Residential Boarding Up in Maidstone (ME1–ME20)
When something happens to your home—whether it’s a smashed window, a forced door, or storm damage—your first priority is keeping everyone safe and securing the property. Our residential boarding up in Maidstone service is designed for those moments: a practical, reassuring way to make the house safe, weatherproof, and harder to target again while you arrange repairs and speak to your insurer.
We work across Maidstone and the wider ME postcode area (ME1–ME20), including town-centre terraces, 1930s semis in the suburbs, and rural cottages in surrounding villages. If you need urgent help, our emergency boarding up service is available day and night.
Need help now? Call 01622 580 086 for immediate assistance.
Residential properties we commonly secure in and around Maidstone
Maidstone’s housing stock is varied, and the “right” boarding method depends on what we’re securing and how damaged the frame is:
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces around Maidstone town centre and older streets near Maidstone East/West—often with timber sash or bay windows that need careful fixing to avoid further cracking or frame damage.
- 1930s–1960s semis in areas like Allington and parts of ME15—frequent calls after attempted break-ins at rear doors, side windows, or garages.
- Flats and maisonettes (including communal entrances)—we’ll coordinate access, keep residents informed, and aim to keep shared areas tidy and safe.
- New-build estates on the edges of town—usually modern uPVC or composite doors and double glazing, where non-destructive boarding techniques are especially important.
- Rural homes and cottages in villages such as Bearsted, Hollingbourne, or Yalding—often more exposed to wind and falling branches during storms, and sometimes with awkward access or outbuildings that also need securing.
If you’re unsure whether your property is classed as residential or mixed-use, we can advise when you call. For shops, offices, and public-facing buildings, see commercial boarding up in Maidstone.
Typical residential scenarios (and what to do first)
Most people find us after something stressful has already happened. Here are the common situations—and the practical steps that help.
Burglary or attempted break-in
Forced doors, splintered frames, and broken panes are common after a break-in. The main aim is to secure the opening quickly so you can sleep at home (or safely leave the property if needed).
What you can do before we arrive (if it’s safe):
- Keep your police incident reference number to hand.
- Take photos of the damage (from a safe distance) for your insurer.
- Don’t clear up glass until you’ve documented it—insurers sometimes ask for evidence.
Related help: burglary repairs and boarding up and door boarding in Maidstone.
Vandalism or neighbour disputes
Smashed windows, stones through glass, or damaged doors can happen without a burglary. If the property is likely to be targeted again, we’ll typically recommend anti-tamper fixings and a method that can’t be removed from the outside.
Related help: vandalism repair and boarding up and window boarding in Maidstone.
Storm damage (wind, tiles, falling branches)
Homes in and around Maidstone can be hit hard during strong winds—especially where mature trees overhang roofs, conservatories, and skylights. Boarding up here is as much about weatherproofing as it is security.
If water is getting in or a rooflight is damaged, ask about roof boarding and skylight boarding and see storm damage boarding up.
Fire damage (post-fire security)
After the fire service has finished, the property may be left with broken windows, compromised doors, or exposed openings. We can secure and board up to prevent unauthorised entry and limit weather ingress.
We’re clear about scope: we secure the property—we don’t provide smoke/odour remediation.
Related help: fire damage boarding up.
Flood damage (swollen frames and insecure openings)
Flooding can cause timber doors to swell, locks to fail, and frames to distort. Sometimes the safest approach is temporary securing while everything dries out and a joiner/glazier assesses what’s salvageable.
Related help: flood damage boarding up.
Accidental impact (sports balls, DIY accidents, vehicle strikes)
A cracked pane or shattered patio door can leave sharp edges and a dangerous opening. We can make the area safe, board it properly, and provide documentation for insurers where required.
Related help: accident damage boarding up.
How we board up residential windows and doors (our methods)
Every home is different. We choose methods that balance security, weather protection, and minimising additional damage.
Window boarding: plywood vs OSB (and when each is used)
For residential work we typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for stronger security and better durability—often the best choice for ground-floor windows, bays, and wider openings.
- 12mm OSB for smaller or less exposed openings where it’s suitable and safe.
We’ll size boards properly, cover the vulnerable area fully, and fit them securely with fixings chosen for the situation. Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of removal from outside—important if the house will be empty overnight or while repairs are arranged.
Learn more: window boarding in Maidstone and what boarding up means in practice.
Door boarding and temporary steel doors
If a door has been kicked in or the frame is too damaged to lock, boarding can secure the opening temporarily—but in many residential cases, a temporary steel door is a safer medium-term option (especially if:
- the property is vacant,
- it’s a repeat target, or
- you need secure access for trades while repairs are ongoing).
We’ll talk you through options on site. If the frame is too damaged for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain why and what your alternatives are before proceeding.
Learn more: door boarding in Maidstone.
Rooflights, skylights and awkward access points
Boarding above head height is different: access, safety, and weatherproofing matter. We’ll assess safe access first and then secure the opening to reduce water ingress and prevent entry.
Learn more: roof boarding in Maidstone.
What to expect when you call us
When you ring, we’ll ask a few practical questions so we can prepare properly—especially out of hours:
- What’s been damaged? (window, door, patio doors, rooflight, etc.)
- Is the property occupied right now? (and is anyone vulnerable inside?)
- Any safety risks? (loose glass, fire damage, suspected structural issues)
- Access details (front/rear, gate codes, parking constraints)
- Insurance/police references (if applicable)
We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, weather, and job overruns can affect ETAs—but we prioritise genuinely urgent calls and keep communication straightforward.
Documentation for landlords and homeowners (useful for insurers)
We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t authorise claims—but we can provide the kind of evidence insurers typically ask for, such as:
- A clear statement of work (what was secured and how)
- An itemised invoice
- Time-stamped photos of the damage and completed boarding (where possible)
If you’re making a claim, it helps to notify your insurer early and keep any police reference numbers. For more guidance, see our insurance claims support page.
Boarding up for flats, shared entrances and communal areas
Residential boarding up isn’t always a straightforward “front window” job—especially in flats. We regularly secure:
- ground-floor windows in communal corridors,
- damaged doors to shared entrances,
- rear access points and bin-store doors.
We aim to keep disruption low, avoid creating trip hazards, and leave communal areas as tidy as possible. If a management company or freeholder needs paperwork, we can provide it.
Coverage across Maidstone and the ME postcode area
We cover Maidstone and surrounding ME districts, including neighbourhoods and nearby villages. If you’re looking for a local team familiar with your area, you may find these pages useful:
- boarding up in Maidstone (ME14)
- boarding up in Allington (ME16)
- boarding up in Bearsted (ME14)
- boarding up in Park Wood (ME15)
- boarding up in Aylesford (ME20)
You can also browse the full list on our areas we cover.
FAQs about residential boarding up in Maidstone
How long can boarding stay on a house?
Boarding can stay in place as long as needed, but it’s meant as a temporary security measure while repairs are arranged. If you expect a longer wait (for example, lead times on glazing or door sets), we’ll discuss more robust options such as improved fixings or alternatives like a temporary steel door where appropriate.
Is boarding up covered by home insurance?
Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidental impact—but policies vary. We recommend contacting your insurer as early as possible. We can provide photos and paperwork to support your claim—see insurance claims help.
Will boarding damage my window frames or brickwork?
We aim for the most secure method with the least additional damage. Where frames are sound, we can often use methods that reduce impact. If the surrounding structure is already compromised (splintered timber, crumbling masonry), we’ll explain the safest fixing approach before starting.
I live in a flat near Maidstone East—can you board up communal doors and windows?
Yes. We often work in flats and managed buildings, including communal entrances and shared corridors. If you’re in a managed block, it helps to confirm who can authorise works (tenant, landlord, managing agent).
Do you also replace the glass?
Boarding up is about making the property safe and secure. Glass replacement and full repairs are usually handled by a glazier or builder—however, we can coordinate so the property remains protected until repairs are completed.
Next steps
If your home has been broken into, damaged by weather, or left insecure, we can help you stabilise the situation and regain control quickly.
Ready to get started? Call 01622 580 086 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.