Blog > How to board up a window: Preventing window access in empty properties
How to board up a window: Preventing window access in empty properties
Vacant Property Services
Written by Gideon ReichentalPublished: 21st July 2025Last update: 15th October 2026
Property owners with vacant buildings are most vulnerable to squatters, vandalism, burglary, and environmental damage. That’s why knowing how to board up a window is an invaluable skill for security professionals.
It’s because of threats like these that vacant property owners should always enlist the help of a complete security and management service. To learn more about protecting a building that’s unoccupied or awaiting renovation, read along.
Contents
Key takeaways
Boarding up a broken or vulnerable window helps prevent unauthorised entry, theft, and vandalism by securing a potential access point
It also protects against environmental damage and injury, keeping the property safe from rain, pests, and broken glass hazards
Clearway offers emergency boarding-up services using professional-grade materials like steel sheets and security window screens for both short-term and long-term protection
What is ‘window boarding up?’
The covering up and securing of a property’s various access points is referred to as ‘boarding up.’ Using sturdy, long-lasting materials, property owners can protect vacant buildings from threats such as vandalism, break-ins, or weather damage.
Why should you board up a smashed window?
1. Security and crime prevention
A broken window presents an easy entry point for burglars and vandals. Even if the initial break wasn’t due to a burglary attempt, the exposed opening makes your home a more attractive target for criminals.
By boarding up the window, you create a physical barrier that deters intruders and helps protect your property from potential theft.
2. Safety concerns
Broken glass poses a significant risk of injury to anyone nearby. Sharp edges and scattered shards can harm children, pets, and even adults who might inadvertently come into contact with them.
Boarding up the window helps to contain the broken glass and prevents accidents. The measure ensures that the damaged area is safely secured until a more permanent repair can be made.
3. Protection from the elements
The UK weather can be unpredictable, and an unboarded broken window can lead to additional damage to your home’s interior.
Rain, wind, and even pests can easily enter the open space and cause damage, drafts, or even potential infestations. By boarding up windows, you can maintain the integrity of your property with this temporary protection.
An open window is an invitation. We surveyed a vacant property in the Liverpool area that had already suffered vandalism and arson while standing empty, which showed exactly what happens when nothing is done. The new owner needed it protected before a scheduled demolition, and lived some distance away. Read how Clearway protected a vandalised site before demolition.
What materials do you need to board up a window?
1. Security window screens
Security window screens are a robust, effective solution for boarding up windows. They’re typically made from high-strength materials like steel mesh, which provides excellent security while still allowing visibility.
Security window screens are particularly useful for properties that need to maintain some level of ventilation, such as commercial buildings and occupied residences.
They make an excellent deterrent against burglars and vandals because they are designed to withstand significant force.
2. Steel sheets
Another popular material for boarding up windows (particularly in long-term situations) is steel. Many professionals favour steel sheets for their strength and durability.
Steel sheets can be solid or perforated, with the latter allowing some light and air to pass through. Solid steel sheets are highly resistant to impact, which makes them best suited to high-risk areas prone to forced entry.
They’re often used in both commercial and residential properties that require robust protection for extended periods.
Boarding up windows is only effective when combined with a layered security approach-you need proper structural assessment, secure fixings that resist forced entry, and regular monitoring to catch signs of tampering before they become breaches.
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3. Plywood
Due to its affordability, plywood is one of the top choices for short-term or emergency board-ups. It’s affordable and easy to work with, as it can be quickly cut to size and installed.
While plywood does not offer the same level of durability as steel, it provides a solid barrier that can deter opportunistic burglars and protect against minor impacts/weather conditions.
What types of fixings/hinges are recommended for boarding up windows?
1. Anti-tamper screws
Anti-tamper screws are designed to prevent unauthorised removal. These screws are difficult for intruders to tamper with, as they require specialist tools for both installation and removal: this may deter potential intruders.
They’re ideal for securing both plywood and steel sheets to window frames for protection against forced entry.
Security professionals often work with anti-tamper screws because of their resistance to interference with commonly used tools like drills or screwdrivers.
2. Rack bolts (window security bolts)
Rack bolts, also known as window security bolts, are a type of locking mechanism specifically designed to secure windows and doors. For an additional layer of security, they are typically installed into the frame and operated with a key.
Window security bolts are excellent for increasing security on timber windows, whether for fitting temporary or permanent boarding materials. As they can be locked and unlocked when needed, they’re highly suited to
Contact Clearway for Emergency Boarding-Up Services!
The professionals at Clearway know how to board up a broken window quickly and efficiently. So, if you’re looking to protect a vacant property, let us help you with our comprehensive emergency boarding-up service.
The Clearway team offers short-term and permanent boarding solutions using materials like perforated steel sheets and plywood boards. To get started, call 0330 088 1973 or email sales@secureemptyproperty.com.
Gideon is an experienced property specialist with almost ten years dedicated to the field of vacant property security and services. With a strong commitment to customer service and operational support, he has built extensive expertise in protecting vulnerable and unoccupied buildings through practical, risk-based security solutions.
His experience includes directly managing portfolios of more than 200 vacant properties, alongside senior management responsibility for wider portfolios exceeding 2,000 properties. This has given him a detailed understanding of the challenges involved in securing vacant assets, from preventing trespass, theft, vandalism, and arson to helping clients maintain compliance, reduce liability, and protect long-term property value.
Gideon has strong technical knowledge of the measures used to secure vacant properties, including steel security screens and doors, monitored alarm systems, CCTV, mobile response, site inspections, and temporary fire and life safety solutions. At Clearway, he supports the delivery of tailored protection strategies designed around the specific risk profile of each property, helping clients secure and manage unoccupied assets with confidence.
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