Situations We Handle — Boarding Up After Break-Ins, Storms, Fires and More in Medway

When something goes wrong at your property, you need clear next steps and fast, practical help. We provide emergency and planned boarding up across Medway, covering ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. Whether it’s a smashed window after a burglary, storm‑damaged panes, or a shopfront incident out of hours, our DBS‑checked, fully insured team will help you make safe, secure the property and document everything for insurance.

For urgent help now, please Call 01634 980 080. You can also read our dedicated emergency page here: emergency boarding up.

The Situations We Commonly Attend

We’re called to a wide range of incidents across homes, shops and commercial sites in Medway. Click through for focused guidance on each:

  • Burglary and Break‑In Securing — board up broken windows and doors, temporary steel doors where needed, insurer documentation.
  • Vandalism Damage — smashed windows, forced panels, repeated attempts; anti‑tamper fixings to deter removal.
  • Storm and Weather Damage — wind‑thrown debris, cracked panes, roof lights; temporary weatherproofing.
  • Fire Damage Securing — we make safe and secure after the fire service leaves; smoke/odour remediation is outside scope.
  • Flood Damage Securing — swollen frames, compromised glazing; ventilation and drying access considerations.
  • Accident or Impact — vehicle strikes, scaffolding mishaps, ball damage to panes, shopfront impacts.

If you’re unsure which applies, call us and we’ll advise. We operate 24/7 and prioritise urgent calls. Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload, and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

What Happens When You Call

  1. Initial assessment by phone

    • We’ll ask what’s happened, opening sizes, frame material, access issues (upper floors, shutters, alarms).
    • If safe, take and send photos; otherwise, we’ll assess on arrival.

  2. On‑site make safe

    • We isolate hazards (loose shards, unstable frames), then measure and cut boards to fit.
    • For windows we commonly use 18mm exterior‑grade plywood; 12mm OSB may suit smaller internal openings.
    • Anti‑tamper fixings prevent removal from outside—vital if the property will be unattended.

  3. Securing the opening

    • Window boarding: external or internal depending on frame condition and access. See window boarding in Medway.
    • Door boarding or a temporary steel door if the door set is compromised. See door boarding.
    • Shopfronts may need larger panels, bracing and coordinated entry control. See shopfront boarding.
    • Roof and skylight issues are addressed with safe access and weatherproofing. See roof boarding.

  4. Handover and documentation

    • You’ll receive time‑stamped photos, an itemised invoice and a work statement describing materials and fixings.
    • If frames are too damaged for non‑destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

For high‑risk or vacant properties, we can discuss medium‑term measures such as temporary steel doors or security screens (availability subject to site requirements). If that’s a concern, mention it when you call.

Materials and Methods — Why They Matter

  • 18mm exterior‑grade plywood provides robust resistance and screw holding for larger openings.
  • 12mm OSB can be appropriate for smaller internal apertures where weight and finish matter.
  • Anti‑tamper fixings help stop removal from the outside; essential for shops closing overnight or empty homes.
  • Internal vs external boarding depends on frame integrity, weather exposure and access.
  • For shopfronts, we often brace across mullions/transoms to spread load and reduce flex.
  • Temporary steel doors are suited to forced entries where repeat access is needed (insurers often prefer these on vacant sites).

If a frame is unstable or has structural issues (e.g., vehicle strike), we’ll make safe and may recommend a follow‑up by a builder or structural specialist. We’re here to secure; we don’t undertake structural repairs.

Medway‑Specific Considerations

Across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 we see a mix of Victorian terraces, post‑war semis, modern flats and busy high streets. Typical local factors:

  • Night‑time economy and retail corridors increase out‑of‑hours shopfront incidents.
  • Coastal winds and exposed spots in ME3 can drive storm damage to glazing and roof lights.
  • Residential streets with older sash windows are vulnerable after accidental breakage or attempted entry.
  • Industrial units may require gated access coordination; tell us about security codes or keyholders.

We know the Medway area and plan routes accordingly, but we don’t quote fixed arrival times. For immediate assistance, see 24/7 boarding up in Medway.

What You Get From Us

  • Rapid make‑safe and secure property so you can lock up and leave with confidence.
  • Honest advice: if a temporary steel door or longer‑term measure is wiser, we’ll say so.
  • Clear documentation for insurers, including photos and itemised materials.
  • DBS‑checked technicians, fully insured, 10+ years trading in Medway.
  • Practical guidance on next steps, including glazing replacement timelines and liaison points.

For costs and what affects them, read our pricing guidance. For insurance specifics, see insurance claims support. General questions? Our FAQs cover common concerns.

Immediate Steps After an Incident

  • If a crime has occurred, call the police first. Keep your incident/reference number.
  • If it’s safe, take photos before we arrive—wide shots plus close‑ups of damage and surroundings.
  • Move people and pets away from glass hazards; don’t handle large shards without PPE.
  • Call us to secure the property. We’ll advise what to do while waiting.
  • Contact your insurer early; many ask for rapid mitigation to prevent further loss.

Example Scenarios and How We Resolve Them

  • Burglary at a terraced house, ME1

    • Back door forced; lock and frame split. We remove loose material, fit a temporary steel door or robust door boarding, and leave keyed access for the occupant. Photos and a work statement provided for the claim.

  • Smashed shopfront, ME7, out of hours

    • Laminated pane shattered, frame intact. We measure, cut and fix 18mm plywood panels externally with anti‑tamper screws, brace across mullions and leave clear signage for customers about temporary closure.

  • Storm damage to a roof light, ME3

    • Wind‑thrown debris cracks a skylight. With safe access, we apply weatherproof sheeting and board over to prevent water ingress until glazing can be replaced.

When Boarding Up Is The Right Option

  • You need to make safe immediately, out of hours or same day.
  • The opening can’t be reglazed/repaired right away.
  • The property will be unattended and needs deterrence.
  • Insurers require mitigation to limit further damage.

If replacement glazing is scheduled quickly and the site can be supervised, lighter measures might suffice. We’ll talk you through options on site.

Insurance and Documentation

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide what insurers typically ask for:

  • Time‑stamped before/after photos
  • Itemised invoice (materials, labour, access considerations)
  • Brief job statement (cause noted as reported, actions taken, materials used)
  • Optional call‑out report to support claim timings

Read more on our insurance claims page. If your insurer needs something specific, tell us when booking.

Property Types We Secure

How We Keep You Safe On Site

  • We cordon off work areas and remove loose shards where reachable.
  • Fixings are chosen to avoid damaging undisturbed glazing and to prevent external removal.
  • We tidy waste glass and leave a safe exit route.
  • If the frame is too damaged for non‑destructive boarding, we’ll explain alternatives before proceeding.

Answers To Common Situation Questions

  • How quickly can you attend in Medway?

    • We prioritise emergencies and attend as quickly as possible across ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. We don’t guarantee specific times, but we’ll give a realistic ETA over the phone.

  • Can you board up my shop tonight, out of hours?

    • Yes. We provide 24/7 boarding up in Medway for shopfronts and commercial premises, including anti‑tamper fixings and clear access arrangements for staff.

  • Will boarding up affect my insurance claim?

    • Insurers usually expect you to mitigate further loss. Our photos, invoices and statements support claims. See insurance guidance.

  • Do you supply temporary steel doors after a break‑in?

    • Where the door set is compromised, a temporary steel door can be fitted to maintain secure, keyed access. We’ll advise on suitability on site. Learn more under door boarding.

  • What if my frame is too damaged for screws?

    • We have through‑bolting and bracing methods. If non‑destructive options aren’t viable, we’ll explain the implications and get your approval before proceeding.

  • Can you help if the damage is on an upper floor?

    • Yes, subject to safe access. Tell us about balconies, internal access, or restrictions. For roof and skylight issues, see roof boarding.

  • How long does temporary boarding stay in place?

    • Typically until your glazier or contractor replaces the unit. We’ll advise on practical timeframes and, if needed, discuss medium‑term measures for vacant properties.

  • Do you cover all of Medway postcodes?

    • Yes—ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8. If you’re nearby and unsure, call us and we’ll advise.

Helpful Next Steps

Need help now? Call 01634 980 080 for immediate assistance. If it’s not urgent, you can also email us for advice or to arrange planned works.