Pricing for Boarding Up in Medway

If you’re dealing with a smashed window, a forced door, or need to secure a vacant property, you want clear, honest guidance on costs—without having to wait for a sales call. This page explains how we price boarding up in Medway, what affects the final figure, and what you get for your money. We won’t quote fixed prices here because every job is different, but we’ll give you real factors and examples so you know what to expect. For an accurate estimate, please call 01634 980 080 or email us.

We cover ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 across Medway. We’re fully insured, DBS-checked, and have 10+ years’ experience in emergency and planned boarding up.

What Affects the Cost

Every property and incident is different. The final price depends on a mix of access, size, materials and timing. Typical cost factors include:

  • Opening size and quantity

    • One small pane costs less than multiple full-height shopfront panels
    • Large sliding doors or curtain-walling require more materials and fixings

  • Materials and specification

    • 18mm exterior-grade plywood is our standard for most windows/doors
    • 12mm OSB may be suitable for small internal openings or non-exposed areas
    • Temporary steel doors or steel security screens cost more but offer medium-term security

  • Fixing method and frame condition

    • Anti-tamper fixings add security and time on site
    • Through-bolting or frame-spanning braces may be required if the frame is compromised
    • If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding

  • Access and site conditions

    • Upper floors often need ladders or a tower; complex access increases labour time
    • Shopfronts near busy roads may need extra safety controls
    • Weatherproofing after storm or fire can add time (membranes, sealing, vents)

  • Timing and urgency

    • Out of hours or overnight “make safe” work costs more than planned daytime visits
    • Weekend and bank holiday attendance may attract higher rates

  • Location within Medway

    • Travel and parking considerations across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 are factored into our quote

If you’re not sure which options fit your situation, see our service pages for detail on methods and when they’re used: window boarding in Medway, door boarding, and shopfront boarding.

What’s Included As Standard

No surprises. A typical boarding-up visit includes:

  • Attendance by a DBS-checked technician
  • Site assessment and risk check on arrival
  • Measuring and cutting boards to fit (no loose, flapping edges)
  • Appropriate fixings for the frame and risk level (e.g., anti-tamper exterior fixings)
  • Weatherproofing where needed (edges sealed on exposed openings)
  • Time-stamped photos of damage and completed work (for your records)
  • An itemised invoice and work statement suitable for insurers
  • Clear handover notes with any recommendations (e.g., temporary steel door for repeat access)

For insurance or police involvement, see our dedicated guidance: insurance claims support and after burglary: what to do.

How We Quote

We keep it simple and transparent:

  1. Quick conversation

    • You tell us what happened, location (ME1–ME8), photos if safe to take
    • We confirm urgency and discuss likely approach

  2. Estimate and ETA

    • We give a realistic estimate based on the information you provide
    • We don’t promise fixed arrival times—conditions vary—but we prioritise urgent calls

  3. On-site confirmation

    • We re-check measurements and access
    • If anything changes the cost (e.g., hidden frame damage), we explain options before proceeding

  4. Documentation

    • You receive photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement on completion

If you need immediate help, go to our 24/7 emergency boarding up page or call 01634 980 080.

Day Rates vs Fixed Tasks

We price most jobs as fixed tasks based on opening size, materials and time. In some planned works—void property security with multiple openings, for example—a day rate may be more cost-effective. We’ll advise which route gives you best value before starting.

  • Fixed task pricing works best for:

    • Single smashed windows or doors
    • Shopfront “make safe” after impact
    • One-off storm damage to a known opening

  • Day rate can help when:

Materials We Use (And Why They Affect Price)

Choosing the right material balances security, weather, and how long the property will be unattended:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood

    • Our go-to for exposed openings and street-facing windows/doors
    • Strong, holds anti-tamper fixings well; costs more than thinner boards

  • 12mm OSB (selected uses)

    • Suitable for small or internal openings and short-term protection
    • Lower material cost but not ideal for large exterior spans

  • Temporary steel doors

    • Best when regular access is needed (e.g., after a burglary at a rear door)
    • More secure and reusable; higher upfront cost but can be more economical over weeks

  • Steel security screens (Sitex-style)

    • For vacant properties and longer-term security
    • Higher material and labour input; excellent for preventing forced entry

For specific applications—upper floors, roof lights, or weather-compromised openings—see roof boarding.

Example Scenarios and Typical Cost Drivers

These are not quotes, just realistic examples of what drives price in Medway. Actual costs can be confirmed on the phone.

  • Late-night smashed terrace window (ME1)

    • Smallish sash pane, street-facing, out of hours
    • Drivers: out-of-hours attendance, anti-tamper fixings, external sealing

  • Shopfront impact in ME7

    • Two large panes plus a damaged aluminium stall riser
    • Drivers: large board area, multiple fixings, high street access and safety measures

  • Storm-damaged patio doors in ME5

    • Full-height opening with twisted frame, wind-driven rain
    • Drivers: frame too damaged for standard fixings, possible frame-spanning method, weatherproofing

  • Vacant house securing in ME2

    • Four windows and a rear door, longer-term security needed
    • Drivers: multiple openings, recommendation for a temporary steel door, time on site

For more on when each approach applies, see storm damage guidance, vandalism repair, and vacant property security.

Paying for Emergency Work

We make payment straightforward, especially out of hours:

  • Payment methods
    • Card or bank transfer preferred; receipts issued immediately
  • For businesses
    • We can work with purchase orders by prior arrangement
    • RAMS and documentation available where required
  • For landlords and agents
    • We can liaise with tenants on access
    • Photos and itemised invoices provided for portfolio records

If you’re claiming on insurance, keep your policy details and a police reference number (if applicable) handy. Our insurance claims page explains the usual process and what documents we provide.

Can Insurance Cover Boarding Up?

Often, yes—especially after burglary, vandalism, fire or storm damage—but it depends on your policy. We’re not loss adjusters, so we can’t advise on cover decisions. What we can do:

  • Provide time-stamped photos of damage and completed work
  • Supply an itemised invoice describing materials, fixings, and labour
  • Issue a work statement summarising cause (as reported), location, and actions taken

See: Is boarding up covered and what to send your insurer. If you need urgent attendance first, head to emergency boarding up in Medway.

How to Keep Costs Down (Practical Tips)

  • Send photos when you call, if safe to do so—helps us specify accurately
  • Clear indoor access routes where possible
  • Tell us about alarms, pets, or shutters in advance
  • If the property will be vacant for weeks, consider a temporary steel door or vacant property setup to avoid multiple visits
  • If a roof light or upper window is damaged, mention access constraints so we bring the right equipment

Our Coverage and Availability

We cover Medway across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. We handle both same-day emergencies and planned works. We don’t promise fixed arrival times, but we prioritise urgent calls, especially for street-facing doors and shopfronts. For non-urgent projects, we can survey and provide a written estimate.

Explore local area pages for context close to you:

Or view all areas we cover.

FAQs About Pricing in Medway

Do you charge more for out-of-hours call-outs?

Yes, out-of-hours work—overnight, weekends, and bank holidays—has a higher attendance rate due to staffing and safety. If your job can safely wait until morning, we’ll say so and offer a planned-visit estimate.

Can you give a price before you arrive?

We’ll provide an estimate over the phone based on your description and photos when possible. Final pricing is confirmed on site once we’ve inspected frames, sizes, and access. If anything changes the cost, we’ll explain options before starting.

How long does boarding up take?

Most single openings are completed in under an hour on site once materials are cut, but access and size can extend this. Larger shopfronts or multi-opening void properties take longer. See our FAQs for more on timings.

Do you include anti-tamper fixings in the price?

Yes, where appropriate. Street-facing or unattended properties typically receive anti-tamper exterior fixings as standard. We’ll advise if upgraded fixings are recommended.

Will you match a cheaper quote?

We focus on safe methods, correct materials (e.g., 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings), and thorough documentation. If you have a like-for-like written quote, share it and we’ll see if we can help—without compromising on safety.

Is there a call-out fee if you can’t complete the job?

If unsafe structure or unrelated hazards stop work, we’ll only charge for the assessment time and any partial make-safe measures performed. We’ll explain the situation clearly and suggest next steps.

Can my insurer pay you directly?

Some insurers will, but many prefer you to pay and reclaim. We provide itemised invoices and photos to support claims. See our insurance claims guidance.

Do you price differently across ME1–ME8?

Rates are consistent across Medway, but travel, parking, and access can affect the final figure. We’ll confirm these in your estimate.

Next Steps

Ready for a clear estimate and realistic ETA? Call 01634 980 080 or email us. If you need immediate help out of hours, go to emergency boarding up in Medway.