FAQs — Boarding Up in Dartford (DA1–DA18)

When something goes wrong—your window is smashed, a door is forced, or a shopfront is left exposed—you usually need clear answers fast. Below are the most common questions we’re asked about boarding up in Dartford and across the DA postcode area.

If you need urgent help, see our emergency boarding up page or call us directly: Call 01322 952 450.

Quick answers (for urgent situations)

  • If it’s unsafe or there’s a crime in progress: call 999.
  • If a burglary/vandalism has happened: call 101 (or 999 if there’s immediate danger), and keep your crime reference number.
  • If glass is still falling / the opening is exposed: keep people away from the area, and if safe take a couple of photos for your insurer.
  • Then call 01322 952 450 for help to make safe the property.

Boarding up: the basics

What does “boarding up” actually mean?

Boarding up is a temporary security and weatherproofing measure used to protect a property when a window, door, shopfront, rooflight or other opening is damaged or missing. We typically use exterior-grade plywood or OSB (oriented strand board), sized to suit the opening and fixed securely so it can’t be removed easily from outside.

If you want a plain-English overview, see: what is boarding up?

When do I need boarding up rather than just a quick repair?

You’ll usually need boarding up when:

  • The opening can’t be properly locked or glazed immediately
  • There’s broken glass, splintered timber, or a door/frame has been forced
  • You need to secure property overnight, during weekends, or out of hours
  • It’s a vacant/void unit and you need short- or medium-term security

Boarding up is often the right first step after a burglary, vandalism, storm, fire, flood, or an impact/accident. We cover these in more detail on our situations pages.

Emergency call-outs and what happens next

Do you offer 24/7 emergency boarding up in Dartford?

Yes—our work includes emergency boarding up across Dartford and the DA postcodes (DA1–DA18). We don’t promise fixed arrival times, because traffic, weather, access and existing emergencies can change the schedule. What we can do is prioritise urgent calls and give you a realistic ETA on the phone when you call.

For urgent attendance, go to: emergency boarding up

Who can board up my window tonight?

If you need to board up broken window damage tonight (for example a smashed window after vandalism), call 01322 952 450. We’ll ask a few quick questions to understand the size of the opening, floor level, and whether there are any risks (loose glass, shutters, alarm, rear access), then arrange attendance as soon as we can.

What information do you need when I call?

To make things smoother, it helps if you can tell us:

  • The postcode (e.g., DA1, DA2, DA8 etc.)
  • What’s damaged: window, door, shopfront, rooflight/skylight
  • Whether it’s ground floor, upper floor, or a flat above a shop
  • Whether the frame is intact or badly splintered/warped
  • If police or the fire service have attended (and any reference number)
  • If there are access issues (parking restrictions, gated rear access, communal entry)

If safe, a quick photo by text/email can help us bring the right materials first time.

What does “make safe” mean?

“Make safe” means taking practical steps to remove immediate hazards and reduce risk, typically by:

  • Securing an exposed opening with boarding
  • Reducing the chance of unauthorised entry
  • Helping protect the inside from wind/rain as far as reasonably possible
  • Leaving the site stable, with clear notes on what was done

For many customers, make safe is the priority until glaziers, locksmiths, or builders can complete permanent repairs.

Methods, materials, and security options

What materials do you use—plywood or OSB?

We use both, depending on the job.

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is commonly used for stronger security and a cleaner, tougher finish on larger openings.
  • 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller windows or lower-risk openings where appropriate.

We choose the thickness and fixing method based on the opening size, exposure, and whether the property will be unattended.

Related service: window boarding in Dartford

How do you fix boards without causing more damage?

Where possible, we use non-destructive or minimal-damage fixing methods, selected to suit the frame type and condition. We also use anti-tamper fixings where appropriate—important when a property is vacant or has been targeted.

If the frame is already badly damaged (for example after a forced entry), we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Sometimes a secure fix requires using the strongest available timber, masonry, or structural points—done carefully and with your permission.

Can you board up doors as well as windows?

Yes. We can board up door openings and secure damaged doorways after forced entry or fire damage. In some cases—especially when the door leaf and frame are beyond immediate repair—a temporary steel door can be a better medium-term solution than plywood alone.

Related service: door boarding in Dartford

What’s the difference between temporary steel doors and security screens?

  • Temporary steel doors provide a lockable, solid access point—useful for repeated access (e.g., contractors/landlords) while maintaining security.
  • Steel security screens (often used for void properties) are designed for longer-term protection and ventilation, depending on the system used and the property’s needs.

If you’re securing an empty unit between tenants, you may also find this useful: vacant property boarding up

Can you board up shopfronts and commercial glazing?

Yes—commercial call-outs are common, especially where a shopfront boarded up solution is needed quickly after impact or vandalism. Shopfront openings are often larger and may involve safety glass fragments, shutters, alarms, and public-facing risk, so we focus on keeping the frontage secure and reducing hazard to staff and passers-by.

Related service: shopfront boarding in Dartford

Do you handle rooflights or skylights?

Yes. Roof-level openings need extra care due to height, access, and exposure to weather. We can secure damaged rooflights/skylights and other overhead openings where it’s safe to do so, then advise on the next steps for permanent repair.

Related service: roof boarding in Dartford

Insurance, documentation, and landlords

Is boarding up covered by insurance in Dartford?

Often it can be, depending on your policy and the cause of damage (burglary, storm, accidental impact, etc.). We’re not loss adjusters, and we can’t guarantee what an insurer will reimburse—but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for.

See our guidance: insurance claims support

What paperwork or evidence do you provide for insurers?

We can provide practical documentation to support your claim, such as:

  • Time-stamped photos of the damage and the secured opening (where possible)
  • An itemised invoice
  • A brief work statement describing the make-safe measures carried out

If you’re making a claim, it’s helpful to keep any police reference number and take your own photos before we arrive—only if it’s safe.

Can landlords or managing agents arrange boarding up for tenants?

Yes. We regularly work with landlords, letting agents, and facilities teams securing residential and mixed-use buildings. If you’re coordinating access (keys, alarm codes, communal entry), tell us on the call so we can plan attendance smoothly.

You may also want: residential boarding up and commercial boarding up

Pricing and practicalities

How much does boarding up cost in Dartford?

Costs vary because every job is different. Factors include:

  • Size and number of openings
  • Height/access (upper floors, flats above shops, rear access)
  • Material choice (plywood vs OSB, thickness)
  • Fixing method required (including anti-tamper measures)
  • Whether it’s out of hours and the urgency level

We keep pricing straightforward and will explain what’s included before starting.

More detail (without fixed prices): boarding up pricing

How long does boarding up take?

Most single openings can be measured, cut and secured relatively quickly once we’re on site, but it depends on:

  • How complex the opening is (bay windows, large shopfronts, warped frames)
  • Whether there’s loose glass that must be handled carefully
  • Access and parking/loading constraints

If you call, we’ll talk through what you’re dealing with and give a realistic expectation.

Do I need to be at the property?

Ideally, yes—especially for residential jobs—so you can confirm access and approve the work. If you can’t be there, we can often work with:

  • Landlords/agents holding keys
  • Site managers or facilities staff
  • Police on scene (in some circumstances)

We’ll always prioritise safe access and clear authorisation.

Common situations (what to do next)

What should I do after a burglary if the door or window is damaged?

If safe, do the following:

  1. Call police (999 in an emergency, otherwise 101) and get a reference number.
  2. Avoid touching damaged areas (forensics may be needed).
  3. Take photos if safe.
  4. Arrange boarding up to secure property after burglary.

We cover the steps here: burglary repairs and boarding up

What if my shop window is smashed?

Treat it as both a safety issue and a security issue—especially if you’re on or near a busy frontage.

  • Keep staff/public away from the broken area
  • Photograph damage for records/insurers
  • Arrange temporary boarding to protect stock and prevent repeat entry attempts

More guidance: vandalism repair and boarding up and shopfront boarding

Can you help after storm damage?

Yes. If high winds or debris have left an opening exposed, boarding up is often the fastest way to prevent further weather entry until permanent repairs can be arranged.

Related page: storm damage make-safe

Do you secure properties after a fire?

Yes, we can secure the building after a fire (once the emergency services say it’s safe to enter) by boarding broken openings and reducing the risk of unauthorised access. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation—our role is to secure and make safe.

Related page: fire damage make-safe

What about flood damage—can you still board up?

Flooding can swell timber frames and affect how doors/windows close. We can still secure openings where needed, but sometimes we’ll recommend a solution that balances security with ventilation/drying. If there’s any electrical risk, we’ll proceed cautiously and may ask you to confirm utilities are safe.

Related page: flood damage make-safe

If a vehicle hits a wall or shopfront, can you board it up?

Yes, we can make safe after an impact where an opening is compromised. If there are structural concerns (movement/cracking), we’ll flag it—boarding up secures the opening, but it doesn’t replace structural assessment.

Related page: accident/impact damage make-safe

Locations and coverage

Which areas do you cover?

We cover Dartford and the wider DA postcode area (DA1–DA18). If you’re not sure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm.

You can also browse: areas we cover or start with boarding up in Dartford (DA1).

Do you cover my DA postcode?

In most cases, yes—DA1 through DA18. Here are a few examples of local pages:

If your area isn’t listed there, check areas we cover or call 01322 952 450.

Trust, safety, and standards

Are you insured and are your technicians DBS-checked?

Yes. We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, and we aim to deliver a calm, practical service when you need it most.

More about what we do: boarding up services

Will boarding up stop someone breaking in?

Boarding up significantly reduces opportunity, especially when properly measured and fixed with anti-tamper methods. It isn’t the same as a permanent repair or full security upgrade, but it’s an effective, immediate way to secure a damaged opening and reduce risk—particularly if the property will be unattended.

Can you remove the boards later?

Yes—removal can usually be arranged when you’re ready for glazing/repairs. If you know your repair date, tell us and we’ll advise on the most sensible temporary method.

Still got a question?

If you can’t find the answer you need, contact us and we’ll talk it through.

Need help now? Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.