Roof Boarding in Slough (SL) – Emergency Cover for Damaged Roofs & Skylights
Roof damage is stressful because it rarely stays “just roof damage”. A missing tile, smashed skylight or torn felt can quickly turn into water ingress, damaged electrics and an unsafe property.
Our roof boarding service in Slough provides a practical, rapid way to secure exposed roof areas and overhead openings, helping you protect the inside of the building while you arrange permanent repairs. If you need urgent help, call 01753 379 919.
We cover Slough and the wider SL postcode area (SL0–SL9), including Langley, Cippenham, Wexham, Colnbrook, Burnham and nearby towns and villages.
When roof boarding is the right call (common emergency scenarios)
Roof boarding is typically used when an opening has been created and the priority is to secure and weatherproof quickly.
Typical call-outs we handle across SL include:
- Storm damage: lifted tiles, dislodged ridge tiles, torn underfelt, broken verge or guttering that’s exposed the roof edge
- Fallen branches / impact damage: debris puncturing felt or cracking rooflights
- Smashed skylights / roof windows: especially on flat-roof extensions, stairwells, loft conversions and commercial units
- Fire damage: after the fire service has made entry or when sections of roof have been compromised (we secure the building; we don’t do smoke/odour remediation)
- Vacant properties: repeated access attempts via rear extensions, garages, or flat roofs
If your situation is linked to an incident, you may also find these pages useful: storm damage boarding in Slough and fire damage securing in Slough.
Need emergency roof boarding now? Call 01753 379 919 for immediate assistance.
What we mean by “roof boarding” (and what it isn’t)
Roof boarding is the process of fitting suitable sheet material over an opening or vulnerable roof area to:
- reduce water ingress and internal damage
- discourage opportunist entry (skylights are a common access point)
- stabilise the site until a roofer or glazier can complete permanent works
It’s not a full roof repair or re-roofing service. In some cases—particularly on older or fragile roof coverings—we’ll advise the safest, least invasive way to secure the area and explain any limitations before starting.
If the main issue is a broken window at ground level rather than a roof opening, you may need window boarding in Slough instead.
How our emergency roof boarding works (step-by-step)
Every roof is different, but our approach is consistent: make it safe, make it secure, reduce water ingress, document the work.
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Initial call and triage
Tell us what’s happened, what type of property it is (house, flat, shop, warehouse unit), and whether there are any immediate hazards (hanging tiles, water near electrics, unstable ceilings). If there’s a police incident number or fire service attendance, keep it to hand. -
Arrival and safety checks
We’ll assess access and risks on site. Where needed, we’ll advise keeping people clear of the affected rooms/areas below the damage. -
Measure and choose the right material
For roof openings and overhead glazing, we typically use:- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and better resistance to wind and rain
- 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
The choice depends on span, fixing points, and exposure.
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Fixing method (secure from outside removal where possible)
We aim for fixings that are secure and difficult to tamper with from outside. The exact method depends on whether we’re fixing into timber, masonry, frames, or existing upstands around rooflights. If the surrounding structure is too damaged for non-destructive fixing, we’ll explain options before proceeding. -
Weatherproofing considerations
Boarding is about reducing ingress, but not every situation can be made fully watertight (e.g., irregular holes, crumbling substrate, complex flat-roof details). We’ll do what’s reasonable and safe and tell you honestly what to expect. -
Documentation for your records/insurer
Customers commonly need evidence of “reasonable steps to secure the property.” We can provide:- time-stamped photos of the secured area
- a clear description of what was done and what materials were used
- an itemised invoice/work statement suitable for most insurance processes
For guidance, see insurance claims support.
If your roof damage is part of a wider break-in or vandalism, you may also need door boarding in Slough or vandalism repair and securing.
Materials we use (and why it matters on a roof)
Roof boarding is harsher on materials than boarding a window at ground level—wind uplift, driving rain, and awkward fixing angles all matter.
Exterior-grade plywood (commonly 18mm)
Why we use it:
- stronger over wider spans (less flex)
- better durability in wet conditions than standard board
- helps resist tampering and wind stress
Typical uses:
- broken/smashed skylights and rooflights
- larger roof openings where strength matters
- commercial roofs where exposure is high
OSB (commonly 12mm for smaller openings)
Why we use it:
- practical for smaller apertures and temporary protection
- lighter to handle where access is tight (loft hatches, narrow side access)
Typical uses:
- small rooflight panels
- minor openings where there’s good fixing structure
Fixings and security approach
We select fixings based on substrate and security needs. On many jobs, the priority is to ensure boards can’t simply be removed from outside—especially if the property will be unattended overnight or is already targeted.
If the opening is at ground level or on a shopfront rather than overhead, our shopfront boarding in Slough service may be the better fit.
Rooflights, skylights and flat-roof extensions (very common in Slough)
Across Slough’s mix of 1930s semis, post-war terraces, and newer extensions, we often see roof damage concentrated on:
- flat-roof rear extensions with rooflights
- loft conversions with roof windows
- commercial units with roof lanterns or older rooflight panels
Skylight damage is a security issue as much as a weather issue. Even a partially broken rooflight can be forced to create access, so boarding promptly helps reduce risk.
Commercial and industrial roof boarding (units, offices, schools)
For commercial sites—industrial estates, offices, retail back-of-house areas—roof openings can trigger wider problems: leaks onto stock, unsafe electrics, and compliance concerns.
We can work with:
- facilities managers
- landlords and managing agents
- maintenance teams and insurers’ instructions
If your site needs perimeter control as well as roof boarding (for example after impact damage or a dangerous area outside), ask about temporary fencing.
What you can do right now (before we arrive)
Only do what’s safe. Roof hazards aren’t always obvious.
- Keep people out of rooms with active leaks or bulging ceilings.
- If water is near lights/sockets, consider isolating electrics only if you can do so safely.
- Take photos for your insurer if it’s safe to do so.
- Keep any police reference number, incident number, or fire service details.
Then call 01753 379 919 and we’ll talk you through the next steps.
Pricing: what affects the cost of roof boarding in Slough
Roof boarding costs vary because roofs vary. The main factors are:
- size and shape of the opening (skylight vs larger roof section)
- roof type and height (flat roof, pitched roof, access constraints)
- condition of the surrounding structure (sound fixing points vs damaged timbers/frames)
- materials needed (plywood thickness, amount of board, security requirements)
- whether the job needs additional measures to make the area safer
We don’t publish fixed prices because it’s easy to mislead online. For a transparent explanation of what drives cost, see boarding up pricing.
Roof boarding vs roof repair: what happens after boarding?
Boarding is the stabilise-and-secure stage. Permanent repair might involve:
- replacing rooflight/skylight glazing
- felt/EPDM repairs on flat roofs
- tile and ridge replacement
- structural timber work if supports are compromised
If we think the opening can’t be safely secured without further trade input, we’ll tell you. We’re here to secure the property and help you reduce further loss, not to oversell a “one visit fixes all” promise.
FAQs about roof boarding in Slough
Can you board a broken skylight tonight?
If you need emergency help, call 01753 379 919. We prioritise urgent cases, including smashed rooflights and skylights. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times because conditions and access vary, but we’ll give you clear expectations on the phone.
Will roof boarding stop all leaks?
It can significantly reduce water ingress, but not every roof opening can be made fully watertight as a temporary measure—especially if the surrounding roof covering or structure is damaged. Our aim is to secure the opening and reduce further damage until permanent repairs are completed.
Is roof boarding covered by insurance?
Often, insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, which may include temporary boarding. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide photos and documentation that insurers typically request. See insurance claims support.
What board 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 the opening size, exposure, and fixing conditions.
Can you secure other access points at the same time?
Yes—many incidents involve multiple weak points (rear doors, ground-floor windows, damaged shopfront glazing). We can combine services such as door boarding in Slough and window boarding in Slough where needed.
Serving Slough and the wider SL postcode area
We work across Slough and surrounding areas in the SL postcode district—covering residential streets, commercial premises, and managed sites. If you’re unsure whether you’re in our coverage area, check areas we cover or call and ask.
Ready to secure your roof?
A damaged roof or skylight can’t wait—every hour increases the chance of water damage or further access attempts.
Need help now? Call 01753 379 919 for immediate assistance.
Or email [email protected] with photos and your address for a quote when it’s safe to do so.
