Window Boarding in Milton Keynes (Emergency & Planned Security)

A smashed window is more than an inconvenience — it’s an immediate security risk, a weather risk, and (for many people) a stressful shock. If you need to board up a broken window in Milton Keynes, we can help you secure the opening quickly and properly, using the right materials and fixings for the situation.

We cover Milton Keynes and all MK postcodes (MK1–MK77) with fully insured, DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years’ experience. For urgent call-outs (including out of hours), use our emergency line and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need a window boarded up now? Call 01908 024 702 or see our emergency boarding up page.

When you need emergency window boarding (and why it matters)

Most customers contact us when something has just happened and they need to make safe immediately. Common emergency scenarios include:

• A smashed window after a break-in or attempted burglary
• Vandalism damage to a front window, side window, or communal glazing
• Accidental impact (e.g., a thrown object, DIY mishap, or vehicle strike near the frontage)
• Storm damage where a pane has blown in or cracked and is likely to fail
• Fire service access where a window has been removed or broken as part of entry

If the property will be unattended — even for a few hours — a broken window can invite further entry. Boarding also helps prevent:

• Rain and wind getting into the room (and causing secondary damage)
• Pets escaping or wildlife getting in
• Heat loss and exposure overnight
• Injury from loose shards or unstable glazing

If you’re dealing with a burglary, our related guidance may help: burglary repairs and boarding up. For deliberate damage, see vandalism repair and boarding up.

What “window boarding” actually involves (not just screwing a sheet on)

Proper window boarding is about secure fixing, safe edges, and the right board for the opening — not just covering glass.

Our aim is to secure the property without creating avoidable damage. Where possible, we use non-destructive methods (fixing into the window reveal or frame appropriately) and we’ll talk you through options if the frame is already compromised.

Typical outcomes of a window boarding visit:

• The opening is fully covered with correctly sized board
• Fixings are placed to resist removal from outside
• Edges sit flush to reduce leverage points
• The area is left safe (no loose glass, no exposed sharp edges)
• You receive documentation suitable for insurers/landlords/managing agents

For overall background and expectations, you can also read: what is boarding up?

Materials we use (and when)

We choose boards based on the risk level, size of the opening, and how long the boarding is likely to remain in place.

18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for most emergencies)

For most emergency window boarding in Milton Keynes, 18mm exterior-grade plywood offers the best balance of strength, durability, and resistance to warping in wet weather. It’s especially suitable for:

• Ground-floor windows
• Easily accessible side windows
• Larger openings where rigidity matters
• Properties likely to be left unattended

12mm OSB (for smaller/low-risk openings where appropriate)

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) can be suitable for smaller windows or lower-risk positions, particularly where the priority is a quick, temporary seal until glazing is replaced.

We won’t use light, flimsy board for a vulnerable window just to cut corners. If the risk level calls for plywood, we’ll say so.

Fixings and security details (what stops it being pulled off)

The board is only as good as what holds it on. Depending on the window type and access, we may use:

• Anti-tamper fixings (important if there’s a realistic risk of attempted removal)
• Coach screws/appropriate anchors where the reveal allows
• Battening methods for certain frames/openings

If the surrounding frame is too damaged for a secure fixing, we’ll explain the safest alternative before proceeding.

How we board up broken windows (our on-site method)

Every property is different, but a typical window boarding job follows a clear, safety-first process.

1. Assess the damage and immediate risks
   We check for loose shards, unstable frames, and whether the remaining glass is likely to collapse.

2. Make safe the area
   If safe to do so, we remove immediate hazards and stabilise what we can. (If there are structural concerns, we’ll tell you straight away.)

3. Measure and cut board to fit
   We cut for a tight, practical fit to reduce gaps and minimise leverage points.

4. Fix securely using the appropriate method
   Fixings are chosen based on substrate, window type, and security needs — including anti-tamper options where appropriate.

5. Final security check and documentation
   We check for movement, weak points, and access issues. We can provide time-stamped photos, a work statement, and an itemised invoice if needed for an insurance claim.

If you also have door damage from the same incident, you may need door boarding in Milton Keynes as well.

Emergency call-outs in Milton Keynes: what to expect when you ring

When you’re stressed, you don’t want a long interrogation — you want clarity. When you call, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we arrive prepared:

• Is it residential or commercial?
• Which MK postcode are you in?
• Which window is damaged (front/side/rear/upper floor)?
• Approximate size of the opening
• Is the property currently secure or exposed?
• Any access restrictions (gates, shutters, shared entry, site security)?

We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, workload, and site conditions vary — but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need out of hours help? Use: emergency boarding up or Call 01908 024 702.

Window boarding for homes, flats, and landlords

Domestic window boarding is often needed after a sudden event — and it’s common to be dealing with children, pets, or worried neighbours at the same time.

We frequently board up:

• Front room windows facing public areas
• Rear patio/utility windows targeted during break-ins
• Communal glazing in low-traffic corridors (with managing-agent approval)
• Upper-floor windows where safe access is possible

If you’re a landlord or managing agent, we can help you secure the property quickly and provide paperwork for your records. You may also find useful: residential boarding up and vacant property boarding.

Window boarding for shops, offices, and commercial units

A broken commercial window is high-risk because it’s visible, accessible, and often expensive to replace quickly. We’re regularly called to:

• Shopfront boarded up requirements after impact or vandalism
• Side/rear windows at industrial or warehouse units
• Offices where a ground-floor window has been forced

Where a window opening is part of a wider glazed frontage, you may be better served by dedicated shopfront boarding rather than standard window boarding — we’ll advise honestly based on what we see.

For commercial premises with compliance needs, we can support basic method statements and practical on-site coordination where required (e.g., access, signing-in, safe working areas).

See also: commercial boarding up.

Temporary boarding vs longer-term security options

Boarding is usually the right first step, but it isn’t always the best long-term solution.

• Temporary boarding is ideal for immediate security and weather protection.
• For properties that may remain empty or repeatedly targeted, you may need longer-term measures (depending on layout and access).

If you’re securing a void property, read: vacant property boarding. If a break-in has compromised doors as well as windows, consider temporary steel doors (installed where appropriate).

Insurance support: what we can provide (and what we can’t)

Many customers ask whether boarding is covered by insurance. Often it can be, but policy terms vary.

We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t approve claims — but we can provide what insurers typically request, including:

• Itemised invoice
• Description of works completed
• Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
• Notes on visible damage and securing method used

Helpful next step: keep your police reference number (if applicable) and contact your insurer as soon as you can.

More guidance is here: insurance claims support.

How much does window boarding cost in Milton Keynes?

Costs depend on what we find on arrival. The biggest factors are:

• Size and number of windows to board
• Height/access (ground floor vs upper floor)
• Condition of frame/reveal (solid fixing vs damaged substrate)
• Security level required (e.g., anti-tamper fixings)
• Out of hours attendance and complexity

We don’t publish “one size fits all” prices because it leads to nasty surprises. Instead, we’ll ask a few questions and give you a clear quote approach before attending.

For a transparent overview, see: pricing.

Frequently asked questions about window boarding in Milton Keynes

Can you board up a broken window tonight?

Yes — we provide 24/7 boarding up across Milton Keynes and MK postcodes. Call us and we’ll prioritise urgent jobs and give you a realistic ETA.
Call 01908 024 702 or visit emergency boarding up.

Do I need to remove broken glass before you arrive?

Only if it’s safe and you have protective gloves/footwear. If there’s risk of injury, leave it and keep people away from the area. We’ll make safe on arrival as part of the process.

Will boarding up damage my window frame?

We aim to secure openings using the least destructive method that still provides real security. If the frame is already split/rotted or the substrate won’t take fixings, we’ll explain your options before proceeding.

Is plywood better than OSB for window boarding?

For many emergency situations, 18mm exterior-grade plywood is stronger and more weather resistant, especially on vulnerable ground-floor windows. OSB can be suitable for smaller or lower-risk openings. We’ll choose the right board for the job, not whatever happens to be in the van.

Can you board up from the inside?

Sometimes, yes — it depends on access, opening type, and whether an internal fix will actually resist removal. Where security is a concern, external anti-tamper methods are often more effective.

Do you board up double-glazed windows?

Yes. Even though the glass is tougher, once it’s cracked or shattered you still need to secure property quickly to prevent entry and weather damage.

Can you help if I’ve had a burglary and the window lock is smashed?

Yes. We can board up the window and leave it secure until a glazier or locksmith completes permanent repairs. For guidance on next steps, see burglary repairs and boarding up.

How long can the boarding stay up?

Boarding is designed as a temporary security measure. How long it can remain depends on exposure and whether it’s a medium-term situation (e.g., void property). If it’s likely to be more than a short period, we can discuss sturdier options and revisit security needs.

Ready to board up a window in Milton Keynes?

If you’ve got a smashed window or need temporary boarding to secure your property, we’re here to help — day or night.

Need help now? Call 01908 024 702 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-milton-keynes.co.uk