Property Types We Board Up in Luton (LU1–LU7)

When something goes wrong with a door, window, rooflight or shopfront, the first priority is simple: secure the property and make it safe. Our team provides boarding up in Luton across all LU postcodes (LU1–LU7), and we work with a wide range of buildings—from lived-in homes to trading premises and vacant units.

If you need urgent help to board up a broken window or board up a door, you can reach us any time. We don’t promise fixed arrival times (conditions and workload vary), but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need help now? Call 01582 377 256

Which property types do we cover?

Most “boarding up” jobs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on:

  • Whether the property is occupied or vacant
  • The size and type of opening (window, door, shopfront glazing, roof/skylight)
  • The condition of the surrounding frame or structure
  • How long you need it secured for (overnight vs medium-term)
  • Whether access is straightforward (rear alleys, upper floors, shared entrances)

We mainly secure:

  • Residential property (houses, flats, maisonettes)
  • Commercial property (shops, offices, industrial units, hospitality)
  • Vacant/void property (between tenants, probate, repossession, empty retail)

If you’re unsure which category you fall into, call us—most real-world jobs overlap (e.g., a flat above a shop, or a vacant office with ground-floor glazing).

For an overview of what boarding up involves and when it’s the right option, see: what boarding up is and how it works.

Residential boarding up (homes, flats & maisonettes)

Domestic call-outs are often stressful—especially when it’s late, cold, or you’re worried about security. In Luton and the wider LU area we commonly see jobs involving:

  • A smashed window after attempted entry or an accident
  • A door that’s been forced and won’t close properly
  • Vulnerable windows after glazing is removed for replacement
  • Securing a property after a break-in when you don’t feel safe staying overnight

How we secure residential openings

For most homes, we’ll use exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm for larger openings) or OSB (commonly 12mm for smaller windows where appropriate). The goal is to create a solid, tamper-resistant barrier while avoiding unnecessary damage.

Where possible, we use non-destructive fixing methods and anti-tamper fixings—especially important if the property will be unattended. If the window/door frame is too damaged to take fixings safely, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

If you specifically need help with windows, see: window boarding in Luton.
If the main entry point is compromised, see: door boarding up in Luton.

Common residential scenarios (LU1–LU7)

  • Ground-floor window damage in an occupied home where immediate security is needed
  • A communal entrance or shared hallway where safe access and neighbour consideration matters
  • Upper-floor glazing where access may require safe ladder use and careful handling
  • Temporary boarding while you wait for a glazier (we can’t fit glass, but we can secure the opening)

For burglary-related incidents, you may also find this useful: burglary repairs and boarding up.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, industrial & public-facing sites)

For commercial sites, the risks are slightly different: loss of stock, public safety, and liability are usually the biggest concerns. If a shopfront is damaged, you often need it made safe quickly so you can control access and protect staff and customers.

Commercial boarding up in Luton commonly involves:

  • shopfront boarded up after vandalism or impact damage
  • Securing back doors, fire exits, or side entrances after attempted entry
  • Boarding internal partitions or vulnerable rear windows in mixed-use premises
  • out of hours call-outs where you need a contractor who can document the work clearly for insurers or facilities management

Shopfronts and larger openings

Shopfront glazing and curtain walling can require larger sheets, careful measurement, and fixings that deter removal from outside. We’ll talk you through the most appropriate method for your frontage and the likely time needed on site.

If your priority is a damaged trading frontage, see: shopfront boarding in Luton.

Documentation for businesses and insurers

We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide what insurers and property managers typically need, such as:

  • Itemised invoice
  • Written description of what was secured and how
  • Before/after photos (time-stamped where possible)
  • Notes on any access constraints or frame damage observed

For practical guidance on insurance admin, visit: insurance claims support.

Vacant and void property boarding up (between tenants, empty units, probate & repossession)

Empty properties are at higher risk of repeat targeting once a weakness is spotted. If a building is going to be unoccupied for weeks or months, temporary timber boarding may not be the best long-term answer on its own.

Vacant property jobs in the LU area often involve:

  • Re-securing after an initial break-in (especially where the property is known to be empty)
  • Boarding up after a door is kicked in and the frame is compromised
  • Making safe multiple windows where there’s been widespread damage
  • Advising on a stronger “medium-term” solution for ongoing protection

Medium-term security options: temporary steel doors & security screens

Where appropriate, we may recommend:

  • Temporary steel doors for a more robust entrance solution than timber boarding
  • Steel security screens for repeated-risk windows or vulnerable elevations

These options are especially relevant for void properties, properties awaiting sale, or managed portfolios where you need predictable security standards.

If you’re dealing with a vacant building, you can also read: vacant property boarding in Luton.

How to choose the right approach for your property

The “right” method comes down to balancing security, safety, and the expected duration.

When timber boarding is usually suitable

  • Short-term security while awaiting glazing/repairs
  • One-off damage to a window or door
  • Immediate need to secure property overnight

When stronger measures may be sensible

  • The property will be vacant for an extended period
  • There’s been repeat targeting or the location is particularly exposed
  • Multiple entry points are vulnerable (e.g., rear access and side windows)
  • Door frames are damaged beyond a reliable timber fix

If you need urgent help right now, start here: emergency boarding up.

What to expect when you call us

When you phone, we’ll ask a few quick questions to make sure we bring the right materials and fixings:

  1. What’s been damaged? (window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight)
  2. How big is the opening? (rough size is fine)
  3. Is the property occupied? (and is anyone inside)
  4. Any hazards? (loose glass, fire damage, unstable frames, exposed electrics)
  5. Access details (rear access, shared entry, shutters, height)

Then we’ll explain the likely approach, provide a realistic ETA, and attend to make safe and install temporary boarding.

We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked—important when working in homes, shared blocks, schools, healthcare settings, or any site with safeguarding concerns.

Property type is only half the story—the event matters too. If you’re searching because something specific has happened, these pages may help:

FAQs: Property types & boarding up in Luton

Do you board up flats and apartments with shared entrances?

Yes. We regularly secure flats and maisonettes, including blocks with shared hallways. If access is restricted (entry fobs, concierge, timed gates), let us know on the phone so we can plan accordingly.

Can a landlord or managing agent arrange boarding up for a tenant?

Yes. Landlords, letting agents and property managers can instruct us to secure a property, and we can provide the job documentation needed for records and insurance. If the tenant is on site, we’ll coordinate access safely and respectfully.

Do you handle shopfront boarding for trading premises out of hours?

Yes. We often attend out of hours to get a shopfront boarded up and restore security. We’ll focus on making the site safe first, then securing it to deter further entry attempts.

What if the door frame is too damaged to board up safely?

If the surrounding structure won’t hold fixings securely, we’ll explain the limitation and the options before proceeding. In many cases, a temporary steel door can be a safer, stronger solution than trying to force a timber board onto a failing frame.

Can you board up rooflights and skylights on commercial units?

In many cases, yes—provided access is safe. Roof openings need careful handling because weatherproofing and fall risk matter. Read more about this service here: roof boarding in Luton.

Is boarding up covered by insurance for homes and businesses?

Often it can be, depending on your policy and circumstances. We’re not insurance advisors, but we can supply the photos and paperwork insurers commonly request. See: insurance claims support.

Do you cover all LU postcodes for these property types?

Yes—our coverage includes LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4, LU5, LU6 and LU7. If you’re on the edge of the LU districts, call and we’ll confirm availability for your exact location.

Ready to get started? Call 01582 377 256 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.