Boarding Up Pricing in Portsmouth (What Affects The Cost)

If you’re looking up boarding up pricing in Portsmouth, it’s usually because something’s gone wrong—a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a property that needs securing before nightfall. We keep pricing straightforward and we’ll explain your options clearly on the phone before we attend.

Because every job is different (size of opening, access, materials, and whether it’s out of hours), we don’t publish fixed price lists. Instead, we give a clear estimate based on what you tell us, then confirm what’s required on arrival.

If you need urgent help, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 023 8272 0371.

How Our Boarding Up Pricing Works

Boarding up is typically priced around a few practical factors, rather than a single flat fee. When you call, we’ll ask a handful of questions so we can guide you to the right approach (temporary boarding vs a more secure, longer-term solution).

We’ll usually ask:

  • What happened (break-in, vandalism, accident impact, storm damage)
  • What needs securing (window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight)
  • Rough size/number of openings
  • Whether the property is occupied, vacant, or a commercial site
  • Any access issues (upper floors, rear access, shared entry, tight alleyways)
  • Whether you need make safe only, or a more robust security solution

For the “what service do I need?” side of things, these pages explain methods in more detail:

Key Cost Factors (What Changes The Price)

1) Size, number, and type of opening

A single domestic board up broken window is very different to multiple large commercial panes. Price is influenced by:

  • Width/height of the opening(s)
  • Quantity (one smashed window vs several)
  • Shape and frame condition (sound frame vs splintered timber/uPVC/metal)
  • Whether glazing is still loose and needs careful removal to make safe

2) Materials used (and why they matter)

We choose materials based on security needs and the opening size:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for strong, reliable temporary boarding on larger openings.
  • 12mm OSB may be appropriate for smaller windows or lower-risk areas where a lighter-duty board is sufficient.

We’ll always balance security, safety, and practicality. If the property will be unattended, we’ll usually recommend stronger materials and fixing methods that are harder to defeat.

3) Fixing method and security level (anti-tamper vs basic)

Fixings make a real difference to both security and cost.

  • Anti-tamper fixings help prevent boards being removed from the outside—important for vacant properties, repeated vandalism risk, or sensitive commercial premises.
  • For some situations, a simpler method is acceptable and quicker—especially when you need an immediate make safe overnight and will follow up with repairs the next day.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

4) Access and working conditions

Access can add time and equipment needs, which affects cost:

  • Upper-floor windows or awkward rear access
  • Narrow side paths where large boards need cutting down
  • Multi-occupancy buildings needing coordination for entry
  • Weather conditions (especially in storm damage situations)

For rooflights and skylights, safe access is critical. If we can’t safely access an opening, we’ll tell you straight away and discuss alternatives.

5) Time of day (standard vs out of hours)

Emergency work often happens at the worst times—late evenings, overnight, weekends, or bank holidays. Out of hours attendance can affect pricing due to staffing and urgency.

We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we do prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you ring.

6) Temporary boarding vs temporary steel door / security screens

Not every situation is best solved with plywood alone.

  • If a door has been forced and can’t be secured properly, a temporary steel door can offer stronger, medium-term security.
  • For longer-term protection on void properties, steel security screens may be more appropriate than repeated timber boarding.

Tell us what’s happened and how long the property will be unattended—we’ll recommend the most cost-effective option for the risk level.

7) Commercial requirements (RAMS, site rules, and documentation)

Shops, offices and managed sites sometimes require extra admin or coordination, such as:

  • Sign-in procedures
  • Specific working hours
  • Risk assessments or method statements (where required)
  • Communicating with a facilities manager, landlord, or managing agent

We keep this practical and proportionate, but it can add time.

Typical Scenarios (And What Usually Drives The Cost)

Below are common Portsmouth/PO-area scenarios and what tends to affect cost—not fixed quotes.

  • Smashed window after vandalism: usually one opening, quick make safe, standard board and fixings.
  • Post-burglary door damage: often needs stronger securing, sometimes additional internal bracing or a temporary steel door if the frame is compromised.
  • Shopfront boarded up: larger panels, higher visibility risk, often needs anti-tamper fixings and careful work around remaining glazing.
  • Storm damage: may involve multiple openings and tricky access; sometimes we’re weatherproofing as well as securing.

If your situation matches one of these, you may also find it helpful to read:

What You Get For The Price (So You’re Not Left Guessing)

We focus on leaving your property properly secured and giving you the paperwork you’ll likely need afterwards.

Typically, you’ll receive:

  • A clear description of what we’ve done (what was boarded, how it was fixed)
  • Time-stamped photos where practical (helpful for landlords and insurers)
  • An itemised invoice and work statement for your records
  • Practical advice on next steps (glazing, locksmith, longer-term security if needed)

We’re fully insured, have DBS-checked technicians, and we’ve been trading 10+ years across Portsmouth and the wider PO postcodes.

Can Boarding Up Be Claimed On Insurance?

Often, yes—especially when boarding up is needed to prevent further loss after a break-in, vandalism, storm, fire, or accident. Every policy is different, and we’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide documentation insurers typically ask for.

To make things smoother:

  • Keep your crime reference number (if police attended)
  • Take photos of the damage before we arrive (only if it’s safe)
  • Notify your insurer as early as possible
  • Keep receipts/invoices and any correspondence

For more guidance, see insurance claims support.

Ways To Keep Costs Sensible (Without Cutting Corners)

If you’re trying to manage costs while still properly securing the property, these steps help:

  • Tell us exactly what’s damaged (send photos if you can do so safely)
  • Confirm whether the property will be occupied overnight or left empty
  • Let us know about access restrictions (parking, rear access, shared entry)
  • If you’re a landlord or managing agent, confirm who can authorise works on site

We’ll always explain the trade-offs. For example, a basic temporary boarding might be fine for an occupied home with repairs booked, but a vacant unit may justify anti-tamper fixings or a stronger solution.

Price Questions We’re Happy To Answer On The Phone

When you call 023 8272 0371, we can usually give a clear estimate quickly if you can tell us:

  • Window/door/shopfront/rooflight?
  • Approximate size and number of openings?
  • Is it emergency boarding up tonight, or planned works?
  • Any immediate safety concerns (loose glass, unstable frame)?
  • Is the property in Portsmouth/PO1–PO41 and accessible?

If you’re unsure, just describe what you can see—we’ll guide you.

FAQs About Boarding Up Pricing (Portsmouth & PO Area)

How much does boarding up cost in Portsmouth?

It depends on the opening size, materials, fixing method, access, and whether it’s out of hours. We don’t publish fixed prices because a small flat window and a large shopfront are completely different jobs. Call 023 8272 0371 and we’ll give a clear estimate based on your details.

Do you charge extra for out of hours boarding up?

Out of hours work can cost more because it requires urgent attendance and staffing outside standard times. We’ll tell you the implications when you call and confirm what’s required before starting work.

Is a “cheap boarding up service” a good idea?

Only if it still secures the property properly. The risk with the cheapest option is weak board thickness, poor fixings, or boards that can be removed easily. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective approach that still protects your property.

What’s the difference in price between plywood and OSB boarding?

Material choice can affect cost, but the bigger factor is usually security level and labour time (cutting, fitting, and fixings). We commonly use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for stronger protection and 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings when suitable.

Can you price a job from photos?

Often, yes—photos help us estimate board sizes and likely fixings. We may still need to confirm frame condition and access on arrival, but photos can speed up the process and reduce surprises.

Do you offer quotes for planned boarding up (not emergency)?

Yes. If you’re securing a vacant property, preparing for building works, or managing a site, we can quote for planned works and advise on longer-term options. See areas we cover if you’re not sure whether you’re in our patch.

Will you provide an invoice suitable for insurers or landlords?

Yes—itemised invoices and work statements are standard, and we can provide time-stamped photos where practical. For guidance on what insurers typically need, see insurance claims support.

Ready To Get Started?

Ready to secure your property? Call 023 8272 0371 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote. If it’s urgent tonight, use our emergency boarding up service and we’ll talk you through the next steps.