Boarding-Up FAQs — Sevenoaks (TN13–TN15)

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or storm damage, you’ve likely got questions. Below you’ll find clear, practical answers based on 10+ years securing homes and businesses across Sevenoaks and the TN13–TN15 postcode districts. If you need urgent help, skip to the emergency questions—or call 01732 900 519.

Quick answers for urgent situations

How fast can you attend an emergency in Sevenoaks?

We prioritise emergencies and aim to attend as quickly as possible across TN13, TN14, and TN15. Exact times vary by time of day and workload. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA and keep you updated. For immediate help, see 24/7 emergency boarding up.

My window is smashed—what should I do right now?

  • If a crime is suspected, call 101 (or 999 if still in progress) and get a police reference number.
  • Keep people away from broken glass and exposed edges.
  • Take photos if it’s safe.
  • Call us on 01732 900 519. We’ll advise on temporary safety and arrange window boarding to make the property secure.

Can you board up a damaged door tonight, out of hours?

Yes. We provide out-of-hours door boarding and can fit temporary steel doors where frames are compromised and you need controlled access.

Do you cover shops and commercial premises after-hours?

Yes. We regularly secure retail fronts, restaurants, and offices. Our shopfront boarding includes large-span panels, anti-tamper fixings, and documentation suitable for insurers and facility managers.

About our boarding-up service

What areas do you cover?

We cover Sevenoaks and surrounding TN13–TN15 districts, including local areas such as Dunton Green (TN13), Otford and Knockholt (TN14), and Borough Green, Kemsing, and Wrotham (TN15). See the full list on areas we cover.

Are you fully insured and are your technicians DBS-checked?

Yes—fully insured, with DBS-checked technicians. We’ve been trading locally for 10+ years.

What materials do you use to board up?

We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger windows. For smaller openings or internal partitions we may use 12mm OSB. All external boards are fixed with anti-tamper screws or coach bolts/washers as appropriate. For medium-term or vacant properties, we can install steel security options—ask about temporary steel doors and screens.

How do you fix boards without damaging my frames?

Where possible, we use through-frame methods that use existing structural points or frame-to-masonry fixings, combined with protective packers, to reduce cosmetic damage. If frames are too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain your options and agree the approach before proceeding.

What do I get after the job?

  • Time-stamped photos (before/after)
  • An itemised invoice and work statement noting locations secured, materials, and fixings used
  • Notes for insurers (police reference number, if provided; incident summary; temporary measures taken)
    More details on documentation are on our insurance claims page.

Emergencies, timing and access

Are you truly 24/7?

Yes, we operate a 24/7 response for emergencies. We don’t promise fixed response times, but we prioritise urgent calls and will give a realistic ETA on the phone. Learn more: 24-hour emergency boarding up in Sevenoaks.

Can you make safe upper-floor windows or roof lights?

Yes—subject to safe access. We carry ladders and can arrange mobile access where needed. For overheads, see roof boarding. In high winds or unsafe structures, we may need to wait for conditions to improve or use alternative methods; we’ll explain this on site.

Can you secure a property if the frame is destroyed?

Often yes. If the frame is beyond repair, we can brace across the opening into the surrounding structure and/or fit a temporary steel door for access control. We’ll talk you through the risks and options before work starts.

Costs, quotes and payment

How much does boarding up cost in Sevenoaks?

Costs vary by opening size, access, time of day (in-hours vs out-of-hours), materials, and travel. We don’t publish fixed prices because every incident is different, but we’ll give clear estimates before we start. Read more about factors on our pricing page.

Do you charge extra for out-of-hours call-outs?

Out-of-hours work typically includes an attendance premium to cover staffing and logistics. We’ll confirm this when you call so there are no surprises.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major cards and bank transfer. For commercial and managed properties, we can work with purchase orders and issue RAMS if required—ask our team.

Insurance and documentation

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Usually, yes, when related to an insured event such as burglary, vandalism, storm or fire. Policies vary—contact your insurer early and ask what they need. We provide photos, itemised invoices, and work statements to support a claim. See our insurance claims guide.

Do you deal directly with my insurer?

We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically request. Some insurers ask you to pay us and claim back; others may issue an authorisation. We’ll work with whatever your policy requires.

What should I record for my claim?

  • Police reference number (if applicable)
  • Photos of damage before we arrive (only if safe)
  • Time and date of incident and discovery
  • Any witness details
    We’ll add our own notes and photos to complete the record.

Materials, methods and quality

Why use anti-tamper fixings?

Anti-tamper screws/bolts prevent boards being removed from outside—essential if the property will be unattended, especially overnight or over weekends. They also deter opportunistic re-entry after a burglary.

Will boarding up keep the weather out?

We aim to make the opening secure and weather-resistant. For exposed elevations or roof damage, we can add membrane layers, trims, and sealant where appropriate. In severe weather, complete water-tightness may need further remedial work—our team will advise.

How long does boarding up take?

A single standard window can often be secured in under an hour once on site. Complex shopfronts, broken doors needing steel access solutions, or high/awkward access can take longer. We’ll give you an estimate at arrival.

Residential, commercial and vacant properties

Do you handle residential homes and flats?

Yes. We regularly secure houses, flats and maisonettes across TN13–TN15. See residential properties.

What about shops, offices and restaurants?

Yes—after-hours and planned works available. We’re used to alarms, shutters, and larger shopfront glazing. Learn more: commercial properties.

Can you secure a vacant or void property for weeks or months?

Yes. Beyond temporary plywood, we can install temporary steel doors and security screens for longer-term protection. See vacant property security.

Planning, quotes and follow-on repairs

Can you return to remove boards once my glazing is ready?

Of course. We can schedule removal, or coordinate with your glazier. If required, we can cut an access aperture to allow limited use while the opening remains secured.

Do you replace glass?

We focus on securing and making safe. We’re not a glazing company, but our documentation helps your glazier quote accurately. If you need recommendations, we’re happy to share general pointers without endorsing specific firms.

Can you provide RAMS for commercial sites?

Yes. For planned works and larger commercial call-outs, we can provide RAMS and liaise with site managers. Ask when you call or email.

Local questions for Sevenoaks and TN13–TN15

Do you cover late-night call-outs in TN13 and TN14?

Yes—our 24/7 team attends across TN13 and TN14, with realistic ETAs provided on the phone. Start here if it’s urgent: emergency boarding up.

Can you secure a shopfront near the station or town centre without blocking trading the next day?

Typically yes. We can board to allow roller shutters to operate and keep customer access clear where possible. We’ll discuss sightlines, signage, and access before fixing boards so you can trade safely.

I’m in TN15 (Kemsing/Wrotham). Do you handle storm-damaged roof lights?

Yes—subject to safe access and weather conditions. See storm damage support and roof boarding for how we make roof openings safe and weather-resistant.

Will you liaise with Kent Police if I have a crime reference number?

We can note your reference on our documents and, if needed, time our attendance around scene-of-crime needs. Always obtain your reference number first if safe to do so.

Can you help if my high street shop window is smashed out of hours?

Yes. We frequently respond to “shopfront boarded up” requests overnight. Call us on 01732 900 519 and we’ll talk you through immediate steps while we’re en route. More on shopfront boarding.

Safety and site conditions

Is it safe to stay in the property once boarded?

Boarding restores security, but use common sense: avoid sleeping near damaged areas and keep children and pets away from any remaining glass fragments. We’ll vacuum loose shards where accessible, but fine debris can remain—consider a deeper clean later.

What if the structure looks unstable?

Your safety comes first. If we suspect structural risk, we may recommend pausing works until a structural assessment is carried out. We’ll explain why and outline safer alternatives.

Process: what happens when you call

  1. Call us on 01732 900 519 and describe the issue (window, door, shopfront, roof).
  2. We’ll give practical safety advice and a realistic ETA.
  3. On arrival, we assess, photograph, and agree the approach.
  4. We cut boards to size, install with anti-tamper fixings, and make safe.
  5. We provide time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice/work statement for your records or insurer.

Explore related pages:

Still have questions?

Ready to talk it through? Call 01732 900 519 or email us. For anything urgent—“board up broken window”, “board up door”, “make safe”, “out of hours”, “emergency boarding up”—please call now.