Boarding Up Pricing in Dartford (DA1–DA18)

When you need boarding up in Dartford, cost is usually the first question — especially after a burglary, smashed window, or storm damage. The honest answer is that pricing depends on what needs securing, what we can safely fix into, and whether the job is an emergency call-out.

We don’t publish fixed prices because every opening, frame, and access situation is different, but we can explain exactly what affects cost and what you’ll get for your money. If you’d like a clear estimate, call us with a few details (or send photos if you can).

Ready to get a quote? Call 01322 952 450 or email us.

What affects the cost of boarding up?

Below are the main factors we use when pricing boarding up services in Dartford and across the DA postcode area.

1) The size and number of openings

A small ground-floor pane is very different to a large bay window, shopfront panel, or multiple smashed windows after vandalism. Larger or multiple openings typically require:

  • More sheet material (plywood/OSB)
  • More fixings and bracing
  • More time on site

If you can, tell us roughly how many windows/doors are affected and whether they’re standard size or larger openings.

2) The materials needed (and why)

We choose materials based on security needs, exposure to weather, and the condition of the surrounding frame.

Common options include:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm) for robust, secure boarding on vulnerable openings
  • OSB (often 12mm) for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended (important for preventing removal from outside)
  • Temporary steel doors for damaged doorways that need safer access and stronger security than timber alone

If you’re comparing options, see: window boarding in Dartford and door boarding up.

3) Condition of frames, brickwork, and reveals

A lot of time can be lost (and risk increased) if frames are rotten, split, fire-damaged, or pulled away from the wall. We’ll always aim for a secure, non-destructive method first, but sometimes:

  • There’s nothing solid to fix into without additional support
  • The opening needs bracing to be safe
  • We need to use alternative fixing points to achieve a proper “make safe”

If the frame is too damaged for standard methods, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding.

4) Access, height, and working conditions

Pricing changes when the job is harder to access or requires more setup. Common examples around Dartford and DA areas include:

  • Flats above shops (restricted access, rear entry, communal areas)
  • Upper-floor windows (ladder work and safer positioning)
  • Busy high-street frontage (working carefully to keep areas safe)
  • Limited parking or long carry distances for sheets and tools

If you’re calling from a commercial unit, it helps to mention whether there’s rear access and any loading restrictions.

5) Emergency vs planned work (out of hours)

If you need emergency boarding up late at night, during weekends, or on short notice, the cost can be higher due to:

  • Immediate call-out and scheduling disruption
  • Working out of hours
  • Rapid mobilisation with the right materials

We don’t promise fixed arrival times — conditions vary — but we prioritise urgent calls and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone. For urgent help, use: emergency boarding up.

6) Commercial requirements and paperwork

For some commercial sites or managed properties, you may need additional documentation or working practices (e.g., signing in, specific access times, risk awareness). We’re used to working with:

  • Shop units and offices
  • Facilities management
  • Landlords and letting agents

If RAMS or site rules are required, tell us up front so we can plan accordingly.

Typical pricing scenarios (so you know what you’re paying for)

Every job is different, but these examples show how costs can vary based on risk and complexity:

  • Board up broken window after a burglary: usually one or two openings, often requires anti-tamper fixings and careful securing into the frame/reveal
  • Smashed window after vandalism: may involve multiple panes or ground-floor exposure, sometimes with glass hazards and repeat risk
  • Board up door after forced entry: if the door/lock area is destroyed, a temporary steel door may be better for secure access
  • Shopfront boarded up: larger panels, public-facing risks, and the need for strong fixing and neat presentation
  • Storm damage make safe: irregular openings, weather exposure, and the need to prevent further water ingress quickly

If your situation matches one of these, you may also find these pages helpful:

What you get with our service (and why it matters for price)

A proper boarding job isn’t just “put a sheet over it”. Done incorrectly, boards can be pulled off, let water in, or cause further damage.

When we attend a job in Dartford or across DA1–DA18, you can expect:

  • A proper make-safe focused on security and safety
  • Appropriate materials (plywood/OSB and fixings suited to the opening)
  • Clear communication about what we’re doing and why
  • Documentation insurers typically ask for, including:
    • Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
    • An itemised invoice
    • A simple work statement describing what was secured and how

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the paperwork that usually supports an insurance claim. See: insurance claims support.

How we quote (fast, practical, and transparent)

We try to make quoting straightforward — especially when you’re stressed and just need the property secured.

The quickest way to get an estimate

Call us on 01322 952 450 and tell us:

  1. What happened (burglary, accident, storm, vandalism, etc.)
  2. What’s damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight, how many openings)
  3. Any access issues (upper floor, flat above shop, parking restrictions)
  4. Whether the site is occupied or vacant
  5. Whether you have photos (we can accept them by email)

Get help now: Call 01322 952 450 or email info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk.

Can you quote from photos?

Often, yes — at least for a sensible estimate. Photos help us plan:

  • Sheet sizes
  • Fixing approach
  • Whether a temporary steel door might be needed
  • Whether we should bring extra bracing for a compromised frame

If anything is unclear or safety-critical, we’ll explain what we need to confirm on site.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

It often can be, particularly after events like burglary, impact damage, vandalism, fire, or storm damage — but it depends on your policy.

A few practical tips that help:

  • Keep your police reference number (if applicable)
  • Take photos before we arrive if it’s safe
  • Notify your insurer as early as you can
  • Ask your insurer whether they require specific wording on invoices

We can supply photos and documentation to support your claim — see insurance claims support.

Cost control: ways to keep boarding-up costs sensible

If you’re trying to manage costs (especially for landlords or vacant properties), these options can help:

  • Secure only what’s vulnerable: sometimes not every cracked pane needs boarding if it’s not accessible or exposed
  • Choose the right security level: short-term timber boarding vs a stronger medium-term option
  • Consider the property status: vacant properties may benefit from more robust solutions to reduce repeat incidents

For longer-term security on empty buildings, start here: boarding up for vacant properties.

Where we price for: Dartford and the DA postcode area

We quote and work across Dartford and DA1–DA18, covering a mix of residential streets, estates, and commercial sites.

If you’re looking for a local page, you can also visit:

For the full list, see: areas we cover.

FAQs: Boarding up prices in Dartford

How much does boarding up cost in Dartford?

It depends on the opening size, number of boards, access, materials (plywood/OSB), and whether it’s an emergency/out-of-hours call. Call us and we’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your situation.

Do you charge more for out of hours boarding up?

Out of hours work can cost more because it requires immediate mobilisation and working at unsociable times. We’ll explain any additional costs clearly when you call.

Can you give a fixed price over the phone?

Sometimes we can give a firm quote if the details are clear and photos confirm sizes and access. If there are unknowns (frame condition, fixing points, safety issues), we may give a guided estimate first and confirm on site.

What details should I have ready to get an accurate quote?

The best details are: what’s damaged, how many openings, approximate size, floor level, access/parking issues, and whether the property is occupied or vacant. Photos help a lot.

Is boarding up cheaper than replacing the glass?

Boarding up is usually a temporary security measure to make safe and prevent further loss. Glass replacement pricing is separate and depends on glazing type and lead time. Boarding up often helps you secure the building while longer repairs are arranged.

Do you provide an invoice suitable for insurance?

Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice, a work statement, and supporting photos — the documentation insurers commonly request. More guidance here: insurance claims support.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

We aim to use the least destructive secure method possible. If the surrounding frame is already compromised, we’ll explain the safest fixing method before proceeding.

How long does boarding up take?

Time depends on the number/size of openings and access. A simple board-up may be quicker; shopfronts, multiple windows, or damaged frames take longer. If you call, we’ll give you a realistic expectation for your job.

Get a clear, no-obligation quote

If you need board up services in Dartford or anywhere in DA1–DA18, tell us what’s happened and we’ll guide you through the next steps and pricing.

Ready to get started? Call 01322 952 450 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.