Roof Boarding in North West London (Emergency & Planned Property Securing)
Roof damage is stressful because it usually comes with two immediate risks: water ingress and unsecured access. If a storm has lifted tiles near a dormer, a skylight has been smashed, or fire crews have opened up a roofline for safety, you need the opening made secure fast.
We provide roof boarding in North West London across the NW postcodes (NW1–NW26), with a strong focus on urgent call-outs where the property can’t be left exposed overnight. If you need help now, use our emergency service: emergency boarding up.
Need urgent roof boarding tonight or out of hours? Call 020 4634 7794
When roof boarding is the right call (and when it isn’t)
Roof boarding is a temporary security and weather-protection measure. It’s often used to buy time until a roofer, glazier, or insurer-approved contractor completes permanent repairs.
Roof boarding is commonly needed after:
- Storm damage (missing tiles, felt lifted, ridge damage, debris impact) – see storm damage boarding
- Fire damage (holes created during firefighting, unstable roof coverings) – see post-fire property securing
- Accidental impact (tree branch through rooflight, ladder damage, contractor mishaps) – see accident damage boarding
- Vandalism or break-in via roof access (garages, rear extensions, flat roofs) – see vandalism repair boarding
Roof boarding may not be appropriate if:
- The roof structure is unsafe to access without scaffolding or specialist equipment
- Water is actively pouring in and electrical systems are compromised (you may need emergency services / an electrician first)
- There’s suspected asbestos cement sheeting or fragile roof materials that require specialist handling
If access is unsafe, we’ll tell you straight away and talk through safer alternatives (for example, securing internal access points, boarding lower-level openings, or liaising with your roofer/scaffold team).
Emergency roof boarding in NW London: what we actually do
Every roof opening is different. A smashed rooflight in a Victorian terrace near the eaves is not the same as securing a commercial unit with a flat rooflight or a rear extension lantern.
In practical terms, roof boarding usually involves:
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Assessing access and safety
We check safe access points (loft hatch, flat roof access, rear extension roof, or external ladder access where appropriate). If conditions are too risky—high winds, icy surfaces, unstable coverings—we’ll explain options before starting. -
Measuring and selecting the right board
For roof and skylight openings we commonly use:- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and improved resistance to moisture
- OSB (often 12mm–18mm depending on span) for certain temporary covers where appropriate
Board choice depends on opening size, wind exposure, and fixing locations.
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Creating a secure fixing plan
We aim for a secure, tamper-resistant installation. Where possible we use anti-tamper fixings so the cover can’t be easily removed from outside—important if the property will be empty. -
Boarding and weatherproofing
Roof boarding is about more than just covering the hole. We aim to:- Reduce wind-driven rain getting into lofts/ceilings
- Prevent further movement around the opening
- Provide a stable temporary barrier until proper repairs
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Documentation for landlords/insurers
If you need it, we can provide:- Time-stamped photos of the opening and completed boarding
- An itemised invoice and a brief statement of works (useful for claims)
More guidance is on our insurance claims page.
If the surrounding frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the trade-offs before proceeding—especially where additional fixing points are needed for safety.
Typical roof and skylight scenarios in North West London
North West London has a mix of roof types, and that affects how roof boarding is approached:
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces (Camden, Kentish Town, South Hampstead): often have pitched roofs, dormers and older rooflights. Access can be tight; protecting internal plasterwork from rain becomes a priority.
- 1930s semis (Hendon, Golders Green, parts of NW2/NW4): larger loft spaces, sometimes easier internal access, but wind exposure at the roofline can be significant.
- Mansion blocks and conversions (St John’s Wood, Belsize Park): roof access may be controlled via managing agents; we can work with building management on access and documentation.
- Commercial and mixed-use buildings (around Park Royal and major roads like the A40/A406): flat roofs, roof hatches, rooflights and plant areas—often needing a practical, robust temporary cover.
For related openings at lower levels, you may also need window boarding in North West London or door boarding up at the same visit, particularly after storms or fire service entry.
Materials & methods we use (and why they matter)
Plywood vs OSB for roof boarding
We choose materials based on strength, exposure, and how long the board needs to remain in place.
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Exterior-grade plywood (commonly 18mm)
Strong, stable, better for harsh weather and larger spans. Often preferred for rooflights and openings exposed to uplift. -
OSB (often 12mm–18mm depending on opening and support)
Suitable for some temporary applications. We’ll advise if plywood is the better choice for your particular roof opening.
Fixings: security and resistance to removal
Where the job requires it, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of the board being removed from outside—particularly important for:
- Vacant properties between tenants
- Roof openings visible/reachable from flat roofs, extensions, or adjacent structures
- Buildings left unattended after fire, flood, or burglary
Making it safe without causing unnecessary damage
We aim to fix into solid, appropriate points (timbers, suitable framing, or structurally sound surrounds). We avoid “guesswork” fixing. If the surrounding area is degraded (rot, fire damage, crumbling substrate), we’ll pause and discuss options.
For void and longer-term security, you may want to consider options on our vacant property boarding page.
Micro case study: storm-damaged rooflight near Finchley Road
A common call-out for roof boarding in NW London is a rear extension rooflight damaged during high winds. One recent example was a property near Finchley Road, where the rooflight glazing had cracked and panels were shifting, letting rain into the kitchen extension.
The priority was to secure the opening and reduce water ingress overnight. We boarded the rooflight opening using exterior-grade sheet material, fixed it securely with weather exposure in mind, and provided photos and paperwork for the customer’s insurer. The homeowner then arranged a rooflight replacement with their chosen contractor once conditions improved.
(We’re not roofers and we don’t replace roof coverings as part of boarding-up—our role is to make the property secure and protected as a temporary measure.)
What to do before we arrive (if it’s safe)
When a roof is open to the weather, a few small steps can reduce damage. Only do these if you can do so without climbing and without putting yourself at risk:
- Move valuables away from the affected area (beneath the leak point)
- Place buckets/towels down to protect flooring
- Take photos of visible damage for your insurer
- Keep any incident reference number (fire service, police, or managing agent)
If there are dangling materials, loose glass, or unsafe electrics, keep clear and call for urgent help.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794
Combining roof boarding with other securing work
Roof damage often comes with other vulnerabilities, especially after storms or forced entry. We regularly combine roof boarding with:
- shopfront boarding for ground-floor glazing damage on mixed-use buildings
- door boarding up where rear or side doors have been forced
- window boarding for broken sash windows or bay windows
If the building needs perimeter control during repairs, we can also advise on temporary fencing.
Insurance, landlords & managing agents (what we can provide)
We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t approve claims, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for after emergency boarding:
- Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
- A clear statement of works (what was secured and how)
- An itemised invoice showing materials and labour
If you’re a landlord or facilities manager, we can also coordinate access, provide updates by phone/email, and support planned securing work for void periods—see commercial boarding up and residential boarding.
Roof Boarding FAQs (North West London)
How quickly can you attend for emergency roof boarding in North West London?
We prioritise urgent calls, especially where the property can’t be left exposed or insecure. We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, weather, and access issues vary across NW London—but we’ll give you honest expectations when you call and keep you updated.
For urgent situations, use our 24 hour emergency boarding up service.
Can you board a skylight or rooflight on a flat roof extension?
Yes—rooflights on rear extensions and flat roofs are a common reason people need emergency roof boarding in NW. The key factors are safe access and having suitable fixing points around the opening.
Will roof boarding stop the leak completely?
Roof boarding is a temporary measure designed to reduce water ingress and secure the opening. In extreme wind-driven rain or where surrounding materials are compromised, it may not be a perfect seal. We’ll do what’s practical and explain what to expect.
Is roof boarding covered by insurance?
Often it can be, especially after storm, fire, or criminal damage—but policies differ. We can provide photos and paperwork to support your claim. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.
How much does roof boarding cost in North West London?
Costs depend on access, opening size, materials (plywood vs OSB), complexity, and whether additional securing is needed (windows/doors). We don’t publish fixed prices because roof jobs vary significantly. For a clear quote, call with details and photos if you have them—see pricing.
Speak to a roof boarding specialist (NW London)
If your roof, skylight, or rooflight has been damaged, we can help you secure the opening and protect the building until permanent repairs are arranged.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7794 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected]
