Temporary Fencing in Reading (RG) – Emergency Site Security & Perimeter Protection
When a boundary is suddenly unsafe — after a break-in, fire, vehicle impact, storm damage, or a building has to be left open — temporary fencing in Reading is often the fastest way to make the site safe and stop problems escalating.
Boarding Up Reading provides temporary fencing across Reading and the RG postcode area (RG1–RG45) for homes, shops, construction sites and commercial premises. If you need urgent help to secure a perimeter, reduce public risk, or protect an exposed opening while repairs are arranged, call us.
Need help now? Call 01182 308 876 for immediate assistance.
When temporary fencing is the right call (and when it isn’t)
Temporary fencing is about controlling access and creating a safe, visible boundary quickly. It’s a practical option when doors/windows can’t be secured yet, when debris is present, or when a site needs to be kept clear for contractors and insurers.
Typical emergency scenarios we attend in Reading and nearby RG areas include:
- Vehicle impact into a garden wall, shopfront, or boundary near busy routes like the A33 or A329(M) – fencing keeps pedestrians away from unstable areas.
- Fire damage where the Fire & Rescue Service has forced entry and the building must be left secure until a structural inspection takes place (we secure, we don’t provide remediation) – see after fire damage boarding up.
- Storm damage when panels, gates, or sections of boundary come down and you need a safe perimeter while roofers/builders are arranged – see storm damage property security.
- Break-ins where access points are damaged and the property can’t be fully locked that night – often combined with door boarding in Reading or window boarding in Reading.
- Vacant or void properties that need a controlled perimeter during clearance, probate, or between tenancies – see vacant property boarding and security.
- Construction and renovation sites needing short-term perimeter control during deliveries, skips, or scaffold works (especially in tighter residential streets and shared access).
When it isn’t the right solution: if the main issue is a breached door or smashed window and the perimeter is otherwise secure, boarding or a steel solution is often better. We’ll tell you honestly what’s appropriate and why.
If you’re unsure, call and we’ll talk it through.
What temporary fencing achieves (quickly)
Temporary fencing is mainly about three outcomes:
- Public safety – keeping people away from hazards like broken glass, unstable frames, or debris.
- Security – reducing opportunistic access and making an entry attempt much more obvious.
- Site control – creating clear access points for contractors, loss adjusters, and building control.
For many incidents, temporary fencing is the first step, followed by more specific securing such as shopfront boarding in Reading or longer-term measures depending on how long repairs will take.
Emergency temporary fencing in Reading: what happens when you call
People usually call us at stressful moments — a damaged boundary, a break-in, or an unsafe frontage that can’t be left open overnight. We keep the process straightforward.
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Initial questions (2–3 minutes on the phone)
We’ll ask what’s happened, what’s exposed, whether anyone is at risk, and whether you have safe access. If it’s a commercial site, we’ll ask about out-of-hours access and any on-site contact. -
Site assessment on arrival
We look at the perimeter line, ground condition, access points, and whether any openings also need boarding. If there’s a risk of further damage (loose masonry, unstable frames), we’ll flag that immediately. -
Fencing plan and install
We agree where the fence line should go, how to create an access gate (if needed), and how to stabilise panels. If the area needs to remain accessible for emergency services or contractors, we design around that. -
Documentation
We can provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief statement of works—useful for landlords, facilities teams, or insurance admin. For related guidance, see insurance claims support.
We don’t promise fixed arrival times (traffic, access and the nature of the incident matter), but we prioritise urgent safety and security calls across Reading and the RG area.
Materials and methods (what we use and why)
Temporary fencing works best when it’s properly installed, stable, and placed with real-world risk in mind — wind exposure, foot traffic, vehicle access and uneven ground.
Panel fencing for rapid perimeter security
Most emergency callouts use temporary mesh fencing panels with:
- Anti-lift/clamp fixings between panels to reduce easy separation
- Stabilisers/braces where wind exposure or long runs create movement risk
- Feet/bases suited to the ground conditions (where applicable)
We aim for a fence line that looks deliberate and professional — not a loose “token barrier” that can be moved by hand.
Access gates and controlled entry
If you need contractors to enter (glaziers, roofers, structural engineers), we can create a controlled access point. This is especially useful for:
- Rear access lanes
- Shared driveways
- Commercial service yards
We’ll also advise whether separate measures are needed for doors/windows inside the perimeter (often the case after a break-in).
Integrating fencing with boarding-up work
Temporary fencing is often installed alongside boarding so you get perimeter control and secured openings.
Common combinations:
- Fence the perimeter + emergency boarding up for broken glazing or forced doors
- Fence a frontage + roof boarding where skylights or rooflights have been broken
- Fence a shopfront area while glazing is measured + shopfront boarding
If a frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding — the goal is always secure and safe, with the least disruption practical.
Temporary fencing for commercial sites in Reading
Reading has a lot of mixed-use areas — retail, offices, light industrial, and dense residential streets. If you’re responsible for a commercial unit, you’re often balancing security with public safety and reputational impact.
We regularly help secure:
- Retail and high-footfall areas where a damaged frontage must be made safe quickly
- Office and industrial units where access points and yards need controlling
- Facilities and estates where multiple stakeholders need clear documentation
If your incident involves a smashed frontage or forced entry, also see commercial property boarding up and burglary repairs and boarding.
Temporary fencing for residential properties and landlords
For homes, the need is usually urgent and practical: stop access through a breached boundary, protect children/pets, and keep the site safe until repairs can be arranged.
Temporary fencing can be particularly useful for:
- Detached panels after storms
- Damaged front boundaries after an impact
- Vacant properties where you need a visible perimeter while you organise trades
If the core issue is a broken window or damaged door, you may be better served by residential boarding up combined with fencing where needed.
A realistic local example (how this often plays out)
A landlord managing a small property just outside central Reading reported an incident where a vehicle clipped the front boundary and left debris and a partial opening onto the pavement. Repairs to the wall couldn’t happen until the next week.
We attended, set a sensible fence line to keep the frontage safe, and then advised on securing the affected opening within the property. The result was a clear perimeter that reduced risk to passers-by and made the site visibly protected while builders were booked in.
(Every job is different — we’ll always tailor the approach to the site and what’s actually damaged.)
What you’ll receive after the job
To make your next steps easier — whether that’s arranging repairs, speaking to an insurer, or handing back to a managing agent — we can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the installed fencing and any secured points
- Itemised invoice with clear line items
- Statement of works summarising what was installed and where
- Practical advice on whether additional measures are needed (boarding, temporary doors, screens)
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for. See insurance claims support for guidance on what to keep.
Temporary fencing FAQs (Reading & RG)
How quickly can you install temporary fencing in Reading?
It depends on where you are in the RG area, access to the site, and the scale of the perimeter. We prioritise urgent safety/security situations and will always be upfront if there are constraints (for example, restricted access or the need to coordinate with other contractors).
Do I still need boarding up if you’ve fenced the perimeter?
Often, yes. Fencing controls the boundary, but if there’s a smashed window or forced door, it’s usually best to secure the opening as well. We can combine fencing with window boarding in Reading or door boarding in Reading on the same visit where appropriate.
Can you fence off a shopfront area while glazing is ordered?
Yes — this is a common use-case. We can fence to protect the public and discourage access, and we can also install shopfront boarding in Reading to secure the actual opening until replacement glazing is fitted.
Is temporary fencing suitable for longer-term vacant properties?
Temporary fencing can work for short-to-medium periods depending on the site, but longer-term empty properties may benefit from more robust measures. We’ll talk you through options such as boarding and other security approaches based on risk and duration — see vacant property boarding and security.
What should I do before you arrive?
If it’s safe:
- Keep people away from the damaged area
- Take a few photos for your records/insurer
- If it’s a crime-related incident, keep your police reference number
- Don’t attempt to move unstable debris or glass
If there’s immediate danger to the public, contact the emergency services first.
Related services you may need alongside temporary fencing
Depending on what caused the perimeter issue, you might also need:
- emergency boarding up for urgent securing
- window boarding in Reading after broken glazing
- door boarding in Reading after forced entry
- shopfront boarding in Reading for retail premises
- roof boarding for skylights/roof openings
If you’re not sure which solution fits, we’ll help you choose the most sensible route.
Ready to secure a site in Reading or the RG area?
Temporary fencing is often the quickest way to regain control after damage — especially when you can’t wait for permanent repairs.
Need help now? Call 01182 308 876 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? Contact us at info@boarding-up-reading.co.uk.
