FAQs — Boarding Up Medway

If you’ve just had a smashed window or a forced door, you’ve probably got urgent questions. Below you’ll find clear answers on how our boarding up works across Medway, what to expect when you call, insurance documentation, materials we use, and local coverage across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. If you need immediate help, please head to our emergency boarding up page or Call 01634 980 080.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, are fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We work across homes, shops and commercial sites in Medway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does emergency boarding up work in Medway?

  • Call us on 01634 980 080. We’ll ask what’s happened (burglary, vandalism, storm), the opening size, property type and postcode (ME1–ME8).
  • We give a realistic ETA based on workload and location—no fixed arrival guarantees, but we prioritise urgent calls.
  • On arrival, we assess glass, frames and structure, then measure and cut boards on site.
  • We fit exterior-grade plywood or OSB with anti-tamper fixings. Where frames are compromised, we use through-bolting or frame-spanning methods.
  • You receive time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice for your insurer.
    For urgent situations, see emergency boarding up.

What materials do you use, and why?

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is our mainstay for doors and large windows due to rigidity and impact resistance.
  • 12mm OSB may be used on smaller openings or internal partitions where appropriate.
  • Anti-tamper fixings prevent removal from outside—essential if the property will be unattended.
  • For medium-term security or where frequent access is required, we can install temporary steel doors or recommend steel security screens for void properties.
    More detail in what is boarding up.

Can you board up a shopfront the same day?

Often, yes—subject to workload and material availability. Shopfronts can be large spans; we may join multiple plywood sheets with strong backs and cross-bracing, or install a temporary access door within the boarding so staff can enter safely. If glazing is part of an insurance claim or has structural mullion damage, we’ll make safe and secure, and advise next steps. See shopfront boarding.

Do you cover my area in Medway?

We cover ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8, including Rochester, Strood, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham, plus surrounding neighbourhoods. Explore local pages such as boarding up Rochester (ME1), boarding up Strood (ME2), and boarding up Rainham (ME8). For the full list, visit areas we cover.

I’ve had a break-in—who should I call first?

If a crime is in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999. Otherwise, report to the police via 101 and obtain a crime reference number. If the property is insecure (smashed window, forced door), call us on 01634 980 080 to secure the property after burglary. Contact your insurer early—many policies cover boarding up as an emergency make-safe measure.

Will you provide documentation for my insurance claim?

Yes. We supply:

  • Time-stamped before/after photos of damage and boarding
  • An itemised invoice stating materials (e.g., 18mm exterior plywood), fixings and labour
  • A work statement outlining the cause reported and make-safe steps
    We’re not loss adjusters, but we provide what insurers typically need. See our insurance claims guide.

How much does boarding up cost in Medway?

Costs depend on:

  • Opening size and number of boards
  • Method (surface fix vs through-bolting, frame condition)
  • Height/access (ladders vs tower), complexity, and time of call (out of hours)
    We don’t quote fixed prices online. For transparent guidance on factors and typical ranges, see pricing. We’ll give you an estimate over the phone and confirm on site before work starts.

Can you attend out of hours or tonight?

Yes. We offer 24/7 boarding up in Medway. We don’t guarantee fixed response times, but we prioritise “right now” calls such as a smashed window, ram-raid damage or a forced door. Call 01634 980 080.

How long does the job take?

A straightforward window typically takes 45–90 minutes from arrival. Larger shopfronts, roof openings, or door frames needing through-bolting take longer. Time includes assessment, measuring, cutting, fitting, and photos. We’ll advise an on-site time estimate before starting.

What if the frame is badly damaged?

If non-destructive fixing won’t hold, we’ll explain options before proceeding—such as spanning to masonry, using larger backers, or fitting a temporary steel door for secure access. For severe structural issues, we’ll make safe, then recommend follow-on trades. We’ll never proceed with invasive methods without your consent.

Can you board up upper floors and roof lights?

Yes. We regularly handle first/second-floor windows and skylights. Access varies: ladders for modest heights, or a small tower/roof ladder for safe working. For weather-exposed roof openings we add appropriate weatherproofing. Learn more in roof boarding.

Do you remove the boards later?

We can return to de-board once glazing or doors are repaired. If you prefer to keep boards temporarily, we’ll explain safe removal and disposal options. For void properties needing weeks or months of security, we may suggest steel security options via our vacant property guidance.

What fixings do you use? Will they damage the frame?

We use anti-tamper screws or coach bolts with interior plates/washers. Where possible, we fix to robust parts of the frame to minimise damage. If a frame is too weak, we’ll discuss through-bolting to internal spreaders or fixing to masonry around the reveal. We balance security with future repairability and will explain the trade-offs on site.

Do you work with landlords, letting agents and facilities teams?

Yes. We routinely attend tenanted homes, HMOs, commercial units and managed estates. We can liaise with keyholders, provide RAMS on request for commercial sites, and send photo reports to your inbox. See property types for residential, commercial and vacant property details.

Can you help after storm, fire or flood damage?

We secure and make safe after weather or incident damage:

  • Storm damage boarding: wind-blown glazing, fallen branches, loose panes
  • Fire damage securing: we secure openings once safe—smoke/odour remediation is outside our scope
  • Flood damage: swollen frames, compromised doors—ventilation considerations explained on site
    We’ll coordinate with emergency services where required.

How do I prepare while I wait?

  • Stay clear of broken glass and unstable frames; keep children and pets away.
  • If safe, take photos for your insurer before we arrive.
  • Keep your police reference number handy if it’s a burglary.
  • For shops, consider moving high-value items away from the opening and isolate power if water damage is present.
    For immediate steps, see emergency boarding up.

Do you offer receipts and VAT invoices for insurance?

Yes—itemised, time-stamped invoices suitable for insurance claims. If your insurer needs additional detail (e.g., photos showing fixings from inside), tell us on site and we’ll capture it. More on documents in our insurance claims guide.

Are your technicians vetted and insured?

Yes. Our team is DBS-checked and we’re fully insured. We’ve been trading locally for over 10 years and work across ME1–ME8 for homes, shops and facilities.

How soon should I replace the glass after boarding?

As soon as practicable. Boarding up is a temporary security and weathering solution. We’ll secure the opening and, if you like, share photos and sizes that your glazier can use to quote. If the property will be unattended for longer, ask about temporary steel doors or medium-term security options.

Can you provide references or reviews?

Yes—read recent feedback on our reviews page. We aim for practical, tidy work with clear communication and documentation.

What if I’m not at the property?

We can meet a neighbour, keyholder or agent, or arrange a lockbox solution for access where appropriate. We’ll send photo updates and call before and after attendance. For managed sites, we can follow your permit/induction process—please flag this when booking.

Do you take away broken glass?

Where safe and practical, we will clear and bag accessible broken glass around the immediate work area. If there’s extensive debris or hazardous materials, we’ll discuss safe options and any additional requirements before proceeding.

Can you secure a property that has no power?

Yes. Our tools are battery-powered or self-contained. Night-time attendances are routine; we carry task lighting to assess and make safe out of hours.

What if the opening is unusually large?

We can join multiple sheets with internal bracing and fix to structural members or masonry surrounds. For shopfronts with lost mullions/transoms, we’ll create a robust timber frame behind the boarding and, where appropriate, integrate a temporary access door. We’ll always explain the chosen method before fixing.

Do you work with the police or council?

We’re independent, but we often attend after police incidents to make safe and secure, and we can coordinate attendance at council-managed properties on instruction. We’ll provide documentation you can forward to relevant parties.

Can you help me understand the boarding methods?

Absolutely. Our short explainer covers methods, materials and when to use each: What is boarding up?. You can also browse specific services: window boarding, door boarding, shopfront boarding, roof boarding.

Need urgent help?

If you need to board up a broken window, secure a forced door, or make safe a damaged shopfront now, call us. We’ll give you a realistic ETA and talk you through the next steps.

Need help now? Call 01634 980 080 for immediate assistance.