Boarding Up for Different Property Types in Sevenoaks (TN13–TN15)

If you need to secure a property in Sevenoaks, the type of building matters. A smashed shopfront on a busy high street, a forced residential back door, or a vacant property left unsecured all require different methods and materials to make safe. This page explains how we approach boarding up for residential, commercial, and vacant properties across TN13, TN14 and TN15—what we do, why we do it, and what you’ll get from us.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, are fully insured, and all technicians are DBS-checked. For urgent help now, please call 01732 900 519. For planned works or estimates, you can also email us.

How Property Type Changes the Job

  • Access and safety: Houses might have narrow side paths; shops often have large glazed areas and public footfall; void sites can have no power, debris, or vermin.
  • Materials and fixings: We choose between 18mm exterior-grade plywood and 12mm OSB, anti-tamper fixings, spreader plates, and temporary steel doors depending on the risk profile and timeframe.
  • Risk and timeframe: A home after a burglary typically needs same-day make-safe with the least damage to frames; a retailer may require out-of-hours attendance; a vacant property may benefit from steel security screens for weeks or months.
  • Documentation: Commercial and insurance-led jobs often need RAMS, time-stamped photos, and itemised invoices. We provide these as standard when requested.

If your situation is urgent—smashed window, forced door, shopfront damage, or you need to secure property out of hours—go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call 01732 900 519.

Residential Properties (Houses, Flats, Maisonettes)

Typical scenarios

  • Burglary or attempted break-in with a damaged rear door or shattered pane
  • Storm damage to a bedroom window or skylight
  • Accidental breakage from a lawnmower strike or moving furniture

Our approach

  • Make safe first: Clear loose glass and hazards, isolate the area.
  • Choose the right board: 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and large openings; 12mm OSB can be used for smaller panes where appropriate.
  • Fixing methods: We favour non-destructive internal brace systems where frames are intact. If frames are too compromised for internal bracing, we’ll explain external fixing options and seek approval before proceeding.
  • Weatherproofing: We seal edges where exposure is a concern to reduce draughts and water ingress, especially overnight.
  • Privacy and security: If the opening allows line-of-sight into the property, we’ll ensure full coverage to help you secure property and deter opportunists.

What you receive

  • Time-stamped photos (before/after) on request
  • An itemised invoice suitable for insurance claims
  • A simple work statement describing the damage and our make-safe measures

Learn more about residential boarding or see specific services like window boarding in Sevenoaks and securing after a burglary repair.

Commercial Properties (Shops, Offices, Restaurants, Warehouses)

Typical scenarios

  • Smashed shopfront at closing or overnight
  • Office entry door forced and no longer securing
  • Glazing cracked by vandalism or accidental impact

Our approach

  • Public-facing safety: We cordon off as needed, manage shards, and prioritise making the frontage safe for footfall.
  • Larger spans: Shopfront boarded up typically needs wider sheets and extra bracing; we carry oversized panels for retail glazing.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: To prevent removal from outside—important if premises will be unattended out of hours.
  • Temporary steel doors: Ideal when a door set is compromised and you need controlled access for staff or contractors. We can install adjustable steel doors with multi-point locking for medium-term security.
  • Coordination: We can liaise with your facilities team or alarm company and work out of hours to minimise disruption.

What you receive

  • Time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice
  • RAMS on request for larger or multi-trade sites
  • Clear handover notes, including key management for temporary steel doors

Explore commercial boarding or read about shopfront boarding and door boarding. If vandalism is involved, see our post-vandalism repair guidance.

Vacant and Void Properties

Typical scenarios

  • Empty property between tenancies that needs securing
  • Probate or repossession where access points are vulnerable
  • Repeated attempts to enter a void building

Our approach

  • Medium- to long-term security: Beyond temporary boarding, we often recommend steel security screens and temporary steel doors for controlled access.
  • Ventilation and moisture: For flood or damp-prone voids, we can discuss ventilation strategies while maintaining security—see flood damage advice.
  • Anti-tamper measures: Externally fixed boards with anti-tamper fixings and spreader plates reduce leverage points.
  • Perimeter considerations: For sites at risk of trespass, we can coordinate with your team on complementary measures. If relevant, see our temporary fencing page for options.

What you receive

  • Photo log of all secured openings
  • Itemised invoice and work statement for insurers or asset managers
  • Optional periodic re-visits by arrangement

More on vacant property boarding and suitable options like temporary steel doors. For fire-damaged voids, we secure openings post-incident—see fire damage guidance. Note: we do not provide smoke or odour remediation.

Materials and Methods We Trust

  • Boards: 18mm exterior-grade plywood for main access points and larger openings; 12mm OSB for small to medium glazed areas and internal partitions.
  • Fixings: Coach bolts and anti-tamper fixings with spreader plates to protect frame integrity and resist removal.
  • Bracing: Internal timber or steel bracing where frames allow non-destructive clamping.
  • Weatherproofing: Polythene membranes and sealant where exposure risks water ingress, particularly on roof or skylight openings.
  • Temporary steel doors: Adjustable frames to suit damaged openings with secure multi-point locks—ideal for commercial or vacant sites.

Why we choose these: Anti-tamper fixings prevent external removal; bracing avoids further damage to salvageable frames; thicker plywood better resists forced entry on doors and large panes; sealing edges helps make safe and protect interiors until permanent repair.

If you’re comparing options, our guide to what boarding up is explains the basics in plain English.

What To Expect When You Call

  1. We’ll ask about the property type, location (TN13, TN14 or TN15), opening size, and whether it’s safe to approach.
  2. We provide a realistic ETA based on time of day and workload. We prioritise urgent calls but don’t promise fixed times.
  3. On arrival, we assess, make safe, and agree the boarding method with you (or your representative).
  4. We complete the work, take photos if needed, and tidy the area.
  5. You receive an itemised invoice and, where required, a brief work statement for insurers. See our insurance claims page for what documents to keep and how to proceed.

For immediate incidents—smashed window, need to board up a door, or to secure property out of hours—visit emergency boarding up or call 01732 900 519.

Local Coverage Across TN13–TN15

We attend homes, shops, offices, and vacant sites throughout Sevenoaks and nearby areas across TN13, TN14 and TN15. That includes neighbourhoods such as Riverhead (TN13), parts of Otford and Shoreham (TN14), and Kemsing, Ightham, and Borough Green (TN15). For planned or emergency visits, we’ll confirm a realistic ETA over the phone and prioritise urgent calls.

If you’re browsing by area, see:

You can also view all areas we cover.

FAQs: Boarding Up by Property Type in Sevenoaks

Do you handle out-of-hours calls for shops in TN13–TN15?

Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up for commercial premises, including shopfronts and offices. Call 01732 900 519 and we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on conditions.

What’s the difference between residential and commercial boarding?

Commercial jobs often involve larger panes, more robust anti-tamper fixings, and crowd safety management. Residential boarding prioritises non-destructive methods and weatherproofing to make safe until glazing can be replaced.

Can you install a temporary steel door after a forced entry?

Yes. Where a door set is compromised, we can fit a temporary steel door to maintain secure access. This is common for commercial and vacant properties; it’s available for homes when appropriate. See door boarding.

I manage a vacant house in TN14—should I use steel screens or plywood?

For medium- to long-term security, steel security screens and a temporary steel door generally outperform plywood against tampering. We’ll assess entry points and advise the right mix. Learn more in vacant property boarding.

Will my insurer accept your documentation?

We routinely provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—typically what insurers request. See our insurance claims page for guidance. We’re not loss adjusters but we’ll supply clear evidence of works.

Can you “make safe” a rooflight or skylight after storm damage?

Yes. We can provide roof boarding or temporary coverings to keep weather out. Access and safety dictate the method; we’ll explain options on site.

How quickly can you board up a smashed window in Sevenoaks?

Timing varies with workload and time of day. We prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you call. For immediate support, visit 24/7 boarding up in Sevenoaks.

Do you work with facilities managers and estate agents?

Yes. We regularly attend managed residential blocks, retail units, and void portfolios. We can provide RAMS on request and coordinate key handovers for temporary steel doors.

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