What Is Boarding Up? (And When You Might Need It in Maidstone)

Boarding up is the process of securing a damaged, exposed, or vulnerable opening—most commonly a window, door, shopfront or rooflight—using robust, temporary materials and fixings to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of unauthorised entry. In Maidstone and across the ME postcode area, it’s typically needed after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage, fire, flood, or an accident.

If you’re reading this after something has just happened, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to make every decision at once. The immediate priority is safety, then security, then documenting what’s happened for your insurer or landlord.

If it’s urgent, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call 01622 580 086.

Boarding up in plain English

When a pane of glass is smashed, a door is forced, or a roof opening is exposed, your property becomes:

  • Easier to enter (and harder to insure if left insecure)
  • Exposed to weather (rain and wind can cause fast secondary damage)
  • A safety risk (loose glass, sharp edges, unstable frames)

Boarding up is a temporary security and weatherproofing measure. It buys time while you arrange glazing, carpentry repairs, loss adjuster visits, or a longer-term vacant property security plan.

In Maidstone, we often see call-outs from areas around the town centre, along Tonbridge Road (A26), and near major routes like the M20 (Junction 7)—places where busy footfall, traffic incidents, and opportunistic crime can unfortunately lead to sudden damage.

What boarding up actually involves (step-by-step)

Every job is different, but the process is usually:

  1. Make the area safe

    • We’ll check for loose glass, unstable frames, and any immediate hazards.
    • If the police or fire service have attended, we work around their requirements and access needs.

  2. Assess the opening and the substrate

    • A cracked sash window is very different to a smashed modern uPVC unit, and a commercial aluminium shopfront frame needs a different approach again.
    • If the surrounding frame is too damaged for a non-destructive fix, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

  3. Choose the right boarding method

    • We select materials and fixing points based on security level, the shape/size of the opening, and whether the building will be occupied.

  4. Install boards or screens securely

    • We use anti-tamper fixings where appropriate so boards can’t simply be removed from outside.
    • For doors that can’t be reliably secured, a temporary steel door may be the safest short-to-medium term solution.

  5. Document the work

    • You’ll receive a clear work statement and an itemised invoice, and we can provide photos (often useful for insurers and managing agents).

For examples of specific solutions, see window boarding in Maidstone and door boarding up.

What materials are used for boarding up?

The right material depends on the risk and the opening. Common options include:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm)
    Strong, durable, and suitable for larger openings and higher-risk situations.

  • OSB (oriented strand board, commonly 12mm for smaller openings)
    A practical option for certain window sizes and lower-risk situations, but not always suitable where higher security is required.

  • Steel security screens (Sitex-style panels)
    Typically used for void properties or repeated issues. These are more secure and longer-lasting than timber boarding.

  • Temporary steel doors
    Installed when a door has been forced, the frame is compromised, or you need controlled access while preventing re-entry.

If you’re securing a property between tenancies or after repeated incidents, the best fit is often longer-term measures—see vacant property boarding up.

Boarding up vs. repairs: what it does (and doesn’t) do

Boarding up does:

  • Secure an exposed opening quickly
  • Deter opportunistic entry
  • Help protect against wind and rain
  • Provide a clear, documentable “property secured” action for insurers/landlords

Boarding up doesn’t:

  • Replace glazing or permanently repair frames (that’s the follow-on trade)
  • Restore smoke/odour damage after a fire (we secure the property; remediation is separate)
  • Guarantee a property can’t be broken into (nothing can—but correct methods greatly reduce risk)

After break-ins we’re commonly called before full repairs can be arranged—if that’s your situation, read help after a burglary.

When is boarding up needed in Maidstone?

Here are the most common scenarios we attend across Maidstone and the ME1–ME20 area:

After a break-in or attempted burglary

Forced doors and smashed rear windows are common, especially where access is concealed (side alleys, rear gardens, shared access ways). Boarding up restores a basic level of security while you arrange a locksmith or door replacement.
Related guidance: boarding up after burglary

After vandalism or smashed glass

This often affects ground-floor windows, communal entrances, and shopfront glazing. We can board up quickly to reduce risk to passers-by and prevent repeat damage.
Related guidance: vandalism repair and boarding

After storm damage

High winds can dislodge panels and roof elements, and debris can crack glazing. Boarding up helps prevent secondary water damage—particularly important in older properties where frames may already be tired.
Related guidance: storm damage boarding

After fire or smoke damage

Fire damage can leave doors and windows compromised, even if the building looks intact from the outside. We focus on securing access points once the fire service has finished, so the site can be left safe pending inspection.
Related guidance: fire damage boarding

After flooding

Water can swell timber frames and make doors/windows difficult to close securely. Sometimes you need a temporary solution while everything dries and is assessed.
Related guidance: flood damage boarding

After an accident or impact

Vehicle strikes and accidental breakage can create large, awkward openings—especially on corner plots or commercial units. We board up to control access and reduce danger.
Related guidance: accident damage boarding

Residential vs commercial boarding up (what changes)

Residential properties (houses, flats, maisonettes)

Across Maidstone you’ll see a mix—Victorian terraces nearer the centre, 1930s semis and post-war estates, and newer developments around key routes. The priority is usually making the home secure and safe to occupy.

If you’re a homeowner or tenant, our residential boarding up page explains what to expect.

Commercial properties (shops, offices, premises)

Shopfronts and commercial glazing require larger boards, careful fixing, and sometimes coordination with shutters, alarms, or building management. We can also provide documentation suitable for facilities teams and insurers.

If this is for a unit or workplace, see commercial boarding up and shopfront boarding.

What you should do before we arrive (if it’s safe)

A few practical steps can make the whole process smoother:

  • If there’s a crime, call the police first and keep your reference number.
  • Take photos of damage if it’s safe to do so—useful for insurers.
  • Keep people away from broken glass and unstable areas.
  • Don’t try to clear everything immediately—especially if it could be evidence after a burglary.
  • If it’s weather-related, move valuables away from the opening to reduce risk of water damage.

If you’re unsure what your insurer will need, our insurance claims guidance page covers the usual documentation and process (we’re not loss adjusters, but we can support you with clear paperwork).

How long does boarding up stay in place?

Boarding is temporary, but “temporary” can mean different things:

  • Short-term (hours to a few days): until glazing/repairs are booked
  • Medium-term (weeks): where parts are delayed or the building is awaiting approval
  • Longer-term: where a property is vacant, under probate, or between tenancies—often better handled with steel screens or a temporary steel door rather than repeated timber boarding

If you’re planning ahead for a void property, we can talk through options on vacant property security.

Safety, responsibility, and transparency

We aim to make a stressful situation feel manageable. A few things we’re upfront about:

  • We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times—traffic, access, and the severity of jobs can change priorities. We do triage urgent situations.
  • We’re not legal advisers and we don’t make coverage decisions for insurers, but we provide the kind of photos and paperwork insurers commonly ask for.
  • Where the frame or surrounding structure is unsafe, we may advise additional trades (glazier, carpenter, roofer) before a “perfect” finish is possible—security comes first.

FAQs about boarding up in Maidstone

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often, yes—particularly after burglary, storm damage, or accidental impact—but policies vary. Insurers usually want evidence that you acted to prevent further loss. Keep your crime reference number (if applicable) and take photos. More detail here: insurance claims help.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

It depends on the method and the condition of the substrate. We aim for secure, appropriate fixing while avoiding unnecessary damage. If frames are already split, rotten, or distorted (common after forced entry), we’ll explain the safest fixing approach before starting.

Can you board up a shopfront on a busy street?

Yes. Shopfront work often needs larger boards, stronger fixings, and care around public areas. If you manage a unit, see shopfront boarding in Maidstone.

What’s the difference between plywood boarding and steel security screens?

Plywood is typically best for short-term emergency securing. Steel security screens are more suitable for longer-term or repeat-risk situations (for example, a vacant property). We’ll recommend the most sensible option rather than over-specifying.

I’m in the ME postcode area—do you cover my location?

Yes—our coverage includes Maidstone and surrounding ME districts (ME1–ME20). You can browse areas we cover to find your nearest page.

Ready to secure your property?

If you need urgent help, use our emergency page or call now. If it’s planned securing (void property, recurring vandalism risk, or pre-repair security), we can advise on the most appropriate method and provide clear documentation.

Need help now? Call 01622 580 086 for immediate assistance.
Or email: [email protected]