton, we can help you make safe and secure the property with practical, robust temporary boarding, whether it’s a domestic window, a ground-floor flat, a stairwell window, or commercial glazing.

For urgent jobs (including out of hours), call now and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need help now? Call 01582 377 256
Prefer email for planned work? info@boarding-up-luton.co.uk

When you might need emergency window boarding

People usually find us when something has just happened and they need to board up a broken window quickly — tonight, before the weather turns, or before the property is targeted again.

Common emergency call-outs across Luton and the LU postcodes include:

• Smashed window after a break-in attempt (even if entry wasn’t gained)
• Post-incident security after burglary (door forced and windows damaged)
• Vandalism damage (stones/bricks through panes, repeated attacks)
• Accidental impact (DIY mishaps, vehicles clipping low walls/window bays)
• Storm damage (blown-in panes, failed seals, frames loosened by wind)
• Fire damage where glazing has cracked and the opening needs securing (we secure the site; smoke/odour remediation is outside our scope)

If you’re in an urgent situation, our emergency boarding up page explains how we prioritise call-outs and what to do while you’re waiting.

What “window boarding” actually means (and what it doesn’t)

Window boarding is a temporary boarding solution used to:

• Prevent unauthorised access
• Reduce the risk of further damage
• Keep out rain and wind where possible
• Make the property safe for occupants, neighbours, or passers-by

It is not a replacement for glazing. In most cases, boarding is the immediate step that buys you time to arrange repairs through a glazier, landlord, or insurer — without leaving the property exposed.

If your insurer asks what was done, we can provide itemised invoices, a brief work statement, and (where appropriate) time-stamped photos to support your claim. For more on the paperwork side, see insurance claims support.

Our approach to window boarding in Luton (step-by-step)

Every opening is different — a small bathroom window isn’t secured the same way as a wide shopfront panel or a first-floor window above a flat roof. But our process is consistent and practical.

1. Initial call & risk check

   • We’ll ask what’s happened (break-in, accident, storm), the window size/location, and whether the property is occupied.
   • If there’s an immediate danger (hanging glass, people inside), we’ll advise on safe steps until we arrive.

2. On-site assessment

   • We check frame condition, remaining glass, and any structural movement.
   • If non-destructive fixing isn’t possible because the frame is too damaged, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

3. Make safe

   • We clear immediate hazards where safe to do so (e.g., loose shards).
   • We consider safe access — especially for upper floors.

4. Measure, cut, and fit boarding

   • Boards are cut to suit the opening and fixed using appropriate methods.
   • We focus on security first, then weather protection as far as the situation allows.

5. Documentation

   • Where needed: photos, summary of materials used, and an invoice suitable for landlords/agents/insurers.

If you’re dealing with forced entry more broadly, you may also need door boarding in Luton alongside window boarding.

Materials we use (and why)

We choose materials based on the opening size, exposure, and security risk — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Exterior-grade plywood (typical for security-critical openings)

For many emergency jobs we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood. It’s strong, impact-resistant, and performs well when a property may be left unattended.

Best suited for:

• Ground-floor windows
• Rear access points
• Vacant properties awaiting glazing replacement
• Repeated-attention sites (where vandalism risk is high)

OSB (often suitable for smaller or lower-risk openings)

For smaller windows or where the risk is lower, 12mm OSB can be appropriate and cost-effective.

Best suited for:

• Smaller side windows
• Utility room windows
• Short-term, lower-exposure openings

We’ll always talk you through what we’re proposing. The goal is to secure property sensibly — not to overspecify if it’s unnecessary.

Fixing methods: how we stop boards being removed from outside

A board is only as good as the way it’s fixed. For window boarding, we commonly use:

• Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a realistic risk of someone attempting removal
  These reduce the chance of boards being unscrewed from the outside — important if the building will be empty overnight or longer.
• Framed/revealed fixing methods where suitable
  Depending on the window reveal and frame condition, we may fix into the reveal to reduce gaps and improve security.
• Through-bolting (where appropriate)
  For certain openings, through-bolting with internal spreader plates can provide a very secure result (especially on larger windows), but it depends on access and the internal environment.

If the property is going to remain vacant, you may want to consider more robust medium-term options (e.g., security screens). We’ll be honest about whether simple boarding is enough for your circumstances.

Domestic window boarding (houses, flats, and HMOs)

Residential jobs are often stressful — especially after a break-in or if kids are in the house and you’re trying to feel safe again.

We commonly attend for:

• Front or rear windows smashed during attempted entry
• Ground-floor flat windows (high priority due to easy access)
• Communal area windows in blocks (stairwells and landings)
• Rental properties where landlords need to secure quickly between inspections

If you’re a tenant, it can help to have your landlord/agent’s details ready. If you’re a landlord managing multiple sites, we can provide consistent documentation for your records. For context on domestic work, see residential boarding up.

Commercial window and glazing boarding (shops, offices, and units)

A broken commercial window creates two immediate problems: security and trading disruption. We can shopfront boarded up solutions where the damaged area is part of a retail frontage, as well as side/rear windows on offices and industrial units.

Typical commercial concerns we plan around:

• Out of hours incidents that need securing overnight
• Protecting stock and equipment
• Safe access and public-facing hazards
• Clear documentation for facilities teams and insurers

If the opening is part of a larger frontage, our shopfront boarding service may be the best fit — it covers larger panels and the realities of retail premises.

What to do right now if you’ve got a broken or smashed window

If you’re dealing with a smashed window in Luton or anywhere across LU1–LU7, these steps can reduce risk and help your insurer later:

1. If there’s a crime in progress or immediate threat, call 999.
   If it’s after the fact, report it via 101 and keep your crime reference number.

2. Don’t risk injury for photos.
   If it’s safe, take a few photos of the damage and the surrounding area before anything is moved.

3. Keep people away from loose glass.
   Move pets and children to another room. Don’t attempt to remove embedded shards with bare hands.

4. Call us to make safe and secure the opening.
   We’ll talk through access, parking constraints, and the best way to board up the broken window for your situation.

Need emergency window boarding? Call 01582 377 256

Insurance and documentation (what we can provide)

We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t approve claims — but we can provide the kind of proof insurers typically ask for after emergency securing.

Depending on the job, you can request:

• Itemised invoice (materials + labour)
• A short description of the work completed (make safe / secure property)
• Time-stamped photos (where appropriate)

If you’re unsure what to keep for your claim, our insurance claims guidance page explains what to record and when to contact your insurer.

How long does window boarding take?

Time on site depends on:

• Window size and location (ground floor vs upper floor)
• Frame condition (sound timber/uPVC vs heavily damaged)
• Whether there are multiple openings
• Access constraints and safety considerations

Small openings can sometimes be secured quickly; larger or awkward windows take longer. When you call, we’ll ask a few questions and give you a realistic expectation.

Window boarding for vacant properties (short-term vs medium-term)

If the building is unoccupied — between tenancies, probate, renovation, or after repeated vandalism — standard boarding may be enough short-term, but not always ideal for longer periods.

We’ll discuss:

• Whether the site is likely to be targeted again
• How long you expect the window to remain unrepaired
• Whether a more durable solution is more cost-effective over time

For broader considerations, see vacant property boarding.

Why choose Boarding Up Luton for window boarding?

You’re usually calling us on a bad day. What you need is clear communication, safe work, and a secure result — without exaggerated promises.

• 10+ years trading
• Fully insured
• DBS-checked technicians
• Local coverage across LU1–LU7
• Honest approach on ETAs (no guaranteed arrival times — we prioritise urgent calls and explain the realistic plan on the phone)

FAQs: Window boarding in Luton (LU postcodes)

Do you cover emergency window boarding across all LU postcodes?

Yes — we cover Luton and surrounding areas across LU1 to LU7. If you’re not sure which district you’re in, call and tell us your location; we’ll confirm coverage and talk through the urgency.

Can you board up a broken window tonight (out of hours)?

We do offer out of hours attendance when urgent. We can’t promise a fixed response time, but if you call we’ll give you a realistic ETA and prioritise jobs where the property is insecure.

What’s better for my window: plywood or OSB?

It depends on the risk and the opening. 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for stronger security-critical boarding; 12mm OSB can suit smaller or lower-risk openings. We’ll recommend what makes sense rather than forcing an upgrade.

Will boarding up stop rain coming in?

Boarding helps, but weatherproofing depends on the shape of the opening, the condition of the frame, and exposure. Our priority is to secure the property; we’ll minimise gaps where practical and advise if additional steps are needed.

Do you remove the broken glass?

We’ll make safe where we can, especially if there are loose shards creating an immediate hazard. Full glazing removal and replacement is usually a separate trade. If anything is unsafe or outside scope, we’ll tell you clearly.

Can you board up windows on a flat or upper floor?

Often yes, but it depends on safe access. We’ll assess on arrival and proceed using appropriate methods. If access is unsafe without specialist equipment, we’ll explain the limitation and options.

My window frame is damaged — can you still board it?

Sometimes. If the frame is too compromised for non-destructive fixing, we’ll talk you through alternatives before proceeding. The aim is a secure fixing, not a quick patch that can be pulled off.

Is window boarding covered by insurance in Luton?

In many cases, emergency securing after burglary, vandalism, or storm damage may be covered, but policy terms vary. We can provide documentation insurers commonly request. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.

Related services that are often needed alongside window boarding

• If the door has been forced or is insecure, consider door boarding in Luton.
• If the damage is part of a retail frontage, see shopfront boarding.
• For urgent help right now, visit emergency boarding up.

Helpful Links

• Emergency boarding up
• Door boarding in Luton
• Shopfront boarding
• Insurance claims support
• Pricing (what affects cost)
• FAQs

Need to board up a broken window in Luton now? Call 01582 377 256 to get immediate help and a realistic ETA, or email us for planned window boarding.