Written by Steve HardcastlePublished: 25th November 2024Last update: 25th June 2026
When you have broken windows, damaged doors, or irreparable locks, time is the most crucial factor in preventing further damage. Leaving visible signs of illegal entry exposes your property to further intrusions, leaves assets vulnerable to theft and presents a building open to trespassers or squatters. Moving swiftly to board up your windows and doors is essential – but how much should it cost?
The most common instance of emergency boarding up is where a premise is vacant, or is empty for a short-term period. Organisations are looking to defend their property when trading is paused, or where empty buildings have become a target for criminals looking for an easy option.
Need a quote quickly? The quickest way to find out how much it will cost to board up your business is to get in touch with us with your details here. We can provide a no-obligation quote.
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Key takeaways
Emergency boarding up costs vary based on the number of openings, materials used (plywood vs steel screens), location, and time of callout, with out-of-hours response typically incurring higher charges.
Steel security screens offer greater long-term protection than plywood and are often preferable for vacant or high-risk properties, despite the higher upfront cost.
Acting quickly to board up damaged windows and doors is essential not just for security but also to comply with insurance policy requirements and avoid reduced or denied claims.
Boarding up is invaluable for empty premises, and one of the fastest ways to protect property. Boarding up services are used in a number of situations:
Protecting properties following criminal damage, break-ins, or police forced entry.
Defending shop fronts and large glazing areas during public events or disturbances.
Providing temporary or long-term shielding for vacant properties.
Safeguarding residential and commercial buildings following insolvency proceedings.
What factors influence the cost of boarding up?
Several elements of the boarding-up process must be examined before a final price can be determined. For example:
1. Extent of damage
Naturally, a single damaged window will cost less to secure compared to multiple windows or doors. The complexity of the damage (e.g., whether the window frames or door structures are also affected) can also increase costs.
In cases where both sides of the windows or doors need boarding, expenses will, again, be higher due to increased materials and labour.
2. Materials used
The types of materials used to carry out the process can significantly influence costs. Plywood is widely used for its affordability, particularly in short-term security solutions. Steel security screens, however, are more expensive but provide a higher level of security.
For long-term vacancies or properties in high-risk areas, steel screens can be a better solution. The choice between these materials will depend on the property owner’s needs and budget.
3. Location
Due to variations in labour rates and material costs, geographic location also plays an important role. For example, boarding-up services in London and the South East typically charge higher rates because of the increased demand for services.
Rural areas might see lower labour costs, but potentially higher material costs if transportation is required over long distances. When you work with Secure Empty Property, however, costs are the same no matter where you are!
4. Time of service
Emergency call-outs, especially those required during off-hours like nights, weekends, or holidays, tend to be more expensive. But why? The need for rapid response often incurs additional labour charges, particularly if rapid response is promised within a particular timeframe (e.g., 30 to 90 minutes)What to expect when boarding up your property
The total cost of boarding up your property can vary depending on several factors, including the number of vandalised windows and doors, the size and type of openings, and whether emergency services are required.
1. Single window
Boarding up a single window involves both the cost of materials and basic labour. The final cost may depend on the size of the window and the accessibility of the area.
2. Multiple windows and doors
If you need to secure multiple openings, costs can increase. However, some service providers may offer discounts when boarding up several windows or doors simultaneously.
3. Emergency services
Costs are typically higher for emergency boarding services due to the urgency and timing of the call-out. Emergency services may include charges for immediate response, especially during nights, weekends, or holidays.
Emergency boarding up is one of the fastest ways to protect property following criminal damage or break-ins, preventing further intrusions and deterring trespassers when time is critical.
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What are some additional considerations?
Beyond the immediate costs of labour and materials, there are additional influences that property owners must be made aware of:
1. Labour charges
Labour costs for boarding-up services can be calculated in a couple of ways, most commonly through hourly rates or flat fees. Hourly rates are usually employed for straightforward tasks that don’t require extensive materials or complex work.
For example, a standard rate might change depending on the region and the time of the service. However, in emergencies, the rates can be significantly higher.
Flat fees are often used for more predictable services, such as boarding up a standard-sized window, where the labour involved is well-understood and can be estimated in advance.
2. Insurance implications
Prompt boarding up of damaged windows and doors can have a substantial impact on insurance claims.
Most insurance policies require homeowners to take immediate action to prevent further damage to their property after incidents like break-ins or severe weather.
Failure to secure the property promptly can lead to complications in insurance compliance, potentially resulting in reduced payouts or even claim denials.
3. Security benefits
By preventing further damage, boarding-up services offer significant advantages for vacant properties. When windows or doors are broken, the property becomes vulnerable to the elements, vandals, squatters and thieves.
However, homeowners who act quickly to contact vacant property security specialists are actively safeguarding their investments. That’s where we come in.
Get Accurate Emergency Boarding Costs
If you require emergency boarding up services for any property or period, contact Clearway today. We provide a free security health check to risk-assess your business-critical exposure points, offer expedited boarding up in urgent situations and are always on hand to deliver fast, professional quotes to get your property protected.
Steve Hardcastle is Chief Technical Officer at Clearway, bringing extensive leadership experience from across the security sector, including the management of NSI and ACS-accredited businesses and the founding of Cerberus Security and Monitoring, which he led for over 25 years.
Working closely with Clearway’s research and development team, Steve helps shape the Group’s technical direction by identifying innovative technologies that enhance service capability, support operational performance, and provide a competitive advantage. His role includes developing technology strategies that support business growth, while also strengthening and evolving the Group’s existing product range.
Steve also provides technical and practical support across the wider business, working with sales, marketing, and operational teams on solution design, product positioning, implementation challenges, and day-to-day technical issues. His broad industry knowledge and hands-on approach play an important role in ensuring Clearway remains at the forefront of security technology and service innovation.
Security guards are licensed to carry out a number of duties such as inspecting and patrolling premises regularly, monitoring entrances and securing...
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