Property Types We Secure in Bromley (BR1–BR8)

If you’re searching for boarding up in Bromley, it’s usually because something has gone wrong — a break-in, storm damage, a smashed window, or a property that’s been left vulnerable during works or a void period. The next step is the same for most people: secure the opening quickly, keep the building safe, and get the documentation you’ll need for your insurer or landlord.

At Boarding Up Bromley, we provide boarding up services across BR postcodes (BR1–BR8) for a wide range of property types — from Victorian terraces near Bromley North to flats above shops around Beckenham Junction, and from retail units off Orpington High Street to empty properties waiting for sale in quieter residential roads.

If you need urgent help, visit our emergency boarding up page.

The three main property types we handle

Most call-outs fall into one of these categories. Each needs a slightly different approach — not just in materials, but in access, fixings, and how long the security needs to last.

  • Residential properties (homes, flats, maisonettes)
  • Commercial properties (shops, offices, restaurants, light industrial)
  • Vacant/void properties (empty buildings, probate homes, unoccupied units)

You can jump straight to:

Residential boarding up (houses, flats, maisonettes)

Bromley’s housing stock is varied — from 1930s semis around Shortlands and Bickley to period terraces near Sundridge Park, plus plenty of low-rise flats and conversions close to town centres like Bromley and Beckenham. Residential jobs are often stressful because people are trying to keep their family safe, protect belongings, and stop further damage from weather.

Common residential reasons for boarding up

  • Burglary or attempted break-in (door panels kicked in, sidelights smashed, locks damaged)
    See burglary repairs and boarding.
  • Accidental breakage (a cracked sash window, a football through glass, DIY mishaps)
  • Storm damage (blown-in panes, debris impact, damaged frames)
    See storm damage boarding.
  • Fire service entry where a window or door has been forced for access
    See fire damage securing.

How we typically secure residential openings

We choose the method based on the opening, the condition of the frame, and whether the property will be occupied:

  • Window boarding using 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most ground-floor windows, or 12mm OSB for smaller/low-risk openings where appropriate.
    Learn more about window boarding in Bromley.
  • Door boarding where the door leaf is split or the frame is compromised, sometimes combined with lock protection until a proper replacement is fitted.
    Learn more about door boarding.
  • Non-destructive fixing where possible (for example, fixing into mortar joints rather than good brickwork), but if the surrounding material is already blown or unsafe we’ll explain the options before we proceed.

A note on flats and access

Flats above shops near Bromley High Street, or blocks around stations like Bromley South and Beckenham Junction, can come with access constraints (entry systems, communal hallways, parking restrictions). If you can, tell us:

  • Which floor the damage is on
  • Whether there’s lift access
  • If management/security need to be notified

For more detail, see boarding up for residential properties.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices, hospitality, industrial units)

Commercial properties in Bromley can range from high-footfall shopfronts to quieter office buildings and back-of-house service areas. A broken pane at a shopfront isn’t just a security issue — it can stop you trading, create hazards for staff and customers, and invalidate insurance conditions if the building is left open.

Common commercial situations we see in BR postcodes

  • Shopfront attacks and vandalism (especially glazed fronts, side panels and doors)
    See vandalism repair and boarding.
  • Impact damage (vehicle strikes, delivery incidents, trolley impacts)
    See accident/impact boarding.
  • After-hours break-ins where the priority is immediate security until glass can be replaced

What commercial clients typically need (and what we provide)

Commercial sites often need clearer documentation and safer working practices. Where applicable, we can provide:

  • Itemised invoices and a written work statement
  • Time-stamped photos before and after boarding
  • Practical notes that insurers usually ask for (what was damaged, what was secured, what materials were used)

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but our paperwork is designed to support common insurance claims processes.

Methods for commercial premises

Depending on risk and the expected timescale, we may recommend:

  • Shopfront boarding for larger glazed areas and street-facing frontage
    Learn more about shopfront boarding.
  • Temporary steel doors for forced entries where a standard timber board-up would be repeatedly targeted (particularly on unattended sites)
  • Security screens for longer-term protection (often used for void units or repeated vandalism risk)

For more, visit boarding up for commercial properties.

Vacant and void property security (empty homes and unused premises)

Void properties are a different challenge. The building is often unattended, problems can go unnoticed, and risk is higher — not just burglary, but squatting attempts, fly-tipping, and opportunistic damage.

This is common when:

  • A property is between tenancies
  • A home is going through probate
  • A unit is awaiting renovation, sale, or change of use
  • An insurer or managing agent requires proof the building is secured

What we focus on for vacant properties

  • Reducing the chance of repeat access by using anti-tamper fixings and robust boarding methods
  • Balancing security with ventilation where damp is a concern (especially after flood damage or if the building is already cold and closed up)
  • Longer-term options where plywood would be unsuitable for the time period

Depending on the site, we may suggest temporary steel doors and/or security screens as the more practical medium-term solution. See vacant property boarding for full detail.

Matching the right service to the property type

Different properties need different solutions. Here’s a practical guide:

  • Broken windows (any property type): usually window boarding in Bromley
  • Damaged or compromised doors: door boarding or a temporary steel door for higher risk
  • Street-facing commercial glazing: shopfront boarding
  • Rooflights, skylights, and overhead openings: roof boarding
  • After an incident (burglary/vandalism/storm/fire/flood): start with the relevant situation page under situations so you know what to do next

If you’re unsure which applies, that’s normal — tell us what’s happened and what’s damaged, and we’ll talk you through the safest option.

What to expect when you call us

When you contact us, we’ll keep it straightforward. We don’t give unrealistic guarantees, but we do prioritise urgent cases and make sure you understand the next steps.

  1. We’ll ask a few quick questions: location (postcode), what’s damaged, whether the property is occupied, and if there are any immediate hazards.
  2. You’ll get a clear explanation of the approach: what we’ll fit, how we’ll fix it, and what you’ll receive afterwards.
  3. On site, we’ll assess the opening and surrounding frame before drilling or fixing. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options first.
  4. We secure the property and document the work, including photos when appropriate.

If you’re dealing with an insurer, keep your claim reference (if you have one) and take photos before we arrive — but only if it’s safe to do so.

FAQs about boarding up different property types in Bromley

Do you board up flats above shops and high-street buildings?

Yes — this is common around Bromley and Beckenham town centres. Access can be the main complication (entry systems, stairwells, restricted parking), so it helps if you can tell us the floor level and how we can reach the damaged opening.

Will boarding up damage my brickwork or window frames?

We aim to minimise damage by choosing the safest fixing points and using the right method for the surface. Sometimes, if the surrounding frame is already split or crumbling, there’s no perfect “non-marking” solution — we’ll explain the trade-offs before starting.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, emergency securing is covered, but it depends on your policy and the circumstances. We’re not insurers, but we can provide the kind of documentation insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims help.

What if my property is going to be empty for weeks?

For longer void periods, we’ll often recommend stronger, more sustainable solutions than basic plywood — such as security screens or a temporary steel door — depending on risk and site conditions. Read more on vacant property boarding.

Can you help after burglary, vandalism, or storm damage?

Yes. If you’re not sure what to do next, start here:

Ready to secure your property?

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 7872 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.