Boarding Up for Residential, Commercial & Vacant Properties in Dartford (DA1–DA18)

When a window’s been smashed, a door has been forced, or a building is left exposed after an incident, the priority is simple: secure the property and reduce further risk. Our team provides boarding up in Dartford and across the DA postcodes, working with homeowners, landlords, managing agents, shop owners and facilities teams.

We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. Whether you need temporary boarding tonight or a planned security solution for a void, we’ll explain the options clearly and leave you with the documentation insurers and property managers typically ask for.

Need urgent help? Call 01322 952 450 (or email info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk).

Property types we board up across Dartford and the DA area

Different properties need different approaches. A ground-floor flat with limited access isn’t secured the same way as a shopfront or a vacant unit. Below is how we tailor our boarding up services by property type.

If you’re not sure which category fits, call us—most situations are straightforward once we understand what’s damaged, whether anyone is on site, and how long the property will be unattended.

What boarding up is (and what it isn’t)

Boarding up is a temporary security and weatherproofing measure. It’s designed to:

  • protect against further intrusion after a break-in or vandalism
  • keep rain and debris out after storm or accident damage
  • stabilise a site while repairs are organised
  • make a premises safe if glazing is missing or frames are compromised

Boarding up does not replace permanent repairs. If you need a quick primer on methods and materials, see: what is boarding up?

For urgent situations, our emergency response is covered here: emergency boarding up.

How we choose the right method for your property

We aim to secure openings properly, not “make it look covered”. The method depends on the opening size, access, the condition of the frame, and how long you need it protected.

Materials we commonly use

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, durable window and door boarding on most domestic and commercial openings
  • OSB (often 12mm) for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a risk of removal from outside—especially important for properties that will be unattended
  • Temporary steel doors for damaged entrances and medium-term security needs (often better than repeatedly boarding and unboarding a doorway)

If the surrounding frame is too damaged for non-destructive fixing methods, we’ll talk you through the options before proceeding. The goal is always to secure the opening without creating unnecessary additional damage.

Residential boarding up (houses, flats & maisonettes)

Residential call-outs often come with stress attached—people are worried about safety, neighbours, pets, and whether they can stay in the property. We keep things calm, practical, and tidy.

Common reasons homeowners and tenants call us:

  • a smashed window after a break-in or stone impact
  • a back door forced or weakened (needing board up door protection)
  • accidental breakage that leaves a vulnerable ground-floor opening
  • storm damage where the glass has gone and the room is exposed

Residential-specific considerations:

  • Noise and timing: we work efficiently and aim to minimise disturbance, especially out of hours
  • Access: flats can mean shared entrances, stairs, restricted parking, or communal management rules
  • Safety: we’ll advise if shards, loose frames, or awkward openings create hazards that should be kept clear until we arrive

Related service: window boarding in Dartford and door boarding.
Related situations: burglary repairs and boarding up and vandalism repair.

For full residential details, see: boarding up for residential properties.

Commercial boarding up (shops, offices & business premises)

Commercial sites have different pressures: you may need to protect stock, meet insurer expectations, and reduce downtime. When a shopfront gets hit, the priority is often shopfront boarded up quickly and cleanly, with fixings that can’t be removed from outside.

Common commercial call-outs:

  • shopfront boarding after impact damage or attempted entry
  • vandalism leaving large glazed sections missing
  • insecure rear doors or side access points
  • offices with accessible ground-floor glazing that’s been compromised

Commercial-specific considerations:

  • Bigger openings: shopfronts and curtain-wall style glazing may require larger panels and careful fixing points
  • Out-of-hours security: we regularly secure sites out of hours to help reduce overnight risk
  • Documentation for insurers and facilities teams: clear photos and a work statement make handover easier
  • Site requirements: if you have specific access rules or permit-to-work processes, tell us—where needed we can work with your team to keep things compliant

Related service: shopfront boarding.
For commercial detail, see: commercial boarding up.

Vacant and void property boarding up (empty buildings & longer-term security)

Empty properties can be targeted repeatedly. If a building is between tenancies—or awaiting probate, sale, refurbishment, or insurance decisions—quick “covering” isn’t always enough. We’ll discuss whether standard boarding is suitable or if a more robust solution is better.

Common void-property needs:

  • repeated attempts to gain entry through the same window/door
  • securing multiple vulnerable points after initial damage
  • making a property safe while repairs are priced and scheduled
  • keeping a building secure without constant revisits

Vacant-property options can include:

  • stronger boarding methods with anti-tamper fixings
  • temporary steel doors for entrances that need regular authorised access
  • security measures designed for medium-term protection rather than a single night

For more, see: vacant property boarding up.

Situations we’re often called to (across all property types)

The event that caused the damage matters as much as the building type. If you’re dealing with a specific incident, these pages explain what to do next:

We’re here to secure the property and reduce risk. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation or full building repairs—but we can help stabilise the site so the next trades can work safely and the insurer can progress the claim.

What you get from us (useful for landlords, insurers & managing agents)

Whether you’re a homeowner or a facilities manager, you usually need clear records of what was done and why. We can provide:

  • time-stamped photos of the secured openings (before/after where possible)
  • an itemised invoice
  • a simple work statement describing materials and fixing method
  • notes on any access issues or limitations encountered (e.g., unsafe frames)

If you’re making a claim, keep your police reference number (if applicable) and take your own photos before we arrive—only if it’s safe to do so. For guidance on the paperwork side, see: insurance claims help.

Areas we cover

We cover Dartford and the DA postcode districts (DA1–DA18). If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm.

You may also want to browse: areas we cover or start with boarding up in Dartford (DA1).

FAQs (Property Types)

Do you board up flats and properties with communal entrances?

Yes. We regularly secure flats and maisonettes. If there are entry codes, concierge arrangements, or management rules, tell us when you call so we can plan access and reduce delays.

Can you secure a shopfront without stopping us opening the next day?

Often, yes—but it depends on what’s damaged and what needs protecting. For some commercial sites, a partial solution is possible; in others, full shopfront boarding is required for safety and security. We’ll explain what’s practical once we understand the opening and risk level.

I’m a landlord—can you attend if the tenant isn’t there?

Usually, yes, as long as we can legally access the property and you can provide a keyholder or access instructions. We’ll confirm arrangements on the phone and can provide photos and documentation for your records.

How long does boarding up take?

It varies by the size and number of openings, access, and the condition of frames. Smaller window boards are often straightforward; large commercial panels or awkward access can take longer. If you call, we’ll give a realistic idea based on what you tell us.

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up for any property type?

Yes—homes, shops, and vacant properties. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions and workload vary. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA.

Will boarding up damage my window or door frame?

We aim to use safe fixing points and methods suitable for the surface. If the frame is already badly damaged, some additional fixing may be unavoidable to make the property secure. We’ll explain options before proceeding.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, depending on your policy and circumstances. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the photos and paperwork insurers typically request. See: insurance claims help.

Can you install a temporary steel door for a damaged entrance?

Yes—this is a good option when a doorway is compromised and the property needs medium-term security, especially for vacant buildings or repeated attempted entry. Ask when you call and we’ll advise if it’s suitable.

Ready to secure your property?

If you need to board up a broken window, secure a door after a break-in, or arrange planned protection for a void building, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Need help now? Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk