What Is Boarding Up?

Boarding up is the process of securing damaged, broken, or vulnerable openings—most commonly windows and doors—using robust materials such as exterior-grade plywood or OSB fixed with anti-tamper screws or anchors. The goal is to make the property safe, weather-tight, and secure until permanent repairs or replacements are arranged.

In Sevenoaks and across TN13–TN15, people usually ask for boarding up after a burglary, a smashed window, storm damage, or an accident. Our team at Boarding Up Sevenoaks provides planned and emergency boarding up 24/7. We’re fully insured, have 10+ years’ trading experience, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

If you’re dealing with a broken window or door right now and need to secure your property, Call 01732 900 519.

When You Need Boarding Up

Boarding up is appropriate when an opening is exposed, unsafe, or cannot be re-secured on the spot. Typical situations include:

  • Burglary or break-in: forced doors, smashed glazing, damaged frames
  • Vandalism: shopfronts or residential windows targeted
  • Weather events: wind, fallen branches, storm-driven debris
  • Fire or flood: compromised openings that need securing while restoration is planned
  • Accidents/impact: vehicle strikes on shopfronts, ball-through-window incidents
  • Vacant properties: empty buildings needing medium-term protection

If this sounds like your situation, our situations hub explains what to do after a burglary, vandalism, storm damage, fire, or flood.

How Boarding Up Works (Step by Step)

We focus on doing the basics exceptionally well—accurate sizing, correct fixings, and clear documentation.

  1. Initial call and assessment

    • We’ll ask about the property type, opening size, glazing type, and access.
    • If it’s urgent or out of hours, we prioritise attendance and give a realistic ETA over the phone. We do not guarantee specific times.

  2. On-site safety check

    • We make the area safe first: remove loose shards, cordon off hazards, and check for structural issues. For shopfronts, we manage public footfall as needed.

  3. Measuring and material choice

    • We typically use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and large windows, and 12mm OSB for smaller panels where appropriate.
    • For long spans (e.g., shopfronts), we may use multiple boards with battening to prevent flex.

  4. Fixing method

    • Our default approach uses anti-tamper fixings so boards can’t be removed from outside—vital if the property will be unattended.
    • Where the frame allows, we use non-destructive bracing or frame anchors positioned to avoid further damage.
    • If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options and get your agreement before proceeding.

  5. Weatherproofing and finish

    • Sealing edges or overlapping where appropriate to shed rain, especially for roof lights or partially exposed openings.
    • Checking doors still open internally where safe—or fitting a temporary steel door solution if re-entry is needed.

  6. Handover and documentation

    • We provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—useful for insurers.
    • If needed, we can liaise with your glazier or property manager for follow-up works.

Want the specifics for each service? See window boarding in Sevenoaks, door boarding up, shopfront boarding, and roof boarding.

Materials We Use and Why

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood: The workhorse for most doors and larger windows. It resists flexing and offers reliable impact protection.
  • 12mm OSB: A lighter option for small openings or as an inner layer. Suitable for short-term cover where weight or handling is an issue.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: Prevent removal from the outside, protecting vacant or unattended properties.
  • Timber battens/packers: Used to spread load, avoid frame damage, and get a tight, rattle-free fit.
  • Temporary steel door sets: Ideal when a door has been forced and you need secure, repeated access for days or weeks.

We’ll choose materials based on opening size, exposure to weather, property type (residential/commercial), and the expected duration of the temporary security.

What You Get From a Professional Boarding-Up Service

  • Immediate safety: Glass hazards made safe, property secured, and weather ingress reduced.
  • Fit-for-purpose solution: Correct board thickness, appropriate fixings, and alignment for best security.
  • Insurer-friendly paperwork: Time-stamped photos, itemised invoice, and a short work statement.
  • Honest advice: If the opening needs a different approach (e.g., steel security screens for a longer-term vacant property), we’ll explain why and provide options.
  • Local knowledge: Sevenoaks-based coverage across TN13–TN15, with priority for urgent calls.

Read how we price jobs and what affects cost on our pricing page. For claim guidance, see insurance claims support.

Emergency vs Planned Boarding Up

  • Emergency boarding up (out of hours, tonight, same day): Used after a smashed window, break-in, or impact. Aim is to make safe and secure property quickly. See 24/7 emergency boarding up in Sevenoaks.
  • Planned boarding up: For scheduled works, void property security, or ahead of a storm. We can survey, advise on materials, and coordinate with your contractor or insurer.

We don’t promise fixed arrival times; attendance varies by time of day and workload. When you call, we’ll give a realistic ETA.

Common Scenarios We Handle in Sevenoaks (TN13–TN15)

  • Residential sash window smashed by storm debris in TN13: Remove loose glass, fit 18mm ply over the external frame, and seal edges where appropriate.
  • Shopfront breakage in TN14: Clear the aperture safely, brace wide spans with battens, and use anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal.
  • Forced rear door in TN15: Install a temporary steel door or heavy-duty boarded panel with internal bracing to allow controlled access.
  • Rooflight broken by branch: Enclose and weatherproof with boarded cover, considering drainage and roof membrane.

For property-specific guidance, explore residential boarding, commercial boarding, and vacant property security.

Limitations and What We Don’t Do

  • We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors. We provide documentation your insurer typically needs.
  • We don’t guarantee attendance times; conditions vary. We prioritise urgent calls.
  • Smoke or odour remediation after fire is outside our scope—we secure the property.
  • Structural assessment beyond immediate safety is not included; we’ll flag concerns where specialist input is needed.

How Long Boarding Up Should Stay In Place

Temporary boards are exactly that—temporary. Duration depends on your repair timeline, weather exposure, and security needs:

  • Short term (hours to days): After a smashed pane while waiting for glazing replacement.
  • Medium term (days to weeks): Vacant property between tenancies or after forced entry while joinery is made.
  • Longer term: Consider steel security screens for void properties needing extended protection.

If you expect a longer wait for repairs, ask us about options beyond basic timber boarding.

Preparing for Our Visit: Practical Tips

  • Stay safe: Keep away from broken glass. If the incident involved a break-in, wait outside or in a safe room until police confirm entry is safe.
  • Call the police for crime incidents and keep your reference number.
  • Take photos before anyone clears debris—if safe to do so.
  • Inform your insurer early; boarding up is commonly covered as an emergency measure.
  • Clear access where possible: Move furniture and vehicles if safe.
  • If keys are missing or locks are compromised, tell us—we can secure the opening and leave access according to your instructions.

For more guidance, visit our FAQs.

Why Choose Boarding Up Sevenoaks

  • Local coverage across TN13–TN15 with technicians familiar with residential streets and commercial areas
  • 10+ years trading, fully insured, DBS-checked staff
  • Professional-grade materials and anti-tamper fixings used as standard
  • Clear, insurer-ready documentation with photos
  • 24/7 availability for emergency boarding up

What to Expect on the Day

  • A calm, methodical approach from uniformed technicians
  • Plain-English explanation of options and any risks to frames or finishes
  • Neat, secure boarding tailored to your opening
  • A tidy site on completion—waste glass gathered and hazards removed
  • Itemised invoice and photo record sent to your preferred email

If you’re comparing options or planning ahead, our services overview is a good place to start.

FAQs About Boarding Up (Sevenoaks)

How quickly can you attend in TN13–TN15?

Attendance varies by time of day and workload. We prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA when you ring. We don’t offer guaranteed times.

Will boarding up damage my frames?

We aim for non-destructive methods using frame anchors and internal bracing. If the frame is already compromised, we’ll explain options and get your approval before using more invasive fixings.

What thickness boards do you use?

Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings and doors; 12mm OSB can be used for small spans or as a secondary layer, depending on risk and duration.

Can you board up my shopfront out of hours?

Yes. We regularly handle out-of-hours commercial call-outs and can provide documentation for your insurer or centre management. See shopfront boarding.

Do you provide photos and paperwork for insurers?

Yes—time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement are standard. For claim tips, visit insurance claims.

Can you fit a temporary door if my door is smashed?

Yes. We can install a temporary steel door or secure boarding with internal bracing to allow access. See door boarding.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes, as an emergency measure after insured perils like burglary or storm. Policies vary—speak to your insurer and keep your police reference if applicable. Our pricing page explains cost factors.

Do you cover my area near Sevenoaks?

We cover the TN13–TN15 districts and nearby neighbourhoods. Check our areas we cover page for more detail.

Ready to Secure Your Property?

Need help now? Call 01732 900 519 for immediate assistance, or email us for advice and scheduling.