Boarding Up Pricing in Harrow (HA0–HA9): What It Costs & What Affects the Price

If you’re looking up boarding up pricing in Harrow, it’s usually because something has already gone wrong — a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a vulnerable empty property. The honest answer is that we can’t publish one “fixed price” for boarding up, because the cost depends on the opening, the condition of the frame, access, and what level of security you need.

What we can do is explain clearly what affects the cost, what you’re paying for, and how we quote. If you need a quote or urgent help, call 020 4634 5472 or email info@boarding-up-harrow.co.uk.

A quick, honest summary of how boarding-up costs work

Boarding up is priced around the practical realities on site:

Size and number of openings (one small pane vs a full shopfront)
Type of boarding (standard plywood/OSB vs screens or temporary steel doors)
Condition of frames and surrounding structure (secure fixing points vs crumbling timber or bent aluminium)
Access and safety (upper floors, rear access, flat roofs, working near traffic)
Urgency / out-of-hours attendance (evenings, nights, weekends, bank holidays)
Whether it’s temporary weatherproofing or medium-term security

If you tell us what’s happened and where in the HA area you are, we’ll give you a clear explanation of your options and an estimated cost before we attend. For urgent incidents, see emergency boarding up.

What can increase or reduce the price?

Below are the most common cost drivers we see across Harrow, Wembley and the wider HA postcodes.

1) The opening size (and whether it’s a simple rectangle)

A straightforward window opening is usually quicker and uses less material than:

Large bays (common on 1930s semis around Kenton, Rayners Lane and Harrow Weald)
Split-level glazing or awkward shapes
Shopfronts with multiple panels and door returns

Larger openings often require thicker boards and more fixings to prevent flexing and tampering.

2) The material and security level you need

We use the right material for the job rather than “one board fits all”:

12mm OSB can suit smaller, low-risk openings (typically short-term and sheltered positions)
18mm exterior-grade plywood is common for stronger protection and better weather resistance
Anti-tamper fixings help prevent boards being removed from outside — particularly important if the property will be unattended
For medium-term needs, temporary steel doors or steel security screens can be more appropriate than repeated re-boarding

If you’re comparing options, our service pages explain what’s involved in window boarding in Harrow and door boarding in Harrow.

3) Frame condition and “what we can safely fix to”

Pricing changes when the surrounding frame is compromised. For example:

Rotten timber sash frames in older properties
Aluminium shopfront frames that have twisted after impact
uPVC frames that have split where locks were forced

We always try to use secure fixing points and minimise unnecessary damage. If the frame is too weak for non-destructive methods, we’ll talk you through the options before proceeding.

4) Access, height and working conditions

Access is a genuine factor in time and safety.

Common examples in Harrow include:

Upper-floor windows in converted houses near Harrow on the Hill
Rear access through narrow side passages (typical of terraced streets)
Flats above shops in busy parades where safe working and loading is tighter

If specialist access is required, we’ll explain what’s needed and why.

5) Shopfronts and commercial premises are a different job

A smashed shopfront along busier routes or parades often involves:

Larger board sizes and more fixings
Working around shutters, signage, and entrance geometry
Making the site safe for staff to lock up and insurers to inspect

If you’re securing glazing at a retail unit, see shopfront boarding.

6) Rooflights, skylights and roof openings

Roof and skylight boarding is often more complex due to:

Safe access and working at height
Weather exposure (urgent water-ingress prevention)
The need to avoid damaging roof coverings

We’ll advise whether boarding is appropriate or whether another temporary protection approach is safer. More detail is on roof boarding.

7) Timing: urgent / out-of-hours call-outs

If you need help tonight or out of hours, the cost may be higher than a planned daytime job. We don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary, but we prioritise urgent calls where a property can’t be left insecure. For immediate assistance, use 24/7 emergency boarding up in Harrow.

Typical scenarios and what usually affects the quote

These are real-world situations we’re asked about in Harrow and the HA postcode area, and what usually shapes the cost:

After a break-in: forced locks, splintered frames, and whether a door can be stabilised for boarding. See boarding up after burglary.
After vandalism: multiple panes, repeated targeting, and whether anti-tamper fixings or screens make more sense. See vandalism repair and boarding.
After storm damage: jagged glass, water ingress, and making the site safe quickly. See storm damage boarding.
After a fire: smoke and heat often weaken frames; the priority is securing the building once the site is safe. We’re not a fire restoration company, but we can secure openings. See fire damage boarding.
After flooding: swollen doors and frames can make closures unreliable; ventilation may matter. See flood damage boarding.
After an impact/accident (vehicle strike, fallen branch): structural checks may be needed before we fix into compromised areas. See accident damage boarding.

How we quote (and what we need from you)

We aim to make quoting straightforward and transparent.

The fastest way to get an accurate estimate

When you call 020 4634 5472, it helps if you can tell us:

Your location (postcode and nearest main road / landmark in HA0–HA9)
What’s been damaged (window, door, shopfront, rooflight)
Approximate size / number of openings
Whether the property is occupied or currently vacant
Any access issues (upper floor, rear access, gated entry, concierge)
If emergency services have attended (and whether the site is safe to enter)

If it’s safe, photos can help us plan materials and fixings. If it isn’t safe, don’t take risks — call us and we’ll guide you.

No hard sell, and no surprise add-ons

We’ll explain:

The recommended method (and any alternatives)
Why a higher-security option may be worth it for vacant properties
Any limitations we can see from the information provided

If we arrive and discover additional damage that changes the scope, we’ll discuss it with you before we proceed.

What you get for the price

Boarding up isn’t just “put a board over it”. You’re paying for a secure, safe, insurer-friendly outcome. Typically you receive:

Correctly sized boards (cut on-site where needed) for a tight fit
Fixing methods appropriate to the frame (with anti-tamper fixings where required)
Weather protection where possible (without creating additional hazards)
A clear work statement and itemised invoice
Time-stamped photos of the secured openings (useful for landlords, managing agents and insurers)

If you’re dealing with a claim, our guidance page may help: insurance claims support.

Choosing the right option: boarding vs steel doors vs security screens

Sometimes the cheapest option today becomes the most expensive over a few weeks if a property keeps getting targeted.

Standard boarding (plywood/OSB): best for short-term security after damage or while glazing is being replaced.
Temporary steel doors: ideal when a door has been forced and the property will be vacant, or when repeated access is needed by trades without compromising security.
Steel security screens: better for void properties, repeated incidents, or longer periods between repair and reoccupation.

If you’re securing an empty building between tenancies or probate, see vacant property boarding up.

Cost questions we’re asked in Harrow (FAQs)

How much does boarding up cost in Harrow?

It depends on the size and number of openings, the material required, fixing method, access, and whether you need emergency attendance. Call 020 4634 5472 and we’ll talk through options and provide an estimated cost before attending.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, boarding up can be claimable as part of making the property safe after an insured event (such as burglary, vandalism or storm damage). We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide invoices and photos that insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support.

Do you charge more for emergency or out-of-hours boarding up?

Emergency and out-of-hours jobs can cost more because they require immediate mobilisation and sometimes more complex working conditions. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times, but urgent security risks are prioritised. If you need help now, use emergency boarding up.

Can you provide a written quote for landlords and managing agents?

Yes. For planned works (for example, securing a void property), we can provide written quotes and documentation suitable for property management and facilities teams. For commercial sites, we can also accommodate site requirements where possible. See commercial boarding up.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We aim to secure openings using the safest practical fixing method. Where frames are already damaged or too weak to take fixings, we’ll explain options before proceeding. Our goal is always to keep the property secure without unnecessary additional damage.

Areas we cover (HA0–HA9)

We’re based locally and cover Harrow and surrounding areas across the HA postcodes — including Wembley, Stanmore, Pinner, Northwood, Edgware and more. You can check your area here: areas we cover.

For location-specific help, you might also want:

Ready to get a quote?

If you can tell us what’s happened and where you are in HA0–HA9, we’ll explain the best way to secure the property and give you a clear, no-pressure quote.

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 5472 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.

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