Window Boarding in Medway

If you’ve got a broken or vulnerable window, you need to make it safe and secure quickly. Our emergency window boarding service covers Medway and the ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 postcode districts—day and night. We size, cut, and fix exterior‑grade boards using anti‑tamper methods to secure your property until permanent glazing can be arranged. Fully insured, trading 10+ years, and DBS‑checked technicians.

Need urgent help now? Call 01634 980 080 for emergency boarding up. You’ll get a realistic ETA on the phone—no false promises.

When You Need Emergency Window Boarding

A smashed or cracked pane is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety and security issue. Typical Medway call‑outs include:

• Smashed window after a break‑in or attempted burglary
• Impact or vandalism to shopfront glazing out of hours
• Storm damage causing cracked panes or blown‑out units
• Accidental damage during works or deliveries
• Fire or flood incidents where windows must be secured to prevent access

If glass is loose or the frame is compromised, don’t touch it. Keep people and pets away from the area and give us a call. We’ll guide you on immediate steps and arrange attendance to make safe and secure.

For urgent situations right now, go to 24/7 boarding up Medway or call 01634 980 080.

What Our Window Boarding Service Involves

We focus on doing the basics flawlessly: accurate measuring, appropriate materials, correct fixings, and tidy, secure finishes. A typical job includes:

1. Assessment and risk check

   • Identify glass type (single, double glazed unit, laminated, toughened) and hazard level
   • Check frame condition (timber, uPVC, aluminium) and surrounding structure
   • Decide on non‑destructive vs through‑frame fixings based on integrity of the frame

2. Board selection and sizing

   • Most domestic windows: 18mm exterior‑grade plywood for robust security
   • Smaller openings or secondary internal boarding: 12mm OSB as appropriate
   • Shopfronts/large spans: thicker plywood and bracing battens if needed
   • Cut-to-fit on site, with clean edges and allowance for ventilation where required

3. Fixing methods

   • Anti‑tamper fixings (security coach screws or clutch‑head) to prevent removal from outside—essential if the property will be unattended
   • Non‑destructive methods (use of existing reveals, timber packers/battens) where the frame is sound and safeguarding future glazing
   • Through‑frame fixings only when necessary for safety or where the frame is already damaged—we’ll explain and get approval before proceeding
   • Internal cleats or cross‑bracing for very large panes or compromised mullions/transoms

4. Weatherproofing and finishing

   • Exterior edges seated to shed water; temporary seals or membrane where rain ingress is a risk
   • Visual check from inside and out for gaps or leverage points
   • Work area swept and loose glass safely contained for disposal

5. Documentation you can use

   • Time‑stamped photos (before and after) on request
   • Itemised invoice with location of boards and fixing methods
   • Work statement suitable for insurers, available via email after completion

Materials We Use—and Why

• 18mm exterior‑grade plywood: Strong, resistant to prying, holds fixings well for doors and street‑facing windows.
• 12mm OSB: Lighter option for small internal openings, secondary security, or where weight must be minimised.
• Anti‑tamper fixings: Clutch‑head/one‑way screws or security coach bolts to prevent external removal.
• Timber battens/packers: Create a solid fixing face when the original frame is unsuitable for direct fixings, helping avoid unnecessary damage.
• Temporary membranes/seals: Assist with weatherproofing where glazing has blown out during storms.
• Optional warning signage: “Temporarily secured—glazier arranged” where helpful to deter tampering.

We select materials to balance security, structural condition, and how soon glazing will be replaced. If a glazed unit is due next day, we’ll avoid heavy interventions that add cost and repair work; if the property will be vacant longer, we’ll prioritise stronger, tamper‑resistant methods.

Our Process: What Happens When You Call

• Call triage and ETA: We’ll ask what happened, size and location of the window, property access, and any hazards. We’ll give a realistic ETA based on workload and distance across ME1–ME8.
• On‑site assessment: We assess the opening, discuss options (non‑destructive first where feasible), and agree the approach before work starts.
• Make safe and secure: Remove loose shards if safe, fit boards with anti‑tamper fixings, add bracing/weathering as needed.
• Tidy and document: Clear the area, provide photos/invoice/statement for insurance, and offer guidance for follow‑up glazing.
• Aftercare: If you need a temporary steel door or further security measures, we’ll advise. For broader incidents, see burglary repairs or storm damage.

Domestic, Commercial, and Vacant Properties

We handle:

• Residential homes and flats: From single panes to patio doors and bay windows.
• Shops and commercial units: Large shopfront glazing, curtain wall sections, and roller‑shutter damage with safe access planning.
• Vacant/void properties: Medium‑term security options, including stronger fixings and complementary measures.

If the situation suggests doors or shopfront sections are also compromised, you may benefit from door boarding or shopfront boarding. Where a property needs medium‑term access control, ask about temporary steel door solutions (via our door boarding options).

Safety, Access, and Edge Cases

• Upper floors and difficult access: We carry extension ladders and can work from inside where safe. For complex shopfronts or high glazing, we may use internal bracing or liaison with a glazier for temporary support. If specialist access (scaffold/MEWP) is needed, we’ll explain the implications.
• Fragile or historic frames: We favour non‑destructive methods—using reveals and packers. If the frame is too damaged for this, we’ll discuss minimal‑impact fixings before proceeding.
• Structural concerns: If a collision or fire has compromised the building fabric, we’ll secure what’s safe to do and may recommend a structural inspection. Our remit is to make safe and secure, not structural remediation.
• Weather events: For storms, we prioritise weatherproofing as well as security. We may add breathable membrane or staged boarding to promote airflow and reduce damp risk.

Why Choose Us for Window Boarding in Medway

• Local specialists covering ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8
• 10+ years trading, fully insured, DBS‑checked technicians
• Emergency‑ready: out of hours, same day, and weekend attendance prioritised by urgency
• Proper materials: 18mm exterior‑grade plywood as standard for external security
• Anti‑tamper fixings and non‑destructive methods where possible
• Clear documentation for insurers—photos, itemised invoices, and work statements

See how we operate during urgent call‑outs: 24-hour emergency boarding up in Medway.

What You Get—Deliverables and Proof for Insurers

• Time‑stamped photos before and after (by request)
• Itemised invoice showing location(s), materials, and fixings used
• Brief work statement noting cause (as described), risks noted, and actions taken
• Guidance on the next steps with your glazier or insurer
• If you’re claiming, read our practical guide: insurance claims

Tip: Keep your police reference number (if applicable), take your own photos if safe, and contact your insurer early. We’re not loss adjusters, but our documents include what insurers typically ask for.

How We Prioritise and Attend Across Medway

We cover all Medway postcode districts and nearby areas. Attendance times vary by time of day, workload, and location. We don’t promise fixed times, but we’ll always give a realistic ETA on the phone and keep you updated.

If your window is unsafe or street‑facing, tell us when you call so we can prioritise. For multi‑opening incidents (e.g. several smashed panes), we can stage the job—securing the highest‑risk openings first, then returning if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions: Window Boarding Medway

Can you board up a smashed window out of hours in Medway?

Yes. We provide out of hours and weekend attendance across ME1–ME8. Call 01634 980 080 and we’ll confirm a realistic ETA based on your location and the urgency.

Will boarding damage my uPVC or timber frames?

We aim for non‑destructive methods first, using reveals and packers/battens where the frame is sound. If the frame is already damaged and through‑frame fixings are the only safe option, we’ll explain and get approval before proceeding.

What thickness boards do you use for emergency window boarding?

For external security we typically use 18mm exterior‑grade plywood. For small internal openings or secondary boarding, 12mm OSB may be appropriate. Large shopfronts may need additional bracing.

How long should I keep the boards on?

Until a glazier replaces the glass. For domestic windows, that may be a few days; for custom shopfronts, longer. We can advise on medium‑term options if replacement will be delayed.

Do you cover all of Medway postcodes (ME1 to ME8)?

Yes—Rochester and Borstal (ME1), Strood, Cuxton and Frindsbury (ME2), Hoo Peninsula areas including Cliffe and Hoo St Werburgh (ME3), Chatham and Brompton (ME4), Walderslade, Lordswood and Princes Park (ME5), Gillingham and Hempstead (ME7), and Rainham, Twydall and Wigmore (ME8).

Can you make safe a large shopfront until a full glass replacement is arranged?

Yes. We handle commercial shopfront boarding, using thicker plywood, anti‑tamper fixings, and internal bracing where needed. See shopfront boarding.

Do you provide receipts and photos for insurance claims?

Absolutely. We can supply time‑stamped photos and an itemised invoice/work statement. Learn more here: insurance claims.

My window is cracked but not broken—should I still board it up?

If the crack affects safety (laminated inner broken, sharp edges, or risk of failure), boarding is recommended. We can assess on site and, if it’s stable, suggest alternatives like temporary film plus light boarding.

Pricing and What Affects Cost

We don’t publish fixed prices because every job varies. Factors include:

• Size and number of openings
• Height/access complexity (upper floors, restricted access)
• Material thickness and bracing required
• Out of hours vs daytime attendance
• Extent of frame damage and whether non‑destructive methods are viable

We’ll explain options and costs before work starts. For more detail, see our pricing page.

Planning for Follow‑Up Security

If your incident involves forced entry or repeated vandalism risk, you may benefit from:

• Upgrading locks and door security (see door boarding)
• Interim measures for wider damage, e.g. roof boarding after storm impact
• Situation‑specific guidance: burglary repairs, vandalism repair, or accident damage

We can return to remove boards once glazing is fitted—just call to arrange.

How to Prepare Before We Arrive

• If safe, take photos of the damage for insurance
• Clear a path to the window inside
• Keep children, pets, and bystanders away from broken glass
• Retain your incident or police reference number if you have one
• If you’re a manager or landlord, have site access details and out‑of‑hours procedures ready

Our Coverage Across Medway

We provide window boarding throughout Medway—ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. We attend homes, shops, offices, and vacant properties. For neighbourhood‑specific information, see our local pages such as boarding up Rochester ME1, boarding up Chatham ME4, or boarding up Rainham ME8.

Need Emergency Window Boarding?

Call 01634 980 080 now. We’ll give you a practical ETA, make safe, and secure your property with proper materials and anti‑tamper fixings. Prefer email? Contact info@boarding-up-medway.co.uk.