Boarding Up for Different Property Types in Medway

When you need to secure a property, the right approach depends on the building itself. A smashed shopfront isn’t handled the same way as a broken sash window in a flat, and a vacant site needs different protection than a busy office. This page explains how we board up and make safe residential, commercial, and vacant properties across Medway (ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8), so you know what to expect when you call.

We’ve been trading for over 10 years, are fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. We cover urgent “board up broken window” and “board up door” calls 24/7 and provide planned securing for refurbishments, voids and insurance requirements. If you need help now, please call 01634 980 080.

How Property Type Changes the Boarding-Up Plan

  • Access and layout: Terraced houses, maisonettes and top-floor flats often require internal access or ladder work; large retail frontages may need site barriers and multiple panels.
  • Materials and fixings: 18mm exterior-grade plywood is our default for most doors and windows; 12mm OSB can suit small internal openings. Anti-tamper fixings are used where the property will be unattended.
  • Duration of protection: A home damaged tonight may only need overnight temporary boarding; a vacant unit might require temporary steel doors or steel security screens for weeks or months.
  • Documentation: Commercial sites typically need RAMS and time-stamped photos; landlords and homeowners usually need insurer-friendly invoices and work statements.

For urgent assistance, see our emergency boarding up. For service specifics, explore window boarding in Medway, door boarding, shopfront boarding, and roof & skylight boarding.

Residential Properties (Houses, Flats, Maisonettes)

Homes in Medway—whether a Victorian terrace in ME1, a semi-detached in ME5, or a flat in ME7—often call for quick, tidy boarding that protects both security and weatherproofing without causing further damage.

Common residential scenarios we handle

  • Smashed windows from burglary or attempted break-in
  • Storm-damaged frames and panes, especially on older sash windows
  • Accidental breakage during moves or renovations
  • Fire service forced entry or post-fire securing (we secure only—no smoke remediation)

Our approach in homes

  1. Assessment and safety: We clear loose glass and make safe. If frames are sound, we use non-destructive methods; where frames are compromised, we’ll explain options first.
  2. Materials: Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood, cut to size. We can use packers and internal bracing to avoid unnecessary fixings when feasible.
  3. Fixings: Anti-tamper external fixings where the property will be unattended; internal bracing when access allows and frame condition favours it.
  4. Weathering: Seal edges as needed to reduce draughts and water ingress, and consider ventilation where there’s flood or moisture damage.
  5. Documentation: Time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement—helpful for insurers.

If you’ve experienced a break-in, visit our post-burglary guidance and insurance claims support.

For broader residential considerations, see residential boarding.

Commercial Properties (Shops, Offices, Restaurants, Industrial Units)

Commercial premises—high-street shopfronts, offices, hospitality, and light industrial—require a balance of speed, safety and business continuity. Larger panes, aluminium or steel frames, and public-facing locations add complexity.

What’s different for commercial boarding

  • Larger areas: Shopfronts may need multiple boards, edge jointing, and temporary bracing.
  • Public safety: We manage pedestrian risk with cones/barriers and clear signage as needed.
  • Access hours: Many call-outs are out of hours; we work to minimise downtime.
  • Documentation: RAMS on request, attendance notes with times, and photos suitable for insurers or facilities teams.

Typical methods and materials

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for frontage and door panels
  • Anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal from the street
  • Temporary steel doors where the main door is compromised and needs secure, lockable access
  • Optional temporary fencing for perimeter control on impact-damage or glass spill situations

If your shop window is smashed and you need to “make safe” quickly, see our shopfront boarding service and emergency boarding up. For vandalism-specific advice, read our vandalism repair steps.

Explore more at commercial boarding.

Vacant and Void Properties (Between Tenancies, Long-Term Empty)

Vacant buildings are attractive targets for trespass and vandalism. Short-term plywood is fine for a few days, but for weeks or months you’ll likely want anti-tamper solutions designed to resist removal.

Options for medium to longer-term security

  • Temporary steel doors: Lockable, durable access for inspections, works, or meter readings.
  • Steel security screens: Sitex-style perforated screens that let the property breathe while deterring entry.
  • Plywood/OSB: Short-term measure when works are about to begin or while awaiting glazing.
  • Temporary fencing: Useful where perimeters are open or after an impact incident.

Our void property process

  1. Survey and risk review: Identify vulnerable openings and access points.
  2. Recommendation: Mix of steel screens, temporary steel doors, and targeted boarding to balance security, ventilation and budget.
  3. Installation: Anti-tamper fixings and discreet bracing. We keep keys secure and record serials where relevant.
  4. Handover: Photos and an itemised schedule of installed items—useful for asset and insurance records.

Learn more at vacant property boarding. If you’re a landlord or agent coordinating works, our pricing page explains cost factors without quoting fixed rates.

Materials and Methods We Use

  • Plywood vs OSB: We generally use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for doors and larger windows; 12mm OSB can be suitable for small internal glazing or low-risk voids.
  • Anti-tamper fixings: Prevent removal from outside—crucial for unattended properties and shopfronts.
  • Internal bracing: Reduces the need for frame fixings where frames are delicate or historically important.
  • Weatherproofing: We aim to shed water and reduce draughts; for flood-damaged openings we allow for controlled ventilation.
  • Temporary steel doors and security screens: The right choice when you need secure, lockable access or longer-term deterrence.

For more detail on methods, see what boarding up is and our window boarding service.

What You Get From Us

  • Rapid, prioritised attendance across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 (no fixed arrival guarantees; we’ll give a realistic ETA when you call)
  • Experienced, DBS-checked technicians using professional materials
  • Site safety management appropriate to the property type
  • Time-stamped photos, itemised invoices, and work statements for insurers or records
  • Honest advice: If a frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we explain options before proceeding

If you’re navigating insurers, our insurance claims guidance outlines what they typically require. For common queries, check our FAQs.

When to Choose Each Solution

  • Temporary boarding (plywood/OSB): Same-day “make safe” after a smashed window, out of hours or while waiting for glazing.
  • Temporary steel doors: When a door is forced and needs secure, lockable access for days or weeks.
  • Steel security screens: Best for vacant or repeatedly targeted properties.
  • Roof/skylight boarding: To secure overhead openings and manage weather ingress after storms or impacts—see roof boarding.

If you’re unsure which option fits your property, call us and we’ll advise based on your postcode and situation.

Our Coverage Across Medway

We cover residential, commercial and vacant properties across Medway’s ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 districts—including busy high streets, residential estates, and industrial areas. Nearby area pages include:

Practical Steps If You Need Help Now

  • Stay safe: Keep clear of broken glass and unstable frames. If there’s a crime in progress or a threat, call 999.
  • Call us early: We prioritise urgent “smashed window” and “shopfront boarded up” requests. Call 01634 980 080.
  • Contact your insurer: Ask for a claim/reference number and note any requirements.
  • Document the scene: If safe, take photos before we arrive. Keep any police reference number.
  • Secure valuables: Move items out of sight while you wait.

For urgent, out of hours issues, go straight to 24/7 boarding up in Medway.

FAQs About Property Types and Boarding Up

Do you handle shared entrances in flats or HMOs?

Yes. We secure communal doors and private units, coordinating access with residents or managing agents. Temporary steel doors are common when the main entry is compromised.

Can you board sash windows in older ME1 or ME4 terraces without damaging frames?

Often, yes. Where frames allow, we use internal bracing to avoid external fixings. If timber is too degraded, we’ll explain fix-and-fill options before proceeding.

What’s best for a vacant shop unit in ME7 or ME8: plywood or steel screens?

For more than a few days, steel security screens and a temporary steel door are better deterrents than plywood. We’ll recommend a mix to balance cost and risk.

Will my business get documentation for insurance and facilities records?

Yes—time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement. We can provide attendance notes and RAMS where required.

How long do you leave temporary boarding in place at homes?

It’s a short-term “make safe” measure. Many customers replace glazing within days. If delays occur, boarding can remain longer; we’ll advise on ventilation and checks.

Can you secure rooflights or high-level glazing at industrial sites?

Yes. We assess safe access, then use roof boarding methods to “make safe” and weatherproof. Where needed, we coordinate with your site team for access equipment.

Do you cover late-night calls on high streets?

Yes. We attend out of hours, manage glass hazards, and “secure property” quickly so you can reopen. See shopfront boarding and emergency boarding up.

Are you insured and DBS-checked?

Yes. We’re fully insured and our technicians are DBS-checked—important for homes, schools, healthcare, and sensitive commercial sites.

Next Steps