Window Boarding in Reading (RG) – Emergency Securing for Broken & Vulnerable Windows
When glass goes, so does your security. If you’ve had a break-in, accidental damage, vandalism, or storm debris through a pane, window boarding in Reading is the quickest way to make the property safe, weather-resistant, and harder to target again.
Boarding Up Reading covers Reading and the wider RG postcode area (RG1–RG45). If you need urgent help—especially evenings, weekends, or when you can’t leave the opening unsecured—use our emergency service.
Need emergency window boarding now? Call 01182 308 876
Or email photos for advice: [email protected]
For urgent call-outs, see: emergency boarding up
When you might need emergency window boarding
Most calls are about preventing the next problem—another break-in, rain coming in overnight, or public safety risks. We regularly board up windows after:
- Burglary or attempted entry (often smashed ground-floor windows or rear access points) – see burglary repairs and securing
- Vandalism, including random damage to street-facing glazing – see vandalism repair and boarding
- Storm damage (flying tiles, branches, or wind pressure popping panes) – see storm damage boarding
- Accidents/impact (ball damage, falls, vehicle clips near shopfronts or corner plots) – see accident damage boarding
- Fire brigade access or heat damage leaving windows missing or unsafe – see fire damage securing
- Vacant properties where windows are vulnerable between tenancies or during probate – see vacant property security
In Reading, we see a lot of mixed property types—Victorian terraces around areas like Katesgrove and Newtown, flats near the town centre, and newer developments out towards Green Park and Shinfield. Each comes with different frames, access and fixing options, and we adapt the method accordingly.
What “window boarding” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Window boarding is temporary physical security—a robust board fixed over (or within) a damaged window opening to:
- prevent unauthorised entry
- keep out weather and reduce further damage
- remove immediate hazards from loose glass
It isn’t a glazing replacement service. We secure the opening so you can arrange permanent repairs with your glazier, insurer, landlord, or facilities team. If you’re unsure what your insurer will want, our insurance claims guidance explains what documentation is usually helpful.
Our approach: secure, sensible, and appropriate to the window
There’s no single “one-size” board-up. The right method depends on the frame condition, height, opening size, and whether the property will be occupied or left empty.
Step 1: Make safe & assess the frame
We start by checking for:
- loose shards in the frame or on sills
- cracked remaining panes that may fail later
- damaged uPVC, timber, or aluminium frames
- internal access limitations (locked rooms, tenant not on site, etc.)
If the frame is too damaged for a neat, non-destructive fix, we’ll explain options before proceeding. The priority is always to secure the property without creating avoidable extra damage.
Step 2: Measure and cut board to suit the opening
We cut boards to size on site. Clean edges and proper sizing matter—particularly on bay windows and older timber frames where openings aren’t perfectly square.
Step 3: Fix using the right method for the location
We aim for a secure fit that can’t be easily removed from outside. Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings so the board can’t simply be unscrewed from the street side—especially important if the property will be unattended.
Step 4: Photograph and document the work
After fitting, we provide what most clients and insurers need:
- time-stamped photos showing before/after condition
- a clear work statement (what was secured, how, and with what materials)
- an itemised invoice for your records
For planned work (e.g., void properties), we can also coordinate access notes and site instructions.
Materials we use (and why)
We choose material based on security level, opening size, and how long it needs to stay in place.
18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for most emergency window boarding)
- Strong, reliable, and hard to kick through compared to thin sheet materials
- Handles larger window openings better
- Suitable for both residential and commercial windows where immediate security matters
12mm OSB (oriented strand board) for smaller or lower-risk openings
- Practical for small panes or secondary windows
- Often used where the opening is small and the main risk is weather ingress rather than forced entry
We’ll talk you through what we’re using and why. If you’re managing a site and need a consistent spec across multiple units, we can work to your requirements.
If you need longer-term protection for an empty building, boarding can be a short-term measure before installing steel security screens—see vacant property security and the overview on boarding up services in Reading.
Fixing methods: how we keep it secure
The fixing approach depends on the frame type, reveal depth, and whether there’s a safe internal access point.
Common methods include:
- Recess (reveal) boarding: board sits within the window recess for a flatter finish and better resistance to prising
- Face fixing: board overlays the frame when reveals are shallow or damaged
- Through-bolting with internal pattress/backing (where access allows): strong, tamper-resistant, and often preferred for unattended properties
- Anti-tamper screws/fixings: reduces opportunistic removal from outside
We always consider the practicalities: upstairs windows, fragile render, tricky rear access, and whether the property is occupied. In places like central Reading (RG1) and busier roads, we also factor in public-facing exposure—if it’s visible from the pavement, it needs to be properly secured.
Emergency scenarios we handle in Reading (what usually happens next)
“My window has been smashed tonight—what should I do?”
- If there’s any threat or you suspect a break-in, call 999/101 as appropriate.
- If safe, take a few photos before anything is moved (inside and out).
- Keep any police reference number and contact your insurer early.
- Call us for emergency securing: emergency boarding up
We’ll advise on immediate safety (sharp glass, access risks) and arrange boarding to secure the opening.
“The glass is cracked but not fully broken—can you still board it?”
Yes. A cracked pane can fail suddenly due to temperature changes, knocks, or wind pressure. Boarding is often sensible if:
- it’s ground floor and vulnerable
- the property will be unattended
- bad weather is forecast and the crack is spreading
Residential and commercial window boarding (what’s different)
Residential window boarding
For homes, the priorities are usually:
- restoring security quickly
- preventing cold drafts and rain ingress
- keeping the property safe for children, pets, or vulnerable occupants
If the damage is connected to forced entry, you might also need door boarding in Reading for the main access point.
Explore property-specific info here: residential boarding up
Commercial window boarding
For shops, offices and managed buildings, we focus on:
- securing large glazed panels and street-facing windows
- reducing downtime and keeping staff/stock safe
- providing clear documentation for facilities and insurers
If the damage is to a shopfront rather than a standard window, our dedicated service is here: shopfront boarding in Reading
See also: commercial boarding up
What you’ll get from our window boarding service
- Correctly sized boarding (not “rough and ready” panels that leave gaps)
- Fixings chosen for security and the condition of the frame
- A safer property the same day where possible (without promising exact arrival times)
- Time-stamped photos and clear paperwork for your records/insurer
- Straight answers if the frame is too damaged for a clean board-up solution
We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked—useful for landlords, agents, and occupied homes where trust matters.
Areas we cover for window boarding (Reading & RG postcodes)
We cover Reading and surrounding RG districts, including RG1, RG2, RG4, RG6 and beyond—out through places like Tilehurst, Caversham, Earley, Woodley, Shinfield, Theale, Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury and Basingstoke.
If you’re not sure whether you’re in our patch, check areas we cover or call and we’ll confirm.
FAQs – Window boarding in Reading
How long does boarding up a window take?
It depends on the size, access, and frame condition. A single, straightforward ground-floor window is usually quicker than multiple openings or awkward bays. When you call, we’ll ask for photos and approximate sizes so we can set expectations.
Is window boarding covered by insurance in Reading?
Often, yes—particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidents—but policies vary. We’re not loss adjusters, however we can provide the photos and itemised invoice insurers typically ask for. More detail here: insurance claims support
Can you board up double-glazed windows in uPVC frames?
Yes. We regularly secure uPVC and aluminium frames as well as older timber sashes. The fixing method will depend on frame condition and whether we can use reveal boarding or need face fixing/through-bolting.
Do you offer “24/7 window boarding near me” in Reading?
We provide urgent help via our out-of-hours service when needed. For the fastest route in an emergency, use: emergency boarding up and call 01182 308 876.
Can you make the property safe if the frame is damaged too?
We can often secure the opening even when frames are compromised, but we’ll be honest if the structure is too unstable for a standard board-up. If additional measures are needed (or if you need a temporary door rather than a window board), we’ll explain the options before doing anything.
Ready to book window boarding in Reading?
If you’ve got a broken window and you’re worried about security or weather, we’ll help you get the property stable and protected.
Need help now? Call 01182 308 876 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? Send photos to [email protected]
