Emergency Boarding Up – Can a Locksmith Help? & Approximate Cost
Imagine this: you come home from a night of partying at your favourite watering hole downtown or wake up in the middle of the night to find a damaged door or a broken window. Maybe a storm turned errant tree branches into projectiles and smashed through your front window. Or worse, your home has been targeted by burglars.
In these situations, securing your property quickly is a top priority—but who do you call? Can a locksmith – known for cutting and making keys and fixing locks – help with emergency boarding up? And how much will it cost?
Let us walk you through everything you must know about emergency boarding up services in the UK, including when a locksmith can step in and what kind of costs you can expect. Let’s begin.
Can Locksmiths Help with Emergency Boarding Up?
Absolutely! While some folks call a dedicated boarding up service or an emergency property damage restoration company, trusty locksmiths in the UK offer emergency boarding up services focusing on broken doors and windows.
Specially trained locksmiths apply a methodical approach to emergency boarding up. Once they arrive, which usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, locksmiths go to work, starting with a comprehensive damage assessment to determine the best way to secure the property.
They use plywood and other durable boarding materials to cover broken glass doors, windows, or damaged entry points. Locksmiths secure these boards to prevent further access, ensuring safety until permanent repairs can be made. They will also assess locks and repair or reinforce them to boost property security.
When Do You Need Emergency Boarding Up?
Knowing when to call trusty locksmiths to render emergency boarding up services is essential. Here are some instances when calling them immediately is vital.
Burglary or vandalism
Most intruders break into homes by forcing their way, smashing glass windows, and prying door locks, among others. Such damage compromises these structures’ integrity, making them weak and more vulnerable to future attacks. Boarding them up should reinforce these weakened sections, restore property security, and prevent further break-ins.
Accidental damage
From an accidental slip-up while moving furniture to a stray football smashing a window, accidents happen, leaving you with a damaged door or broken glass window. Emergency boarding up services can keep your home safe until a carpenter or glazier fixes these problems properly (and permanently).
Storm or weather damage
Strong winds, hailstorms, and other severe weather disturbances can damage doors and windows, too. Boarding up prevents further exposure to the elements and keeps unwanted visitors – unwelcome humans and animals – out.
Fire or flood damage
Fire or flood can undermine a building’s foundation, increasing the risk of collapse. Emergency boarding up services help secure damaged sections to keep your property safe until full restoration can take place.
Vacant or abandoned properties
Vacant properties are a favourite of vandals, squatters, and other “unsavoury” individuals. Boarding up abandoned or vacant properties can improve security and prevent further deterioration until they are occupied again.
How Much Does Emergency Boarding Up Cost?
Emergency boarding up costs can start at £100 broken down as follows.
- Call-out charges – Most locksmiths offering emergency boarding up services charge £50 to £150 as call-out fees, depending on the location and time of day. For example, weekend or late-night emergency call-outs are more expensive than weekday and day-time responses.
- Size and number of openings to be boarded up – A single window can cost £80 to £150 to board up (depending on the size), while multiple openings can cost at least £200.
- Boarding up materials – Most boarding up services use plywood. However, some clients prefer heavier-duty options, like reinforced boars. These materials can jack up boarding up prices.
- Additional security measures – Locksmiths don’t only offer boarding up services—they can install new locks, repair broken ones, set up reinforced security bars, and apply other security enhancements. These extras can add to the cost. For instance, replacing a broken lock can add £50 to £100 to your bill.
- Location – London and other major cities across the UK typically have higher emergency boarding up services than rural communities and small towns.
Here’s the good news! If the damage is due to severe weather, vandalism, or burglary, your home insurance might just cover the emergency boarding up costs. You might want to contact your insurer before baying out of pocket.
Tips for Choosing the Right Locksmith for Emergency Boarding Up
Locksmiths can perform emergency boarding up like seasoned professionals. But how do you choose the right locksmith to give you peace of mind during these times? Here are some tips.
- Choose a locksmith company with a 24/7/365 availability so they can respond to any emergency anytime, any day.
- Verify their credentials, including accreditations
- Check customer reviews, testimonials, and ratings on Trustpilot, Google, and other online trustworthiness review platforms.
- Ask for a price estimate upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
- Choose a locksmithing service with full security solutions, including advice on long-term security improvements.
Final Thoughts
Quick, definitive action is crucial to maintain security and prevent further issues when your home or business has suffered damage. Trusty locksmiths are lifesavers in these moments, providing professional emergency boarding up services that guarantee your property is safe until permanent repairs can be made.
While boarding up costs vary, knowing what to expect and having the right locksmith on call can save you money, time, and stress. Whether it’s due to a break-in, an accident, or storm damage, securing your home quickly can give you peace of mind.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of urgent security measures, don’t hesitate—call a trusted locksmith and get your home secured fast!
