Shopfront Boarding Brighton (BN) — Emergency Security for Broken Glass & Damaged Frontages
When a shopfront gets smashed, cracked, or forced, you’re dealing with more than a mess. You’ve got an open invitation to theft, weather damage, and repeat vandalism—often at the worst possible time.
Our shopfront boarding in Brighton is designed to secure commercial glazing fast and properly, using the right fixings and sheet materials for busy streets and exposed coastal conditions. If you need urgent help, we can prioritise emergency call-outs across Brighton and the wider BN postcode area.
Need help now? Call 01273 092 166 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? [email protected]
When you might need emergency shopfront boarding in Brighton
In the city centre and along the seafront, incidents can escalate quickly—especially where there’s nightlife, high footfall, and large panes of glass.
Common reasons customers call us for emergency shopfront boarding Brighton include:
- Smashed shop windows after vandalism or attempted theft
- Forced entry where locks, frames, or double doors are damaged
- Accidental impacts (delivery trolleys, vehicles clipping the frontage, construction damage)
- Storm damage on exposed frontages (particularly around the seafront and open corners)
- Vacant premises that need securing until refurbishment or re-let
If your frontage has been attacked or compromised, it’s usually safer (and cheaper in the long run) to secure it quickly and then arrange permanent glazing or joinery repairs afterwards. For urgent situations, see our dedicated emergency boarding up page.
Typical Brighton shopfronts we secure
Brighton’s commercial buildings aren’t one-size-fits-all. We regularly board and secure:
- High-street retail units with full-height toughened glazing and aluminium frames
- Restaurants, pubs and cafés with larger front windows and late-night trading risk
- Kiosks and smaller lock-ups with timber surrounds
- Period-front properties converted into salons, offices and boutique shops (often with older timber frames that need careful fixing)
We’re used to working around tight pavements, parked cars, bus lanes and pedestrian traffic—especially in busy areas close to central Brighton where safe access matters.
How our shopfront boarding service works (step-by-step)
Every frontage is different, but the process is straightforward and documented.
-
You call with the basics
Tell us what’s happened, whether the property is occupied, and if there are any immediate hazards (loose glass, alarms sounding, shutters jammed, etc.). -
On-site assessment and safety check
We’ll check the opening, frame condition, and whether anything is at risk of falling. If the frame is too damaged to board safely without further work, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. -
Measure, cut and offer up the boards
We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for shopfronts because it holds fixings well and stands up to coastal weather better than thinner sheet. For smaller or sheltered sections we may use OSB where appropriate. -
Fixing method selected for security and minimal damage
Where possible we use non-destructive methods that avoid unnecessary damage to frames and surrounding masonry. For higher-risk frontages, we’ll recommend anti-tamper fixings so the board can’t simply be unscrewed from outside. -
Finish, check and document
We confirm there are no sharp edges, no gaps large enough for access, and that any remaining glazing is stable. We can provide time-stamped photos and a clear work statement for your records or insurer.
If the incident is part of a break-in, you may also want our guidance on burglary repairs and securing. For repeated damage or targeted premises, longer-term solutions may be more cost-effective than repeated boarding.
Materials we use (and why)
Shopfronts take more punishment than most domestic windows: bigger spans, more leverage, and more public exposure. Materials matter.
Exterior-grade plywood (typical: 18mm)
- Strong, stable and suitable for larger openings
- Better screw retention than thinner boards
- Good choice for seafront/exposed areas where wind-driven rain is common
OSB board (typical: 12mm for smaller areas)
- Useful for smaller panels or internal sections
- Cost-effective where risk and exposure are lower
- Not always the best choice for large, street-facing openings—security comes first
Fixings: security-led choices
Depending on the site and frame type, we may use:
- Coach screws / structural screws for solid timber surrounds
- Masonry fixings where we’re fixing into brick or blockwork
- Through-bolting and load-spreading for awkward frames or compromised surrounds
- Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a risk of removal from the street side
If you’re comparing methods, our overview of what boarding up is and how it works explains the options and why certain approaches are recommended.
Shopfront boarding vs. other security options (what’s right for you?)
Boarding is often the quickest way to regain control after damage—but it isn’t always the best medium-term plan.
When shopfront boarding is the right choice
- The glass is broken and you need the opening secured now
- The premises will be closed until glazing is replaced
- You need a temporary solution while you arrange insurance or contractors
When a temporary steel door may be better
If the door leaf, lock area, or frame has been forced and isn’t reliably secure, a boarded frontage still leaves you with a weak entry point. In those cases, consider our door boarding in Brighton and ask about temporary steel door options for medium-term security.
When you should consider longer-term protection
For voids or properties with repeat incidents, it may be worth looking at more robust solutions (screens or other measures). We’ll be honest about what we can and can’t provide, and what’s realistic for your building.
What you’ll get from us (practical deliverables)
When you’re dealing with insurers, landlords, centre managers, or facilities teams, paperwork matters. We can provide:
- Itemised invoice for your records
- Description of works (what was secured, and how)
- Time-stamped photos of the completed boarding (and damage, if requested and safe)
- Notes on any additional risks we observed (loose glazing, unstable frames, unsafe access)
We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t authorise claims—but we can help with the documentation insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support for practical guidance.
Coverage: Brighton and the BN postcode area
We provide boarding up services Brighton businesses rely on, covering central areas and surrounding BN districts. That includes locations across BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41, BN42 and BN43, plus wider BN towns and villages when needed.
If you’re not sure whether you’re in our patch, check areas we cover or call and we’ll confirm.
Practical advice while you’re waiting (shopfront damage)
If your shopfront window is smashed in Brighton, a few small steps can reduce risk:
- If there’s a crime: call the police first and keep your reference number
- Don’t try to clear large shards on your own if the pane is unstable
- Take photos (only if safe) before anything is moved—useful for insurers
- Keep customers and staff away from the frontage; cordon it off if possible
- If alarms are triggered or shutters are jammed, tell us—access changes the plan
For vandalism scenarios, our vandalism repair and boarding guidance may also help.
FAQs — Shopfront boarding in Brighton
How quickly can you board up a smashed shop window?
We prioritise urgent calls, especially where the frontage is open to the street or there’s a security risk. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times because traffic, access, and job complexity vary—but if you call, we’ll tell you what’s realistic and we’ll treat genuine emergencies as such. For out-of-hours help, use emergency boarding up.
Will boarding damage my shopfront frame?
We aim for secure, minimal-damage fixing wherever the structure allows. On aluminium shopfront systems or older timber surrounds, we choose fixings carefully. If the frame is already compromised (split timber, loose mullions, crumbling masonry), we’ll explain the trade-offs before proceeding.
Can you board up large glazed panels and shopfront returns?
Yes—large panes are common in Brighton retail units. We use appropriately thick sheet (often 18mm exterior plywood) and place fixings to reduce flex and lever points. For very wide spans, we may recommend additional support to keep the boarding stable.
Is shopfront boarding covered by insurance?
Often it is, particularly after burglary, vandalism, or storm damage, but policies vary. We can provide invoices and photos to support your claim. For more detail, see insurance claims support.
Do you work with landlords, managing agents, and facilities teams?
Yes. We frequently liaise with landlords, agents and FM contacts, and can provide documentation and access notes. If the unit is vacant, our vacant property boarding page explains typical options.
Ready to secure your premises?
A broken shopfront isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a security and safety issue. If your business premises are exposed, we’ll help you secure the opening properly with the right materials and fixings.
Need help now? Call 01273 092 166 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected]
