Storm Damage Boarding Up in West London (W2–W14)

Storm damage is stressful because it happens fast: a sudden gust tears a panel loose, debris hits a window, or water gets in through a roof opening. If you’re dealing with broken glazing, a compromised door, or exposed roof timbers, the priority is simple — make the property safe, secure, and weather-tight enough to prevent further damage.

Boarding Up West London provides storm damage boarding up across W postcodes (W2–W14), for homes, flats, shops and managed buildings. If it’s urgent, use our emergency line: Call 020 4634 8072.

If you’re unsure whether you need boarding up or a different type of temporary protection, we’ll talk it through on the phone and explain the options.

When storm damage typically happens in West London

West London storms tend to cause a specific set of issues because of the area’s mix of tall street trees, exposed open spaces, and varied building stock (from Victorian terraces to mansion blocks and shopfronts).

Common scenarios we’re called to include:

Broken windows and smashed glazing from flying debris, loose roof tiles, or fallen branches
Doors forced open by wind after frames swell or latches fail, especially on older timber doors
Shopfront impacts where large panes crack or shatter, leaving a wide, vulnerable opening
Roof openings and skylight failures, including displaced tiles and damaged rooflights
Water ingress risks where the opening can’t be repaired immediately but needs temporary protection

Even if the glass hasn’t fully fallen out, a cracked pane or rattling frame can fail later — particularly overnight when temperatures drop and wind picks up again.

If you need urgent help securing the building, see our dedicated page for emergency boarding up.

What to do straight away (before we arrive)

If it’s safe to do so, these steps can reduce risk and help with insurance later:

Keep people away from the damaged area (broken glass and unstable frames can shift).
Take clear photos of the damage from a safe distance, including wider shots showing the context.
Move valuables and stock away from exposed openings (especially near shopfronts).
Switch off electrics only if there’s visible water getting near sockets/consumer units — if unsure, leave it and keep clear.
Contact your insurer early and keep any claim reference to hand.

We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for — more on that here: insurance claims support.

How we secure a storm-damaged property (our approach)

Storm damage isn’t “one size fits all”. A cracked sash window in a conversion off a busy road needs a different approach to a wide commercial frontage or a damaged rooflight.

When you call, we’ll ask practical questions such as:

What’s been damaged — window, door, shopfront, roof/skylight?
Is the opening at ground level, above a shop canopy, or on an upper floor?
Is the property occupied tonight, or will it be empty?
Are there any immediate safety issues (loose glass, hanging frames, water ingress)?

Then we’ll recommend the right temporary security solution and attend with materials sized for the job.

Step-by-step: what our technicians do on site

Safety check and hazard control
We look for loose shards, unstable frames, and any signs the opening is widening. If the area is public-facing (shopfronts or street-level windows), we’ll prioritise making it safe.
Measure and choose the right boarding method
We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, secure boarding on larger or higher-risk openings. For smaller windows or low-risk areas, 12mm OSB can be appropriate — we’ll explain what’s suitable and why.
Fix using secure, appropriate fixings
We use anti-tamper fixings where possible to reduce the risk of boards being removed from outside — particularly important if the property will be unattended.
Weather and ventilation considerations
Storm damage often comes with rain. Where water ingress is a concern, we’ll fit boarding to minimise exposure. If the building needs airflow (for example after water ingress), we’ll discuss sensible ventilation options rather than sealing everything blindly.
Photographic and written documentation
You’ll receive time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice/work statement, useful for landlords, managing agents, and insurers.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll tell you before proceeding and explain the options.

The right service for the right opening

Storm damage can affect multiple parts of a building. These are the services we most often use after high winds and heavy rain.

Window boarding after storm damage

If a window has shattered, popped out of its frame, or is visibly cracked and unstable, boarding prevents access and reduces further breakage.

Learn more about our methods and materials for window boarding in West London.

Door boarding and temporary security for forced or failed doors

Strong winds can expose weaknesses in older doors and frames — especially if the door has already been sticking or swelling. If the door can’t be secured properly, we can board it or install a more robust temporary option.

See door boarding in West London and, where appropriate for longer-term security, consider our options under vacant property security.

Shopfront boarding for broken commercial glazing

Shopfront glass is often the first to fail when debris hits, and it leaves a large opening that can’t wait until normal trading hours. Our shopfront boarding is designed to secure wide spans and reduce risk to passers-by.

See shopfront boarding in West London.

Roof and skylight boarding for exposed openings

Storms can dislodge tiles, damage rooflights, or break skylights — particularly on extensions and flat roofs. Temporary roof boarding is about preventing avoidable internal damage while you arrange permanent repairs.

See roof boarding in West London.

A realistic storm-damage callout (what it looks like)

A typical West London job is a rear extension rooflight that fails during heavy wind and rain. The opening might not be visible from the street, but water can quickly damage ceilings, electrics and flooring inside.

We’ll usually:

check access and safe working position,
measure the opening and select suitable boarding,
fit boarding securely to protect the interior from further weather,
photograph the completed work for your records.

If additional permanent repairs are needed, we’ll be clear that our role is temporary securing and protection — we’re there to stabilise the situation and reduce risk until the proper repair is arranged.

Residential, commercial and managed buildings — what changes?

Storm damage affects different properties in different ways:

Residential homes and flats: we often deal with sash windows, bay windows, and communal entrances. We’re used to working considerately in occupied buildings and keeping disruption down.
Relevant: residential boarding up
Commercial sites: the priority is often public safety and preventing theft, especially if a frontage is exposed overnight.
Relevant: commercial boarding up
Vacant or void properties: storms expose weaknesses quickly, and an empty building can be targeted if it looks open. We can advise on stronger temporary security measures.
Relevant: vacant property boarding up

What you can expect when you call us

When you contact Boarding Up West London, we’ll keep things practical:

We’ll ask a few key questions and give clear guidance.
We don’t promise fixed arrival times — weather, access and demand vary — but we prioritise urgent cases and will be transparent about what’s realistic.
Our technicians are DBS-checked and fully insured, and we can work with landlords, managing agents, and facilities teams.
We can email documentation and photos to you or your insurer/agent if requested.

For general background, you may find this helpful: what is boarding up?

FAQs about storm damage boarding up in West London

How quickly should I board up after storm damage?

As soon as there’s an accessible opening or unstable glazing. Even a partly broken window can fail later, and once it’s dark the risk of opportunistic entry increases. If the opening is exposed to rain, acting quickly also helps limit internal damage.

Is storm damage boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, depending on your policy and excess. We’re not insurers or loss adjusters, but we provide photos and an itemised invoice/work statement that usually supports a claim. See insurance claims support.

Can you board up a property if I’m not there?

In many cases, yes — particularly for landlords, managing agents, or commercial sites — as long as we can confirm permission and get access arrangements. If you’re unsure, call and we’ll explain what we need.

Do you repair the window/roof as well as boarding up?

Our focus is securing and protecting the opening: boarding, temporary protection, and robust fixings. Permanent glazing or roofing repairs are typically handled by the relevant trade, but we can stabilise the situation so further damage is less likely.

What materials do you use for storm damage boarding?

Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and security, and 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate. We choose based on the size of the opening, risk level, and how long the property needs to remain secured.

Need help after storm damage in West London?

If your property has been hit by wind, debris or heavy rain and you need it secured, we can help across W2–W14.

Urgent situation? Use our emergency line: Call 020 4634 8072
Prefer to message? Email info@boarding-up-west-london.co.uk

You can also read more about our boarding up services in West London or check FAQs before you call.

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Need help now? Call 020 4634 8072 for immediate assistance.

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