Roof Boarding in Milton Keynes (Emergency Roof & Skylight Boarding)

A damaged roof can’t wait. Whether it’s storm-blown tiles, a collapsed section after impact, or a broken skylight letting in rain, the priority is to make safe, stop further water ingress where possible, and secure the property until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Boarding Up Milton Keynes provides roof boarding in Milton Keynes and across MK postcodes (MK1–MK77) for homeowners, landlords, managing agents and commercial sites. We prioritise urgent call-outs and out of hours requests, and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone based on workload and conditions.

Need help now? Call 01908 024 702 for urgent roof boarding and temporary boarding.

When roof boarding is needed (and why it’s urgent)

Roof damage is different from a smashed window: it often involves height, unstable materials, and weather exposure. A small opening can quickly become a major internal loss once wind-driven rain gets in.

Typical reasons customers call us for emergency boarding up on a roof include:

• Storm damage: lifted tiles, missing felt, dislodged ridge sections, wind-damaged soffits
• Broken skylights / rooflights: cracked glazing, damaged frames, missing panes
• Fire damage: roof openings or compromised sections after the fire service has finished (we secure the property; we don’t provide smoke/odour remediation)
• Accident/impact: falling branches, debris, or vehicle strikes affecting roof edges/canopies
• Vandalism: deliberate damage to rooflights, access hatches or vulnerable flat-roof edges
• Vacant buildings: repeated break-ins via roof access or rooflight entry points

If the roof opening is accessible from outside, boarding is often essential to reduce the chance of further damage—or opportunistic entry—especially if the building will be unattended overnight.

If your damage was caused by a break-in or vandalism, you may also want to read our guidance on burglary repairs and boarding or vandalism repair.

What “roof boarding” actually means (and what it doesn’t)

Roof boarding is a temporary security and weather-protection measure. The goal is to:

1. Make safe any immediate hazards (loose materials, unsafe access, exposed openings)
2. Cover and secure openings (roof voids, skylights, access panels) with appropriate board and fixings
3. Provide clear documentation for insurers or property managers

Roof boarding is not the same as full roof repair. We won’t claim to “fix” your roof permanently in one visit. If a temporary fix isn’t safe or practical (for example, severe structural instability or unsafe weather conditions), we’ll explain your options before proceeding.

Emergency roof boarding across Milton Keynes (out of hours available)

When you call, we’ll ask a few quick questions to send the right equipment:

• Property type (house, flat roof over an extension, commercial unit, stairwell rooflight, etc.)
• What’s damaged (skylight, tiles, flat roof deck, felt, access hatch)
• Whether there’s active water ingress
• Safe access details (rear access, gated areas, shared alleys, loading bay access)
• Any immediate hazards (fallen cables, suspected asbestos cement sheets, unstable chimney stack)

We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times—conditions and workload vary—but we prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible.

Need 24/7 boarding up in Milton Keynes? Start with our emergency page: emergency boarding up or call now on 01908 024 702.

Roof boarding materials we use (and why)

The right material depends on the opening size, exposure level, and how long it needs to remain in place.

18mm exterior-grade plywood (most common for roof boarding)

For many roof openings and rooflight covers, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood. It offers a strong balance of stiffness, impact resistance and screw-holding strength.

Why it matters:

• Better resistance to flexing in wind compared to thinner board
• More secure when used with anti-tamper fixings
• Suitable for larger spans (where safely supported)

OSB (typically 12mm for smaller openings)

For certain smaller rooflight openings or internal-facing covers, 12mm OSB can be appropriate. It’s cost-effective and strong in compression, but it’s not always the best choice for highly exposed roof areas.

We’ll choose the material based on exposure and safety—not just price.

Fixings: anti-tamper where it counts

Where there’s a risk of external removal (especially on accessible flat roofs or low rooflines), we use anti-tamper fixings. The reason is simple: standard screws can be backed out from outside, which defeats the purpose of securing the property.

If the roof structure is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll talk you through options before we proceed.

Our roof boarding method (step-by-step)

Every job is different, but our process stays consistent and safety-led.

1. Site assessment & hazards

   • Identify loose materials, fragile roof surfaces, and safe access points
   • Confirm whether boarding is safe to carry out in current conditions

2. Make safe

   • Remove immediate hazards where safe to do so
   • Isolate the opening and reduce risk of falling debris

3. Measure and cut boards accurately

   • We size boards for proper coverage and fixing points
   • For rooflights, we aim for solid fixing into sound frame/timber where available

4. Fix boards securely

   • Use appropriate fixings (including anti-tamper fixings when required)
   • Ensure the board is stable and resistant to lift and prying

5. Document the work

   • Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
   • Itemised invoice and a clear description of what was done (useful for insurers)

For other openings at the same property (e.g., a smashed window from flying debris), we may recommend window boarding in Milton Keynes as part of the same make-safe visit.

Common roof boarding scenarios in MK (what we typically see)

Roof boarding isn’t only for “big” damage. Some of the most urgent jobs involve small openings that create major problems.

Board up a broken skylight

A broken skylight can pour water into stairwells, kitchens, warehouse aisles, or communal corridors. We can board up a broken window on a rooflight/skylight opening to reduce weather exposure and improve security until glazing is replaced.

Temporary boarding after storm damage

After high winds, it’s common to have sections that are open to the elements. Roof boarding provides temporary boarding so you can arrange a roofer without leaving the interior exposed overnight.

If your damage was caused by weather, see: storm damage boarding and make safe.

Securing access hatches and vulnerable flat roofs

Some properties are repeatedly targeted via roof access points. Roof boarding can be combined with more durable options for longer-term security if required (we’ll advise honestly based on risk and budget).

For longer-term securing (especially on voids), you may want to consider vacant property boarding solutions.

Roof boarding for commercial buildings, landlords and managing agents

We regularly support:

• Retail and office properties needing out of hours attendance
• Warehouses and industrial units with rooflights over working areas
• Landlords dealing with tenant move-outs and sudden damage
• Facilities teams that need clear documentation and consistent site conduct

If RAMS or site sign-in procedures are required, tell us when you call and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

For commercial premises, you may also find this helpful: commercial boarding up in Milton Keynes.

What you get from us

When you book roof boarding in Milton Keynes, you can expect:

• A clear, practical explanation of what we can do on arrival (and any limitations)
• Materials chosen for the situation (often 18mm exterior ply; OSB for certain smaller openings)
• Secure fixing methods, including anti-tamper fixings where appropriate
• Time-stamped photos for your records/insurer (where safe to take)
• An itemised invoice and written description of works completed
• DBS-checked technicians, fully insured, with 10+ years trading experience

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request. For more guidance, see: insurance claims support.

Roof boarding and insurance: what to do before we arrive (if safe)

If you’ve had storm, fire, vandalism or accident damage, a few simple steps help protect your claim:

• Take photos of the damage (only if it’s safe—don’t climb or access unsafe areas)
• Keep any reference numbers (police incident number or fire service details if applicable)
• Call your insurer early and ask what documentation they require
• Avoid moving debris that may be relevant to a claim unless it’s a safety risk

If you need us urgently to secure property and make safe, call first and we can talk you through priorities: Call 01908 024 702.

How long can roof boarding stay in place?

Roof boarding is intended as a temporary measure—often days to a few weeks—until proper roof repair or glazing replacement is arranged. The exact duration depends on:

• Weather exposure and wind loading
• The size and location of the opening
• Whether the property is occupied or vacant
• The condition of the surrounding structure

If you anticipate longer-term needs (particularly for empty buildings), we’ll discuss more robust options during the call.

FAQs: Roof boarding in Milton Keynes

Do you offer emergency roof boarding out of hours in Milton Keynes?

Yes. We provide emergency boarding up and can attend out of hours when required. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent situations and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Can you board up a smashed skylight tonight?

In many cases, yes. A smashed skylight is a common reason customers call for 24/7 boarding up. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, unstable roof), we’ll explain what’s possible and the safest next step.

What board do you use for roof boarding?

Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for exposed roof openings, and 12mm OSB for some smaller or less exposed situations. We choose materials based on safety, security, and exposure—then price.

Will roof boarding stop rain completely?

It can significantly reduce water ingress, but we won’t guarantee a fully watertight seal in every scenario—especially in driving rain or when the surrounding roof structure is compromised. The aim is to make safe and limit further damage until repairs are completed.

Can you secure other entry points at the same time?

Yes. If you’ve had a storm or break-in, you may need us to board up door areas or secure broken windows as well. We can often combine roof boarding with door boarding in Milton Keynes or window boarding during the same visit.

Do you cover my area and postcode?

We cover Milton Keynes and the wider MK region, including MK1 through MK77. If you’re unsure, call and we’ll confirm coverage quickly.

Is roof boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, especially when it’s necessary to prevent further damage after an insured event. Policies vary, so check with your insurer. We provide photos and an itemised invoice to support claims—see insurance claims guidance.

What if the roof structure is too damaged to fix boards safely?

If the frame or supporting structure is too compromised for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Safety comes first, and in some cases you may need a roofer or structural input before boarding can be completed.

Speak to a roof boarding specialist in Milton Keynes

If your roof, skylight or rooflight is damaged, don’t leave the property exposed overnight.

Need help now? Call 01908 024 702 for emergency roof boarding and make-safe assistance.
Or email details/photos (if safe) to info@boarding-up-milton-keynes.co.uk.