Boarding Up for Vacant Properties in Maidstone (ME1–ME20)

A vacant property is an easy target. Whether it’s between tenants, going through probate, awaiting refurbishment, or simply empty after a move, an unoccupied building in Maidstone can attract unwanted attention quickly—especially if there’s visible damage, post in the door, or lights never on.

We provide boarding up for vacant properties across Maidstone and the ME postcode area (ME1–ME20), helping landlords, managing agents, homeowners and commercial property owners secure doors, windows, shopfronts and vulnerable access points. The aim is simple: stop opportunistic entry, reduce further damage, and keep the site safe and insurable until repairs or reoccupation.

If you need urgent help, see emergency boarding up. If this is planned security ahead of a void period, we can schedule a visit and talk through options.

Why vacant properties in Maidstone need securing

Empty buildings are more likely to be tested—often within days. In Maidstone, we frequently attend void properties:

Near transport and footfall, such as around Maidstone East and Maidstone West stations, where passing trade and visibility can unfortunately mean more opportunistic damage.
On mixed residential/commercial routes, like loose edges of the town centre and arterial roads such as the A20 and A229, where properties are easy to access and harder to “keep an eye on” informally.
In quieter residential areas, where an empty house stands out and can be targeted for copper, tools, or simply vandalism.

Vacant property boarding up isn’t about making a place look like a fortress. It’s about practical, temporary protection that keeps the building weather-tight and secure while you arrange the next steps.

Typical scenarios we see (and how we help)

Vacant properties rarely have just one issue. These are the most common call-outs and planned jobs we handle in Maidstone and the wider ME area.

Between tenancies (landlords and letting agents)

Void periods happen—especially with compliance works, redecorating, or kitchen/bathroom replacement. If the property is empty, even small weaknesses (a stiff lock, a window that doesn’t close cleanly) can become a security risk.

We can:

Secure vulnerable windows and rear doors
Fit a temporary steel door where a door has been forced or removed
Provide documentation suitable for property files and insurer queries

Probate and inherited properties

These can sit empty while paperwork is sorted. We’re used to working carefully and respectfully—often when neighbours are concerned, keys are limited, and access needs to be controlled.

If there’s already been an attempted break-in, take a look at burglary repairs and boarding for what to do next.

Renovation/refurbishment sites

Refurbs create extra risk: open windows, removed doors, scaffolding access, and tools left onsite. We can secure openings while allowing planned access for trades, and advise on the best approach where the building is being actively worked on.

If you need to secure larger gaps or upper-level access points, roof boarding and skylight boarding may be appropriate.

Void commercial units and closed shops

Empty retail units—especially those with large glazed frontages—are vulnerable to smash-and-grab damage and repeated vandalism.

We handle shopfront boarding for empty units and can advise on a more robust, longer-term approach if the unit will remain vacant for months.

Related service: shopfront boarding in Maidstone

Fire, flood, storm or impact damage to an empty building

Sometimes the property becomes vacant because of the incident. In these cases, securing the structure is the first step to prevent further loss.

Helpful situation pages:

after storm damage
after fire damage (we secure the building; smoke/odour remediation is outside our scope)
after flood damage
after accident damage

Our methods for vacant property boarding (what we use and why)

We choose the method based on the risk level, condition of the frames, how long the property will be empty, and whether you need regular access.

Plywood or OSB boarding for windows and smaller openings

For most domestic voids, boarding involves cutting panels to fit and fixing them securely so they can’t be removed from outside.

18mm exterior-grade plywood is often preferred for strength and durability
OSB can be suitable for some smaller openings or lower-risk locations (we’ll advise honestly)

Fixings matter on void properties. Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings to deter removal from outside—important when a property may sit unattended for weeks.

Related service: window boarding in Maidstone

Door boarding and temporary steel doors (access without losing security)

A boarded doorway is secure, but it can be inconvenient if you (or contractors) need repeated access. For vacant properties that require visits—gas safety checks, inspections, clearance, refurb work—a temporary steel door is often the better solution.

Benefits include:

Stronger physical security than timber boarding alone
Lockable access for keyholders and authorised visitors
A cleaner, more practical setup for medium-term voids

Related service: door boarding in Maidstone

Shopfront boarding for large glazed frontages

Commercial voids often need larger, heavier panels and a method that’s robust against repeat attempts.

We can board:

Full-height glazed shopfronts
Side/rear access doors
Vulnerable windows at the back of premises (often overlooked)

Related service: shopfront boarding in Maidstone

Rooflights and overhead openings (weatherproofing and safety)

If a rooflight is broken—or there’s been storm damage—water ingress can escalate quickly in an unheated, empty property.

We can board and make safe:

Rooflights and skylights
Gaps created by slipped tiles where access allows safe temporary protection

Related service: roof boarding and skylight boarding

When non-destructive fixing isn’t possible

We aim for secure, tidy work that can be removed later with minimal disruption. However, if frames are rotten, smashed, or too unstable to take secure fixings, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. The priority on voids is that the board stays in place and the opening is not easily forced.

What to expect when you arrange vacant property boarding in Maidstone

Every site is slightly different, but this is the typical process:

Initial call / details gathered
Address, property type, what’s been damaged, whether police/insurer are involved, and whether you have safe access.
On-site assessment
We check openings, frame condition, and any secondary vulnerabilities (rear access, alleyways, low flat roofs, side gates).
Agree the method before work starts
We’ll talk you through the approach—plywood/OSB, anti-tamper fixings, temporary steel door where needed.
Secure the building
Boards cut to size and fixed properly, with attention to strength and safety.
Documentation for your records
If needed, we provide time-stamped photos, a clear statement of works, and an itemised invoice—helpful for landlords, agents, and insurance claims support.

If you’re unsure what “boarding up” actually involves, our explainer helps: what is boarding up?

Maidstone & ME coverage for vacant properties

We cover Maidstone town and surrounding ME postcodes (ME1–ME20). Vacant property jobs often come from landlords and agents managing multiple addresses, so we regularly work across different parts of the borough and beyond.

Local area pages you may find useful:

If you’re not sure which page matches your location, check areas we cover.

Micro case study: Securing a void terrace near Maidstone West

A managing agent called us about a vacant Victorian terrace not far from Maidstone West, where a ground-floor rear window had been broken after the tenants moved out. The property backed onto a lane, making it less visible from the street and easier for someone to try the back.

We attended to secure the rear elevation first, then checked the front for weak points. The rear window opening was boarded using exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings, and we provided photos and a statement of works for the agent’s file. Because the property was due to be inspected weekly and have contractors in, we also discussed whether a temporary steel door would be appropriate if the rear door showed any signs of attempted entry later during the void period.

Keeping insurers and neighbours onside (practical tips)

Vacant properties can raise questions for insurers and create concerns for neighbours. A few practical steps help:

Tell your insurer early if the property will be unoccupied for an extended period; policy conditions can change when a building is empty.
Keep your crime reference number if there’s been a break-in or vandalism.
Take photos before we arrive (if safe) to record the initial damage.
Manage post and visibility: overflowing mail and obvious vacancy signals can attract attention.
Don’t ignore small damage: one cracked pane can become a full entry point.

For claim-related documentation and what insurers typically ask for, see insurance claims help.

FAQs: Vacant property boarding up in Maidstone

How quickly can you board up a vacant property?

We prioritise urgent security risks, but we don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, access and job complexity vary across Maidstone and the ME area. If it’s urgent (break-in, exposed shopfront, storm damage), use our emergency boarding up page and call us.

Is boarding up covered by insurance for empty properties?

Sometimes, especially after an insured event like burglary, vandalism, storm or impact damage. Cover depends on your policy and vacancy conditions. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the photos and paperwork insurers typically request—see insurance claims support.

What’s better for a long void period: boarding or a temporary steel door?

If you need ongoing access, a temporary steel door is often the more practical and secure option than boarding a doorway and repeatedly removing/re-fixing it. For short-term or low-access situations, door boarding may be fine. See door boarding in Maidstone.

Can you secure commercial voids and shopfronts as well as houses?

Yes. We regularly secure empty retail units and offices, including large glazed frontages. Shopfronts often need heavier boarding and robust fixing methods—see shopfront boarding in Maidstone.

Do you cover areas like Allington, Bearsted and Aylesford?

Yes—those are common areas for void property call-outs. See boarding up Allington (ME16), boarding up Bearsted (ME14) and boarding up Aylesford (ME20) for local details.

Ready to secure a vacant property?

If your building is empty—and especially if there’s been a break-in, damage, or you’re approaching a void period—securing it early can prevent a small issue turning into a repeat problem.

Ready to get started? Call 01622 580 086 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.

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