Your window is smashed. Your door is hanging off its hinges. Maybe it was a break-in, an accident, or storm damage. Whatever the cause, you now have a security breach that needs addressing—fast.
This guide covers your options for temporary security while you arrange permanent repairs. For immediate steps after a break-in, see what to do after a break-in.
Understanding Your Options
For Broken Windows
| Solution | Security Level | Weather Protection | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional boarding | High | Excellent | ££-£££ |
| DIY timber boarding | Variable | Good | £ |
| Temporary glazing | Low-Medium | Excellent | ££ |
| Plastic sheeting | None | Partial | £ |
For Damaged Doors
| Solution | Security Level | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency door replacement | Excellent | £££ |
| Reinforced boarding | Good | ££ |
| Temporary lock on damaged frame | Variable | ££ |
| Patched repair | Low-Medium | £-££ |
"Temporary doesn’t mean insecure. Properly installed temporary security should genuinely protect your property—not just look like it’s protected.
Professional Boarding-Up
What It Involves
A locksmith or security company:
- Measures the opening precisely
- Cuts boarding material to fit
- Secures from the inside using brackets/frames
- Ensures weather-tight seal
- Makes removal difficult from outside
When It’s Essential
- Large openings (doors, patio doors)
- Multiple breaches
- Property will be unattended
- Insurance work pending
- High-crime area
- Peace of mind required
Typical Costs
| Opening Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Single window | £50-100 |
| Door opening | £80-150 |
| Patio doors | £120-200 |
| Multiple openings | Quoted per job |
Note: Evening and weekend callouts may incur premium charges.
Timeline
- Emergency callout: Usually within 1-2 hours
- Installation time: 30-60 minutes per opening
- Removal when permanent repair ready: Quick
DIY Temporary Security
When It’s Appropriate
- Small window awaiting next-day glazier
- Secure area (rural, low-crime)
- You’ll be home continuously
- Short duration (hours, not days)
Materials Needed
- Exterior-grade plywood (minimum 12mm)
- Screws (not nails—nails can be pried)
- Drill/driver
- Measuring tape
- Weather sealant (optional but helpful)
How to Do It Right
- Measure opening carefully
- Cut board slightly larger than opening
- Position from inside where possible
- Secure through board into frame
- Add diagonal bracing for large boards
- Seal edges against weather
Common DIY Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Securing from outside | Can be unscrewed from outside |
| Using thin material | Can be broken through |
| Using nails | Easier to pry than screws |
| Poor weather sealing | Water damage to interior |
| Gaps at edges | Security and weather breach |
Emergency Door Solutions
Damaged But Frame Intact
If the door is damaged but the frame is still solid:
Option 1: Emergency lock fitting
- Fit new lock to existing door if structurally sound
- May require door reinforcement
- Cheaper than replacement
Option 2: Board over door
- Secure board across entire opening
- Retain locking function if possible
- Use internal access while secured
Frame Also Damaged
If frame is compromised:
Option 1: Emergency door replacement
- Fast-fit temporary or permanent door—see our replacing vs repairing doors guide
- More expensive but proper solution
- May be available same-day
Option 2: Reinforced boarding
- Secure boarding to wall structure (not just frame)
- Provides security until proper replacement
- Professional installation recommended
Temporary Entry Arrangements
While boarded:
- Alternative entry point (back door, window)
- Temporary access hatch in boarding (professional only)
- Key with neighbour if you’re locked out accidentally
Weather Considerations
Protecting Against Rain
Breached openings allow water ingress:
- Seal board edges with silicone or tape
- Extend boards beyond opening edges
- Consider temporary internal covering too
- Address any standing water promptly
Cold Weather
Open or poorly sealed breaches:
- Increase heating costs dramatically
- May cause pipe freezing issues
- Accelerate deterioration of boarding
- Make property uncomfortable
Wind
Large openings create:
- Pressure differences that stress other windows
- Noise and drafts throughout property
- Risk of inadequate boarding being blown in
Working With Your Insurance
What To Tell Them
When reporting the incident:
- Damage location and extent
- Immediate actions taken (boarding arranged)
- Estimated repair cost if known
- Photos of damage and temporary fixes
What They’ll Want
- Evidence the breach is secured
- Quotes for permanent repair
- Confirmation no additional damage occurred
- Crime reference if break-in related—see our insurance claims guide
What’s Covered
Most policies cover:
- Emergency boarding-up costs
- Permanent repair/replacement
- Contents damage from the breach
Check specific policy for:
- Maximum amounts for emergency work
- Requirement to use approved contractors
- Excess applicable to each claim
How Long Until Permanent Repair?
Typical Timelines
| Repair Type | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| Window glass replacement | 1-7 days |
| Standard door replacement | 3-14 days |
| Specialist/custom door | 2-6 weeks |
| Insurance-funded major work | 2-8 weeks |
Factors Affecting Timeline
- Availability of materials (standard vs custom)
- Insurance approval process
- Contractor availability
- Extent of associated work (frame, brickwork)
Living With Temporary Security
If the wait is extended:
- Professional boarding is designed for medium-term use
- Check fixings weekly for any loosening
- Address any water ingress immediately
- Consider upgrading temporary measures if concerned
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can boarding-up last?
Professional boarding-up can remain secure for weeks or months if properly installed. However, it's a temporary measure—permanent repair should be scheduled as soon as practically possible.
Will boarding-up affect my insurance claim?
No—insurers expect you to prevent further damage. Emergency securing is a reasonable and expected action. It may even be required to maintain coverage for additional losses.
Can I board up myself or should I call a professional?
DIY boards may work for small windows, but professional boarding provides proper security. Boards that can be easily removed from outside don't really secure anything.
Is steel boarding better than timber?
Steel provides better security and is harder to remove but costs more and is heavier. For most residential situations, properly secured timber is adequate for short-term protection.
What about temporary doors?
Temporary door solutions exist but are usually for commercial/building sites. For residential, boarding the opening or emergency door replacement is typically more practical.
Should I stay in the property while it's boarded up?
That's a personal decision. Professional boarding provides security, but you may feel uncomfortable. Consider staying elsewhere for the first night or two if the intrusion was traumatic.
How much does emergency boarding-up typically cost?
Expect £50-100 for a single window, £80-150 for a door opening. Evening and weekend callouts may incur additional premium charges. Get the receipt for your insurance claim.
What should I do if the boarding becomes loose or damaged?
Contact the company that installed it for re-securing. Check fixings regularly during extended temporary periods. Any loosening compromises security and should be addressed promptly.
Taking Action
When you discover a breach:
- Assess safety first—don’t enter if someone may be present
- Document with photos before touching anything
- Report to police if criminal damage/break-in
- Arrange professional boarding for anything beyond small windows
- Contact insurer to report and discuss next steps
- Schedule permanent repair as soon as quotes/approval allow
Temporary security buys you time—but it should provide genuine protection, not just peace of mind theatre. Invest in proper solutions and your property remains secure until permanent repair. Once permanent repairs are complete, consider upgrading security after burglary to prevent future incidents.