Window Boarding in Maidstone (Emergency & Planned Window Boarding)
A broken or insecure window is one of the fastest ways for a property to become unsafe—especially in bad weather or if the building will be left unattended overnight. We provide window boarding in Maidstone and across the ME postcode area (ME1–ME20), helping homeowners, landlords and businesses secure damaged glazing after a burglary, vandalism, an accident, or storm damage.
If you need urgent help, start here: emergency boarding up or Call 01622 580 086.
When window boarding is the right call
Window boarding is a practical, quick way to make a property safe when glazing has failed or the opening is vulnerable. We’re commonly called out to:
- Smashed windows after a break-in (ground-floor casements, patio doors, rear kitchen windows)
- Shopfront or office windows cracked or shattered (impact damage, attempted entry, vandalism)
- Storm damage where panes have blown in or frames have loosened
- Accidents (a ball through a window, a vehicle strike near an entrance, contractor damage)
- Fire or flood aftermath where windows are missing or security has been compromised (we secure the opening—we don’t provide remediation)
If you’re dealing with forced entry, our burglary repairs support page may help you plan the next steps with your insurer and the police.
What “window boarding” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Window boarding is temporary security and weather protection. The goal is to:
- Prevent easy access through the opening
- Deter opportunist theft and vandalism
- Reduce wind and rain getting inside
- Make the property safe while glazing is replaced
It’s not a substitute for permanent repairs, and it won’t restore insulation or appearance like new glazing. If the frame is badly compromised, we’ll explain what can and can’t be fixed safely before we start.
Emergency window boarding in Maidstone: what happens when you call
When you contact us for emergency window boarding Maidstone, we keep things straightforward.
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We ask a few practical questions
- Address/postcode (ME district)
- What’s broken (single window, bay, patio door, shopfront panel, skylight)
- Any immediate risks (exposed edges, boarding needed upstairs, alarms triggered)
- Whether police or fire service are involved (if relevant)
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We prioritise urgent risks
- Ground-floor or street-facing openings
- Properties that are vacant or will be left overnight
- Commercial premises that can’t be left open
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We arrive, assess, and board securely
- We measure properly and choose the right sheet material
- We fit boards with security-focused fixings
- We aim for a tidy, professional finish with minimal disruption
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You get documentation
- Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
- A clear work description for records/insurers
- An itemised invoice
For urgent situations, go straight to emergency boarding up or Call 01622 580 086.
Materials we use (and why)
We don’t treat every job the same. The best method depends on the size of the opening, the frame condition, the risk level, and how long you need it secured.
18mm exterior-grade plywood (our go-to for security)
For most domestic and many commercial windows, 18mm exterior-grade plywood provides strong impact resistance and is difficult to remove without tools. It’s a solid choice when security is the main concern.
Why it’s used:
- Strong and stable for larger openings
- Handles fixings well (reduced tear-out)
- Better for longer “temporary” periods than thin sheet materials
12mm OSB (for smaller openings or short-term boarding)
OSB (oriented strand board) can be suitable for smaller windows or lower-risk openings where a short-term secure cover is required.
Why it’s used:
- Cost-effective for modest openings
- Quick to cut and fit
- Useful where the opening is not load-bearing and the security risk is lower
We’ll advise on the best option on site—especially if you’re securing a property that will be empty, or if the window is accessible from a flat roof or alleyway.
How we fix boards (security-first methods)
A good board is only as secure as the fixings. Our approach focuses on preventing removal from outside and avoiding unnecessary damage to frames where possible.
Non-destructive fixing (where the frame allows)
Where window frames and reveals are sound, we use methods designed to secure the board firmly without smashing up the surrounding brickwork or timber.
This may include:
- Fixing into robust timbers/reveals where appropriate
- Using anti-tamper fixings when the board is reachable from outside
- Spacing fixings to prevent “peeling” a board away at corners
Through-bolting (for higher risk or compromised frames)
If the opening is particularly vulnerable (street-facing, repeat incidents, vacant property) or the frame is too damaged to take a secure fixing, through-bolting can provide a stronger, more dependable result.
We’ll talk you through what that means before proceeding. If a method will leave additional fixing holes, you’ll know upfront.
Weather considerations (Maidstone & wider ME area)
After storms rolling through Kent, it’s common to see wind-driven rain causing internal damage once glazing fails. Where suitable, we can board in a way that helps reduce draughts and rain penetration—bearing in mind boarding is still temporary and not a full “watertight rebuild”.
If the issue is weather-related, see storm damage boarding for practical steps before we arrive.
Domestic window boarding (houses, flats, and landlord call-outs)
In Maidstone and the surrounding areas you get a real mix of property types—Victorian terraces near town, 1930s semis, and plenty of newer estates. Window boarding needs vary accordingly:
- Bay windows: larger spans need thicker sheet material and careful fixing points
- UPVC frames: require secure fixing choices so the board doesn’t work loose
- Flats/upper floors: access can be the biggest challenge—especially if damage is on a side elevation
If you’re a landlord or letting agent, we can help secure the property first and support your paper trail for follow-on repairs. The residential boarding up and vacant property boarding pages explain options when a property will be unoccupied.
Commercial window boarding (shops, offices and units)
Commercial glazing often fails in bigger sheets, and openings can be wide—particularly for shopfront side windows and office frontage. We commonly board:
- High-visibility windows facing footfall and passing traffic
- Side/rear windows accessible from alleys or service yards
- Office windows where equipment is visible from outside
For larger glass panels and retail frontage, shopfront boarding may be the best fit (we’ll advise if your job crosses into shopfront rather than standard window boarding).
If a door has been forced as well as glazing smashed, it may be quicker and safer to combine the call-out with door boarding in Maidstone or a temporary security upgrade.
If the window frame is badly damaged
Sometimes it’s not just the glass. After a burglary or impact, the frame, hinges, locks, or surrounding masonry can be compromised.
If the frame won’t hold fixings safely:
- We’ll explain the options before we proceed
- We’ll prioritise making the opening secure (even if the method is more robust)
- If the damage suggests broader structural issues, we’ll recommend you involve the appropriate trades before permanent glazing goes in
For impact incidents (including vehicle strikes), see accident damage support.
What you can do before we arrive (safe, practical steps)
If it’s safe to do so:
- Keep people and pets away from broken glass (especially on floors and window sills)
- If the police attended, keep your crime reference number
- Take a few photos for your insurer (don’t touch anything if it’s an active crime scene)
- If weather is coming in, move soft furnishings away from the opening if possible
If you’re unsure, don’t risk injury—call us and we’ll guide you: Call 01622 580 086.
Insurance paperwork: what we can (and can’t) help with
We’re not loss adjusters and can’t tell you what your policy will cover. What we can do is supply the documentation insurers typically ask for after emergency securing:
- Photos of the damage and completed boarding
- A written work description
- An itemised invoice
For more on how to handle the admin side, see insurance claims support.
Window boarding vs longer-term security options
If the property will be vacant for a while (probate, renovation, long void periods), window boarding may not be the best long-term plan on its own. In those cases, we can discuss more durable approaches (depending on the risk and the building).
You can also read what is boarding up? for a plain-English overview of methods and typical use-cases.
FAQs about window boarding in Maidstone
How quickly can you board up a broken window?
It depends on access, the number of openings, and whether the frame will take non-destructive fixings. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls—especially ground-floor and street-facing windows. If it’s urgent, use emergency boarding up or Call 01622 580 086.
Do you board windows on upper floors or awkward access points?
Yes, as long as it can be done safely. Upper-floor windows, side elevations, and areas above extensions can require extra planning. Tell us what floor it’s on and whether there’s safe access.
Will boarding up damage my window frame?
We aim to avoid unnecessary damage, but security comes first. Where frames and reveals are sound, we use methods designed to be secure while minimising impact. If the frame is too damaged, stronger methods may be required—this will be explained before we proceed.
Is window boarding covered by insurance?
Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidental impact—but it depends on your policy and circumstances. We’ll provide photos and an invoice to support your claim. More guidance is on our insurance claims page.
Can you board up and also secure doors at the same visit?
In many cases, yes—break-ins often involve both a window and a door. If you mention it on the call, we’ll come prepared. See door boarding in Maidstone for what that involves.
Talk to a local window boarding team in Maidstone (ME1–ME20)
Whether it’s a smashed kitchen window in a residential street or a cracked pane on commercial frontage, we’ll help you secure the property and get you back to a safer position quickly and professionally.
Need help now? Call 01622 580 086 for immediate assistance.
Or for non-urgent enquiries: [email protected]
