Reviews of Boarding Up Reading (Reading & RG Postcodes)
When you’ve had a window smashed, a door forced, or a shopfront damaged, you’re not just looking for “someone with a van”. You want a team that turns up, secures the opening properly, leaves the site safe, and gives you the paperwork you need afterwards.
This Reviews page explains what people typically say about our work and what you should look for when choosing a boarding up company in Reading and the wider RG area. If you need urgent help, go straight to emergency boarding up. If you’re planning ahead for a vacant unit or repeated issues, our boarding up services in Reading may be a better starting point.
What customers usually comment on (and why it matters)
We don’t publish made-up testimonials or anonymous “5-star” claims. Instead, this page focuses on the real-world factors customers tend to mention after we’ve secured properties across Reading and RG postcodes—because these are the things that decide whether your property stays safe overnight.
1) Clear communication when you’re stressed
After a break-in or impact damage, most people are juggling police, insurers, neighbours, tenants, or staff. Customers commonly value:
- Plain-English explanations of what we can secure immediately and what needs a glazier, roofer, or locksmith later
- A realistic overview of arrival expectations (we don’t promise fixed times—jobs and road conditions vary)
- Updates when access is awkward (for example, rear access via side passages on terraced streets, or restricted loading on busy roads)
If you’re not sure what you need, our guide on what is boarding up explains the basics and when it’s used.
2) The job is done properly, not “just covered”
People often tell us the difference between a quick cover-up and professional boarding is obvious the next day—especially if the property is unattended.
What “done properly” usually means in practice:
- Correct sheet material for the opening (often 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or vulnerable windows; 12mm OSB can suit smaller, lower-risk openings)
- Fixings chosen to reduce the chance of removal from outside (for example, anti-tamper fixings where appropriate)
- Boarding that sits flush and secure, without unnecessary damage to frames or brickwork
- Consideration of safety—removing loose shards, making the area safe for occupants and passers-by
For specific work types, see window boarding in Reading and door boarding in Reading.
3) Professional conduct on residential and commercial sites
Whether it’s a terraced house in Katesgrove, a flat near Reading town centre, or a unit on an industrial estate by the A33 corridor, customers typically care about who you send to the door and how the site is left.
We keep things straightforward:
- DBS-checked technicians (where required for sensitive sites)
- Public liability insurance
- Risk-aware working—especially around shopfront glass, overhead hazards, and sharp debris
- A tidy finish and safe handover
If the situation involves a business premises, our commercial property boarding up page covers what’s different (out-of-hours access, shutters, frontage requirements, and documentation).
The kind of feedback we expect to earn
Because every job is different, we don’t pretend there’s one “perfect” review that fits all. But when we’ve done our work well, feedback tends to fall into a few consistent themes.
“You made the property safe quickly.”
That usually means:
- The opening is secured so no one can climb in
- The site is weathered as far as boarding allows
- Any immediate hazards are dealt with (loose glazing, exposed fixings, unstable panels)
If you need help tonight or out of hours, use 24 hour boarding up in Reading.
“You explained my options without pushing the most expensive solution.”
Boarding up can be short-term or medium-term. We’ll talk you through what’s sensible:
- Standard timber boarding for immediate security
- Temporary steel doors when a door opening can’t be safely secured with timber alone, or where repeated access is needed
- Security screens for longer void periods where repeated break-ins are a risk
Vacant property owners often start here: vacant property boarding up.
“The paperwork was easy for insurance.”
We’re not loss adjusters, and we can’t tell you what your insurer will or won’t cover—but we can provide documentation insurers typically ask for, such as:
- Itemised invoice describing the work carried out
- Time-stamped photos (before/after where safe and appropriate)
- Notes on the method and materials used
- A clear description of what was secured and any limitations (e.g., frame too damaged for non-destructive fixings)
If you’re dealing with a claim, see insurance claims support.
Micro case study (typical Reading scenario)
A shopfront panel was damaged late afternoon on a busy route into central Reading. The customer needed the frontage secured the same day to protect stock overnight and to keep the unit safe until glazing could be replaced.
What we did:
- Confirmed the size and position of the damaged panel and checked whether any glass was still loose.
- Installed secure boarding using appropriately sized exterior-grade sheets and fixings suited to a street-facing frontage.
- Ensured no sharp edges or protruding fixings remained accessible to the public.
- Provided clear photos and an itemised invoice for the insurer and property manager.
For businesses, shopfront boarding in Reading goes into more detail about how we secure commercial glazing and frontage openings.
How to spot a reputable boarding up company (before you book)
If you’re comparing options after a burglary, storm, or accident, these checks help you avoid a “cash job” that leaves you exposed.
Ask what materials they use and why
A reputable contractor can tell you the difference between plywood and OSB, and why sheet thickness matters. They should also explain how they’ll fix it—especially for street-facing openings.
If your situation is related to an incident, these pages may help:
Ask what you’ll receive afterwards
At minimum, you should expect:
- An invoice with a proper business name and contact details
- A description of the work (not just “boarding up”)
- Photos if you need them for landlords, managing agents, or insurers
Be cautious of fixed-time guarantees
Traffic around Reading can change quickly (A329(M), A33, the IDR, or diversions near Reading Station). We prioritise urgent calls, but we won’t promise a guaranteed arrival time we can’t control.
Common questions about reviews and reassurance
Do you have reviews I can read?
If we publish reviews, they will be genuine and traceable (not invented names or fabricated stories). If you’d like reassurance before booking, contact us and we’ll explain our process, what you’ll receive, and what to expect on site.
For practical “what happens next” guidance, start with FAQs.
Will you secure my property the same day?
Often, yes—especially for urgent openings that can’t be left exposed. However, we don’t guarantee specific response times. The best option is to call with your location (postcode) and the type of damage so we can triage properly.
If it’s urgent, use emergency boarding up.
Do you work with landlords and managing agents?
Yes. We regularly secure rental homes, HMOs, and managed blocks, as well as retail units and offices. We can work from access instructions, coordinate with keyholders, and provide photos and documentation for your records.
See residential property boarding up and commercial property boarding up.
Is boarding up covered by insurance?
Sometimes—many policies treat it as emergency mitigation or securing after damage. Coverage varies widely, so you’ll need to check with your insurer. We can provide the documentation insurers commonly ask for.
More detail is on insurance claims support.
I’m not in Reading town centre—do you cover my area?
Yes. We cover Reading and the wider RG postcode area (RG1–RG45). You can check local pages on our areas we cover section.
Ready to speak to someone?
If you’ve got a damaged window, door, shopfront, or roof opening, we’ll talk you through the safest next step and the most sensible way to secure it.
Ready to get started? Call 01182 308 876 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.
