Roof Boarding in Bromley (BR) – Emergency Roof & Skylight Security
A damaged roof is one of those problems that can’t wait. If wind has lifted tiles, a tree limb has punched through, or a skylight has smashed, you’re suddenly exposed to rain, drafts, and unwanted attention—often at the worst possible time.
Our roof boarding service in Bromley is designed to secure and weatherproof roof openings quickly, using the right materials and fixings for the job. We work across the BR postcodes (BR1–BR8) and can help whether it’s a domestic home, a flat roof over an extension, or a commercial unit with rooflights.
Need urgent help? Call 020 4634 7872 or email info@boarding-up-bromley.co.uk. If it’s out of hours, go straight to emergency boarding up.
When roof boarding is needed (and why it’s urgent)
Roof damage isn’t just “a leak”. Once there’s an opening, things tend to escalate quickly—especially in changeable South London weather.
Common emergency use-cases we attend in Bromley include:
- Storm damage: lifted tiles, ripped felt, blown-off ridge caps, damaged flat-roof edges
(see storm damage boarding) - Fallen branches / impact: holes in the roof deck, cracked rooflights, damaged lanterns
- Fire service access: openings created during firefighting or investigation
(see post-fire property securing) - Break-ins via roof or skylight: particularly where scaffolding, bins, or flat roofs offer access
(see burglary repairs and boarding) - Vandalism to rooflights on garages, extensions, schools, and commercial buildings
(see vandalism repair and boarding
Roof boarding is typically a temporary security and weatherproofing measure—it buys you time to arrange permanent repairs with a roofer, glazier, or insurer without leaving the building exposed.
What we mean by “roof boarding” (and what it isn’t)
Roof boarding usually means securing an opening from outside using sheet material and fixings so the structure is safer, less accessible, and better protected from the weather.
It is not the same as:
- a full roof repair (replacing tiles, rebuilding a flat roof, structural carpentry)
- leak tracing or internal drying
- smoke/odour remediation after a fire (we’ll secure the property, but remediation is a separate trade)
If we arrive and find the surrounding structure is too unsafe to work on, we’ll tell you plainly and discuss safer alternatives (for example, internal boarding where possible, or advising you to get a roofer to make the area safe first).
Our approach to emergency roof boarding in Bromley
Every roof is different—pitched vs flat, height, access, and how the opening was created all matter. But the workflow is consistent and practical.
1) Safety and access first
We start by checking:
- safest access route (ladder points, flat roof access, hatches, internal access if needed)
- overhead hazards (loose tiles, unstable decking, electrical risks near cables)
- whether any part of the roof edge is unsafe to load
If access is restricted (for example, tight side returns on Victorian terraces or limited rear access in some Bromley streets), we’ll talk you through options before we start.
2) Measure the opening and select the right sheet material
We commonly use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust, secure boarding on larger openings
- 12mm OSB where suitable for smaller rooflights/openings or where weight/handling is a factor
We’ll choose the material based on:
- size of the opening
- exposure to wind uplift
- whether the property will be left unattended
- whether we can fix into solid timbers without causing unnecessary damage
3) Fixing method: secure, stable, and difficult to tamper with
Roof boarding has to resist both weather and tampering.
Depending on the build-up, we may use:
- battening and bracing so the load spreads and fixings bite into sound timber
- anti-tamper fixings where there’s a realistic risk of removal from outside (important for vacant properties)
- non-destructive techniques where possible (for example, using existing structural members)
If the frame or surrounding deck is too damaged for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. The aim is always to secure the building without creating avoidable repair work later.
4) Weatherproofing considerations (without overpromising)
Boarding reduces exposure, but weatherproofing a damaged roof can be complex.
Where appropriate, we’ll:
- orient boards and overlaps to shed water
- reduce wind-driven rain entry
- secure loose edges so they don’t flap and widen the damage
That said, if the roof covering is extensively compromised, boarding is a temporary measure—we’ll advise you to book a roofer for permanent works as soon as possible.
Rooflights, skylights and lanterns: common Bromley callouts
In Bromley and the BR postcodes, we often see rooflight damage on:
- rear kitchen extensions (flat roofs with rooflights)
- loft conversions with skylights
- garages and outbuildings
- commercial units with roof glazing/rooflights
If a rooflight is shattered, the priorities are:
- prevent injury from remaining glass
- secure the opening against entry
- reduce water ingress until replacement glazing is fitted
If you’re also dealing with broken vertical glazing, we can combine this with window boarding in Bromley to secure the whole property in one visit where practical.
Flat roof vs pitched roof boarding: what changes?
Flat roof openings
Flat roofs (extensions, garages, commercial roofs) can be straightforward to board if access is safe. The key challenges are:
- ensuring fixings hit sound structure
- preventing wind uplift
- avoiding creating pooling points where water can sit
Pitched roof openings
On pitched roofs, the challenge is often:
- ladder safety and roof pitch
- loose tiles/slates around the damaged area
- limited fixing points without disturbing surrounding materials
If pitched access is unsafe, we’ll be honest. In some cases, the safest method is temporary securing from inside, followed by a roofer making the roof safe for external works.
Securing the rest of the property at the same time
Roof damage rarely happens in isolation—storms and impacts can take out windows, doors, and shopfront glazing too. If you need broader securing, we can coordinate:
- door boarding (including options like temporary steel doors where appropriate)
- shopfront boarding for retail and commercial fronts
- If the building is unoccupied, talk to us about longer-term measures via vacant property boarding
If you’re not sure what you need, start with what is boarding up—it explains the options in plain English.
What you get from our roof boarding service
We aim to make the process straightforward—especially when you’re already dealing with stress, mess, and phone calls.
Typically, you’ll receive:
- clear explanation of what we’re doing and why
- photos of the secured area (useful for landlords, managing agents, and insurers)
- an itemised invoice and work statement suitable for most insurance claims
- practical guidance on next steps (roofer, glazier, managing agent, insurer)
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide the documentation insurers usually ask for. See insurance claims support for what to prepare.
If you’re making an insurance claim: quick practical guidance
If it’s safe to do so:
- take photos of the damage before anything is moved
- keep any crime reference number (if burglary/vandalism) or incident details
- contact your insurer early—many policies require you to prevent further damage
Boarding is often considered a reasonable “mitigation” step because it helps prevent additional loss while you wait for permanent repairs.
For cost expectations and what affects the price, see pricing (we don’t publish fixed prices because every roof and access situation is different).
A realistic Bromley scenario (micro case study)
A common job for us is a rear extension rooflight that’s been smashed during high winds or by debris. In a typical Bromley setup—where you’ve got a narrow side access, a flat roof over the kitchen, and the opening exposed right above the main living space—we’ll:
- assess access and ensure the roof area is safe to step onto
- clear loose shards where safe and prevent further fall-in risk
- cut and fit an exterior-grade board to cover the rooflight opening
- brace and fix securely into sound timbers so it can’t be lifted or removed easily
- take photos for the homeowner/landlord and provide an invoice for the claim
It’s not a permanent repair, but it stops the immediate problem: rain, cold air, and an obvious entry point.
FAQs – Roof Boarding in Bromley
Can you board a roof opening the same day?
Often, yes—especially for urgent rooflight or impact damage. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times because traffic, weather, and job complexity vary, but urgent calls are prioritised. If it’s time-critical, go to 24 hour emergency boarding up in Bromley and call 020 4634 7872.
What material do you use for roof boarding?
Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and durability, and 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate. The choice depends on opening size, exposure, and fixing options.
Will roof boarding stop the leak completely?
It can significantly reduce water ingress, but we won’t pretend it’s the same as a full roof repair. If the surrounding roof covering is compromised, you’ll still need a roofer. Boarding is about securing and stabilising the situation quickly.
Can you board from inside if the roof is unsafe to access?
Sometimes, yes—depending on the location of the opening and what structure we can fix into safely. If external access is unsafe, we’ll explain the safest option rather than taking risks.
Do you cover my part of Bromley?
We cover Bromley and the wider BR postcode area (BR1–BR8). You can also check areas we cover or browse local pages such as boarding up Bromley BR1 and boarding up Orpington BR6.
Next steps: get the roof secured
If your roof or skylight is damaged, the priority is to secure the opening and protect the building. We’ll talk you through the options and be clear about what we can do immediately versus what needs a roofer afterwards.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 7872 for immediate assistance.
Or email info@boarding-up-bromley.co.uk.
