Boarding Up Services in Dartford (DA1–DA18)

When a window is smashed, a door has been forced, or a shopfront is left exposed, you need a practical solution that secures the property quickly and helps you move on to repairs. We provide boarding up services in Dartford across the DA postcode area—covering emergency make-safe work as well as planned securing for vacant properties and refurbishments.

If you need urgent help now, go straight to emergency boarding up or call 01322 952 450.

What we do (and when you might need it)

Boarding up is a temporary security measure. It’s used to secure property after damage or when an opening is vulnerable, buying you time to arrange glazing, joinery, or wider building repairs.

Common reasons people contact us include:

  • A smashed window after vandalism or an attempted break-in
  • A forced entry where you need to board up door openings or damaged frames
  • A shopfront boarded up out of hours to prevent further loss and keep the premises safe
  • Storm or impact damage where urgent temporary boarding is needed to keep weather out
  • Securing a void or empty building to reduce risk while it’s unoccupied

For event-specific advice, see our situation guides:

Our core services

Below is an overview of what we offer in Dartford and across DA1–DA18. Each service page goes into more detail on materials, best-use cases, and what to expect.

Window boarding (domestic and commercial)

If you need to board up broken window openings—whether it’s a small pane or a large window—we’ll measure up and fit boards so the property is secure and less exposed to weather.

  • Typical materials: 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most ground-floor openings; 12mm OSB may be suitable for smaller/low-risk apertures (we’ll advise)
  • Fixing approach: anti-tamper fixings where appropriate, and methods chosen to suit the frame material and condition
  • Suitable for: homes, flats, offices, and public-facing buildings

Learn more: window boarding in Dartford

Door boarding and temporary steel doors

Forced entries often leave a door that won’t close, a split frame, or a lock that can’t be secured. In some cases we can board the opening; in others, a temporary steel door is a better option for medium-term security—especially if the property will be unattended.

  • Door boarding: for damaged timber doors/frames where boarding is the fastest make-safe option
  • Temporary steel doors: a more robust solution for voids, repeated targeting, or extensive damage

Learn more: door boarding in Dartford

Shopfront boarding

Retail and commercial glazing is often large, exposed, and high-risk after a break. If you need a shopfront boarded up (including out of hours), we focus on making the premises safe, reducing the chance of further entry, and helping you document the incident for your insurer.

  • Suitable for: shops, cafés, offices, and mixed-use units
  • Considerations: public safety, access around entrances, and minimising disruption where possible

Learn more: shopfront boarding

Roof and skylight boarding (weatherproofing & access-led)

Damage to a rooflight or skylight can turn into major internal water damage quickly. Roof work is access-led—so we’ll talk through safe access, the best way to seal the opening, and what’s realistically achievable during poor conditions.

  • Focus: make safe and reduce water ingress until permanent repairs are arranged
  • Honest limitation: in severe weather or where access is unsafe, we may need to delay until conditions allow safe working

Learn more: roof boarding and skylight securing

Security options for vacant/void properties

If a property is empty between tenants or undergoing renovation, you may need more than a single board over a window—especially if the building is likely to be unattended for weeks.

Depending on risk, we can discuss options such as:

  • Steel security screens (longer-term, reusable systems for repeated access)
  • Temporary door solutions for damaged entrances
  • Practical, staged securing (prioritising the most vulnerable elevations)

If you manage or own a void site, see: vacant property boarding up

Temporary fencing (site and perimeter control)

Where there’s been structural damage, ongoing works, or a boundary is compromised, temporary fencing can help prevent access while the site is being organised.

Learn more: temporary fencing

Materials and methods: how we keep it secure (not just covered)

A board that can be lifted off from outside isn’t doing its job. Our aim is to secure the opening properly, using methods that suit the building fabric and the risks on site.

What we typically consider:

  • Board type and thickness: plywood and OSB selected based on opening size, exposure, and risk
  • Fixing method: anti-tamper fixings where needed; appropriate anchors for masonry or timber
  • Frame condition: if the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding
  • Safety and access: upper floors, rear access, shared entrances, flats above shops, and public areas all change the approach

If you’re unsure what boarding up actually involves, start here: what is boarding up?

What to expect from us

People often call us when they’re stressed—after an incident, late at night, or managing a property remotely. We keep the process straightforward and transparent.

  1. You call, we ask the right questions
    We’ll confirm the type of damage, the size/position of the opening, whether the site is secure, and if there are any immediate hazards.

  2. We attend and make safe
    We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible. We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, workload, and access can affect timings—but we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

  3. You get documentation for peace of mind
    We can provide what insurers typically ask for, including:

    • Time-stamped photos (before/after where possible)
    • An itemised invoice
    • A clear work statement describing what was secured and how

For claim-related guidance, see: insurance claims support

Residential, commercial, and managed properties

We work across a mix of property types in Dartford and the DA postcode districts. The service is broadly the same—secure the opening, reduce risk, document the work—but the site realities differ.

Coverage: Dartford and the DA postcode area

We cover Dartford and surrounding DA postcodes (DA1–DA18). That includes town-centre properties, residential streets, mixed-use buildings, and managed sites across the borough and nearby districts.

If you’re looking for a local page, start here: areas we cover or view boarding up in Dartford (DA1).

FAQs about our boarding up services

How much does boarding up cost in Dartford?

Costs depend on the size and number of openings, access (ground floor vs upper floor), materials required (e.g., thicker plywood for larger openings), and whether it’s out of hours. We don’t publish fixed prices because each job is different—see pricing for the factors we use to quote.

Can you board up a broken window tonight?

If you need emergency boarding up, call 01322 952 450. We prioritise urgent incidents and will give you a realistic ETA based on current workload and location across the DA area.

What’s the difference between plywood and OSB?

Plywood is generally stronger and more resistant to delamination when exposed, so we often use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or higher-risk openings. OSB can be suitable for smaller openings or short-term needs. We’ll recommend the best option on site based on security and exposure.

Do you also replace the glass or repair the door?

Our focus is to make safe and secure the property. We’re not a glazing or joinery replacement service, but we can work alongside your chosen contractor by leaving the site secure and documented.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Often it can be, especially after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or an accident—but policy terms vary. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement that insurers typically ask for. More help here: insurance claims.

What if the frame is badly damaged?

If the frame is too compromised to fix boards securely using non-destructive methods, we’ll explain your options before we proceed. In some cases, a temporary steel door may be the safer, more secure approach for an entrance.

Can landlords or managing agents arrange boarding up?

Yes. We regularly work with landlords, letting agents, and facilities teams—particularly for void periods and post-incident security. If you can share access details and any site rules up front, it helps us plan the safest approach.

Do you cover commercial properties and shopfronts?

Yes—our team handles homes, shops, offices, and mixed-use buildings. If you need a shopfront boarded up out of hours, we’ll focus on safe access, securing the opening, and leaving clear documentation.

Ready to book a boarding-up service?

If you need an urgent make-safe, we can talk you through the next steps on the phone.

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