Storm Damage Boarding Up in Milton Keynes (MK) – What to Do Next

Storm damage is stressful because it rarely happens at a “convenient” time. A loose roof tile becomes a leak overnight, a branch through a pane turns into a security risk, or a garden gate slams into a patio door and suddenly you need to board up a broken window before the weather gets worse.

Boarding Up Milton Keynes provides emergency boarding up in Milton Keynes across MK postcodes (MK1–MK77). We’re fully insured, our technicians are DBS-checked, and we’ve been trading for 10+ years. If you need to make safe after storm damage—whether it’s a smashed window, a compromised door, or a damaged skylight—we’ll talk you through the options and give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

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

When storm damage leads to boarding up (and why it shouldn’t wait)

Not every storm-damaged opening needs boarding, but if the building envelope is compromised, delaying can quickly turn a “repair” into a bigger claim. In the MK area, common triggers include:

• Broken glazing from wind-blown debris (tiles, branches, signage)
• Patio doors and back doors forced open by wind pressure, swollen frames, or failed locks
• Shopfront glazing cracked or shattered overnight (especially if the premises are empty)
• Rooflights/skylights dislodged or broken, leaving an overhead opening
• Garage side doors and service doors damaged or no longer closing properly
• Flying fence panels or other impact damage around side alleys and access routes

If you can see daylight through a window, the door won’t secure, or water is entering, boarding up is usually the fastest way to secure property and stabilise the situation until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Storm calls are often out of hours—late evening, early morning, or during a weekend—so the priority is simple: temporary boarding that prevents further water ingress where possible and reduces the risk of opportunistic entry.

If you’re unsure whether you need boarding up: call us and describe the damage. We’ll be honest—sometimes a simple temporary close-up is enough; sometimes the frame is too unstable and needs a more robust approach.

What we do on storm-damage call-outs in Milton Keynes

Our job is to make safe, secure the opening, and leave the property in a condition where you can safely wait for glaziers, roofers, or insurers’ contractors.

1) Initial assessment and safety checks

We check for:

• Loose glass and sharp debris (especially around uPVC frames and shopfronts)
• Instability in the frame or surrounding structure
• Overhead hazards (loose tiles, fascia, or damaged rooflights)
• Safe access routes (rear gardens, side passages, shared access for flats)

If an area is unsafe to approach, we’ll tell you straight away and discuss safer options. We’re boarding-up specialists—not structural engineers—and we won’t take unnecessary risks.

2) Choosing the right boarding method for the opening

We typically use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust security on larger or vulnerable openings
• 12mm OSB for smaller windows or where a lighter, quick board is appropriate

We size boards properly to cover the full opening and fix them securely. The right choice depends on location (front elevation vs rear), exposure to wind/rain, and whether the property will be left unattended.

For higher-risk situations—vacant properties, repeated vandalism, or exposed commercial frontage—we may recommend stronger medium-term options such as a temporary steel door or security screens, depending on the opening and your needs.

3) Fixing methods that prioritise security and damage limitation

Where possible, we use methods that:

• deter removal from outside (anti-tamper approach)
• spread load to reduce stress on damaged frames
• avoid making a bad frame worse

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. The goal is always: secure first, minimise additional damage second, and keep everything clear for your insurer and repair contractor.

4) Weatherproofing considerations (realistic, not over-promised)

Boarding up is primarily about security and safety. It can reduce wind-driven rain entering the property, but it is not the same as a full repair. We’ll do what’s practical on-site—especially on windows and doors—but if a roof structure is damaged, you may still need a roofer urgently.

If there’s an overhead opening (rooflight/skylight), we’ll take extra care with fixings and coverage because wind uplift is a real factor after storms.

5) Documentation you can use for insurance

Customers often need paperwork quickly. We can provide:

• itemised invoices
• a clear statement of work carried out
• time-stamped photos (where practical and safe)

We’re not loss adjusters, but we’ll provide the kind of documentation insurers typically ask for.

The most common storm-damage scenarios we handle in MK postcodes

Broken or cracked windows

A cracked pane can fail later with temperature changes and vibration. If it’s already broken, boarding up prevents injury and deters entry.

Relevant service: window boarding in Milton Keynes
Need to board up a broken window today? Call 01908 024 702

Doors that won’t close or lock after wind damage

Storms can twist doors in their frames, snap keeps, or blow hinges. If you can’t reliably lock up, boarding (or a temporary steel door) can restore security fast.

Relevant service: door boarding in Milton Keynes
Need to board up a door after storm damage? Call 01908 024 702

Damaged shopfronts and commercial glazing

A single cracked panel can attract attention—especially overnight. We can board shopfronts to keep stock and premises secure until glazing can be replaced.

Relevant service: shopfront boarding in Milton Keynes
Need your shopfront boarded up out of hours? Call 01908 024 702

Rooflights, skylights, and roof openings

Roof damage can expose the property to rain and create a fall hazard. We secure openings where safe access is possible and leave the site safer for follow-on repairs.

Relevant service: roof boarding in Milton Keynes
Concerned about a roof opening after a storm? Call 01908 024 702

A typical storm-damage call-out in Milton Keynes (example)

A typical call might come in during the evening after high winds across the MK area. A homeowner reports a smashed window at the rear of the property after debris hit the glass. The room is accessible from a side gate and the household can’t leave it unsecured overnight.

On arrival, we’d first make safe—checking for loose shards, clearing immediate hazards, and assessing the window frame. If the frame is stable, we’d measure up and fit an exterior-grade board (often 18mm plywood for a ground-floor rear opening), fixed in a way that can’t be easily removed from outside. If there’s evidence of attempted entry (or the property will be empty), we’d discuss whether additional security is sensible.

Before leaving, we’d take photos of the boarded opening and provide paperwork suitable for an insurer, so the customer has a clear record of what was done and why.

What to do right now if you’ve had storm damage (Milton Keynes & MK)

If you’re dealing with storm damage tonight, focus on safety and preventing escalation.

1. Check for immediate danger
   Stay clear of hanging glass, loose roof materials, and exposed wiring. Keep children and pets away.

2. If there’s a crime risk or someone is trying doors/windows, call 999
   If it’s a suspected break-in attempt, the police should be first.

3. Take photos if it’s safe
   Quick phone photos of the damage (inside and outside) can help with an insurance claim.

4. Move valuables away from the damaged opening
   Especially for ground-floor windows and shopfronts.

5. Call us to secure the property
   We’ll prioritise urgent calls and give you a realistic ETA based on workload and conditions.
   Need emergency boarding up in Milton Keynes? Call 01908 024 702

6. Contact your insurer as soon as practical
   Keep your policy number to hand and ask what documentation they need. We can support with invoices and a work statement—see our guidance on insurance claims for boarding up.

How our storm damage boarding up works (what to expect when you call)

When you phone, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we arrive prepared:

• What’s damaged: window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight?
• Is the opening at ground level or elevated?
• Is anyone inside the property, and is it safe?
• Is the property occupied, vacant, or commercial?
• Rough size of the opening (even “small bathroom window” helps)
• Any access restrictions (shared entrances, rear access, shutters, alarms)

We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times because conditions vary, especially in widespread storm events. But we do prioritise urgent calls and will be clear about what’s realistic.

If you’d like more background on the approach and terminology, see what boarding up is and when it’s used.

Storm damage: boarding up options (and when to consider upgrades)

Boarding up is usually the right first step, but some situations benefit from more durable temporary security:

• Temporary steel doors: useful when a door has been forced, the frame is damaged, or trades will need repeated access during repairs. Ideal for voids and longer repair timelines.
• Security screens: a stronger medium-term option for vacant or high-risk properties, especially where repeated incidents are a concern.

If you’re managing an empty property, you may also want to review vacant property boarding up so the security approach matches your risk level and insurer expectations.

FAQs – Storm damage boarding up in Milton Keynes (MK)

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up after storm damage?

Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up across Milton Keynes and MK postcodes. During severe weather events, demand can spike, so we’ll prioritise urgent cases and give you a realistic ETA when you call.

Can you board up a smashed window tonight?

If the opening is unsafe or leaves the property insecure, we can usually attend to board up a broken window as an emergency. Call us and we’ll advise what to do while you wait.
Emergency help: Call 01908 024 702

Will boarding up stop the rain completely?

Boarding up helps reduce exposure and improves security, but it’s not a substitute for full repairs. We’ll secure the opening and do what’s practical on-site, but roof failures or structural damage may still need a roofer or builder urgently.

What if the window frame or door frame is badly damaged?

If the frame can’t take secure fixings, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Sometimes we can still board effectively; sometimes a different approach (like a temporary steel door) is more suitable. We’ll always aim to minimise additional damage while still securing the property.

Is storm damage boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—especially where it’s necessary to prevent further loss (a common policy requirement). Cover depends on your policy terms. We can provide invoices, photos, and a work statement; see insurance claims for boarding up for practical guidance.

Do you board up rooflights and skylights after storms?

Yes, where access is safe and appropriate. Roof work has additional hazards, so we’ll assess conditions on arrival. If it’s not safe to access immediately (high winds, unstable materials), we’ll discuss alternatives and next steps.

I’m in an MK postcode outside central Milton Keynes—do you cover me?

Yes. We cover MK postcodes from MK1 through to MK77. If you’re unsure, call and tell us your postcode—we’ll confirm coverage and advise.

Can you help landlords or managing agents after storm damage?

Yes. We regularly support landlords, letting agents, and facilities teams with temporary boarding, documentation, and practical site coordination—especially when tenants have had to leave the property or the building must be secured before contractors attend.

Need storm damage boarding up in Milton Keynes?

If your property has been damaged by high winds or flying debris, don’t leave it exposed overnight. We’ll help you make safe, secure the opening, and provide documentation suitable for most insurers.

Need help now? Call 01908 024 702 or email us.