How to board up a door: Securing your empty property doors

As a property owner, ensuring your building is secure from threats like unauthorised entry, weather damage, and vandalism is a top priority. Taking extra precautions to protect a vacant property means it will stay secure during periods of dormancy or renovation.

While best left to the professionals, learning how to board up a door can give you greater insights into the complexities of property management.

Key Takeaways

• Boarding up doors is a vital security measure for vacant or damaged properties, protecting against break-ins, vandalism, and squatting

• Weather protection is another key benefit, helping prevent water ingress, wind damage, and structural issues during periods of disuse

• Clearway offers rapid emergency boarding-up services using both plywood and steel solutions, tailored to the level of risk and access requirements

What is ‘boarding up’?

‘Boarding up’ refers to the process of covering a building’s openings with materials like plywood or steel sheets. The practice is used worldwide and typically involves attaching these boards to the building’s openings to prevent access.

Why would a front door be boarded up?

While there are many reasons a door may need boarding up, the central purpose is to act as a security measure for vacant properties.

1. Preventing unauthorised access

Vacant buildings, whether due to being between tenants, undergoing renovations, or simply unoccupied, are prime targets for intruders.

Boarding up the door acts as a strong deterrent against burglary, vandalism, and squatting. Property owners can secure their premises and reduce the risk of illegal entry by boarding up with durable materials.

2. Protection against environmental damage

Boarding up a front door can also protect a property from environmental damage.

The UK is well-known for its strong winds, heavy rains and occasional flooding. In these circumstances, vacant properties may be at risk of structural and internal damage.

Boarding up helps to shield properties from these severe weather conditions, particularly by preventing water ingress and wind damage.

The boarding-up process can be particularly advantageous for temporarily vacant properties that may not have someone on hand to quickly address weather-related issues.

3. Responding to emergencies

Boarding up a front door provides immediate security in cases of emergencies such as fire, flood, or significant structural damage.

As a temporary measure, boarding up can help maintain safety by preventing access to a potentially hazardous site and keeping the property secure while awaiting repairs.

What materials do you need to board up a door?

Boarding up a door requires specific materials that are both durable and secure.

1. Plywood

Plywood is a popular choice, particularly for short-term or emergencies. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to handle. Exterior-grade plywood is preferable because it’s designed to withstand moisture and outdoor conditions better than interior-grade plywood.

Plywood sheets are typically attached using nails or screws. For added security, it’s advisable to use round-head, non-slotted carriage bolts with washers and nuts on the interior face to prevent tampering​.

2. Steel Sheets

For more robust, long-term security, steel sheets are an excellent choice. They provide superior protection against forced entry and environmental damage.

The types of steel sheets used for boarding up doors generally range from 1mm to 2mm in thickness, which provides properties with a high level of protection while still being manageable for installation.

The two main types of steel sheets are solid and perforated. Solid sheets offer maximum security, while perforated sheets allow for light and air to pass through, which can be beneficial for visibility and ventilation.

Steel panels and Clearway key-operated steel door

3. Other materials

Depending on the specific needs of the property, other materials can also be used for boarding up.

• Lightweight blocks: These can be used to fill in spaces when a more permanent boarding solution is needed, especially when doors are removed entirely during renovations​.
• Expanded metal lathing: This material provides an additional layer of security when combined with plywood or steel sheets. It’s particularly useful for reinforcing weak points and preventing tampering​.

What types of fixings/hinges are recommended for boarding up doors?

Security professionals will use a range of hinges and fixings to board up a door, the types used depending on the job in question.

1. Anti-tamper screws

Anti-tamper screws are essential for securing boards, especially steel sheets. These screws are designed to be difficult to remove without specialised tools, which is why they’re excellent for preventing unauthorised access.

They typically feature unique head designs such as pin-in-hex or one-way screws, which require special bits for installation and removal​.

2. Carriage bolts

Carriage bolts are another secure option for fixing boards. These bolts have a round, smooth head with a square section underneath that prevents the bolt from turning when tightened.

They are used in conjunction with nuts and washers to create a robust fixing, ideal for plywood. Carriage bolts are especially useful for through-bolt compression fastening, where the bolt penetrates the board and a brace on the opposite side.

3. Heavy-duty hinges

If you need to create a boarding solution that allows for controlled access, heavy-duty hinges are recommended.

Types such as butt hinges or continuous (piano) hinges are durable and can support substantial weight, meaning the door remains secure yet operable.

Contact Clearway for Emergency Boarding-Up Services!

Has your property been compromised due to a break-in or damage? Don’t leave it vulnerable to further incidents. At Clearway, we offer rapid, reliable emergency boarding-up services to safeguard your property against vandalism, theft, and squatting.

With options ranging from robust steel screens to cost-effective plywood boards, we cater to all security needs and budgets. Contact us now at 0330 088 1973 to secure your property today.