How to Board Up a Broken Window Safely
16 January 2026 · 5 min read
Boarding up buys you security and weatherproofing until permanent glass arrives. Here's how to do it safely — or when to call us.
Stay safe first
Broken glass is unpredictable. Wear thick gloves and sturdy shoes, keep children and pets away, and clear loose fragments into a thick box or bag — never bare-handed. If large shards remain wedged in the frame and could fall, it is safer to leave them for a glazier with the right tools.
If the breakage followed a break-in, photograph everything first for your insurance and the police.
Fitting a temporary board
Cut a sheet of exterior-grade plywood slightly larger than the opening. Fix it over the frame with screws into the surrounding timber, or use strong exterior tape and bracing for a short-term fix on uPVC frames where you cannot screw in. The aim is to make the property secure and keep the weather out until permanent glass is fitted.
Cardboard and bin bags are a last resort only — they offer no real security.
When to call a professional
Boarding up at height, on a shopfront, or after a serious break-in is best left to an emergency glazier. We carry proper boarding materials, secure it correctly, and clear the broken glass safely — then return to fit permanent glass once the right unit is ready.
Our emergency teams operate 24/7, so you are never left with an exposed property overnight.
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