Accident Damage Boarding Up in Dartford (DA1–DA18)
Accident damage can happen in seconds: a vehicle clips a wall, a delivery reverses into a shutter, a ladder goes through a window, or an internal impact cracks glazing. Whatever caused it, the priority is the same—secure the property, make it safe, and protect it from weather and opportunist entry.
Boarding Up Dartford provides emergency boarding up in Dartford and across the DA postcodes (DA1–DA18). We’re fully insured, have DBS-checked technicians, and we’ve been trading for 10+ years. We’ll talk you through the options clearly and leave you with practical documentation you can use for insurers or building management.
Need help now? Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk
When accident damage usually happens (and why boarding up matters)
Accident damage isn’t always dramatic, but even “small” damage can create a big security risk. We’re commonly called out when:
- A vehicle impact breaks a shopfront, wall-adjacent window, door frame, or roller shutter housing
- A smashed window occurs from DIY, gardening, or moving furniture
- A door is struck and won’t close or lock properly (misaligned frame, broken multipoint mechanism)
- A rooflight/skylight cracks after something falls onto it, leaving an overhead opening
- Communal doors or glazing in flats are damaged, leaving shared areas exposed
If the opening is left unsecured, the risks increase quickly:
- Break-ins (a damaged frame is easier to force)
- Water ingress and secondary damage (especially overnight or in bad weather)
- Safety hazards from loose shards, unstable frames, or exposed fixings
- Business interruption if a shopfront can’t be secured
If you’re unsure whether you need boarding up, a good rule is: if it won’t lock properly or there’s a hole/void in the building envelope, you should secure it.
First steps after an accident (before we arrive)
If it’s safe to do so, these steps help protect you, the public, and your claim:
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if required.
- Make the area safe—keep people away from broken glass or unstable structures.
- If a vehicle is involved, consider obtaining details and incident notes (and police reference if police attend).
- Take photos of the damage before anything is moved (only if safe).
- If it’s a commercial property or managed building, notify the duty manager or facilities contact.
You don’t need to know what materials are required—we’ll assess the opening and propose the safest method.
For urgent help to secure property after accident damage in Dartford: Call 01322 952 450.
How we secure a property after accident damage (what we actually do)
Accident damage is rarely “neat”. Frames can be twisted, masonry may be cracked, and fix points may not be where they should be. Our job is to make safe first, then secure using the most appropriate method for the opening and condition.
Step 1: Make safe and assess the opening
We start by checking:
- Whether the frame is stable enough to take fixings
- Whether there are loose shards or hazardous edges
- If there’s any sign the opening is structurally unsafe (we’ll explain what we can and can’t do)
We’re not structural engineers, and we won’t guess. If the surrounding structure is compromised, we’ll tell you plainly and secure what we safely can while you arrange further inspection.
Step 2: Choose the right boarding method for the job
Depending on the size and location of the opening, we typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable security (common for doors and ground-floor windows)
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where a lighter board is appropriate
- Anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended—important so boards can’t be easily removed from outside
- Considered fixing methods to reduce further damage where possible (and if non-destructive fixing isn’t possible due to frame condition, we’ll explain options before proceeding)
If you specifically need temporary boarding that is more resistant or appropriate for medium-term use, we’ll discuss alternatives such as temporary steel doors or steel security screens (depending on availability and the nature of the risk).
Step 3: Secure, weatherproof (where possible), and document
Once installed, we check:
- The board is solid, flush, and properly fixed
- The opening is reasonably protected from wind and rain (exact weatherproofing depends on the damage and surface condition)
We then provide practical proof of works—useful for landlords, agents, and insurers (see below).
Which service do you need? (quick guide)
Accident damage covers a range of openings. These are the most common service routes:
- Broken or cracked glazing: see window boarding in Dartford
- Damaged door or forced/misaligned entrance: see door boarding in Dartford
- Retail glazing, larger panels, or busy frontages: see shopfront boarding in Dartford
- Rooflights/skylights or other overhead openings: see roof boarding in Dartford
If you’re not sure, call and describe what’s happened. We’ll tell you what we think is the safest and most sensible approach.
Need emergency boarding up now? Call 01322 952 450.
Common accident-damage call-outs we handle in DA postcodes
Accident damage in Dartford and the DA area often involves practical access issues—tight parking, mixed residential/commercial streets, and properties that need securing without causing further disruption.
We regularly help with:
- Ground-floor windows and doors that are now vulnerable to entry
- Flats where the damaged window is above ground level (access and safe working are key)
- Shopfronts where you need the front made safe quickly to protect stock and comply with basic safety expectations
- Vacant or void properties where a damaged opening can attract attention
If there are constraints (restricted access, limited parking, or managed sites), tell us on the phone—we’ll plan accordingly.
Insurance and documentation (what you’ll receive)
After accident damage, insurers typically want clear evidence of what happened and what was done to prevent further loss. We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t advise on policy wording—but we can provide the documentation most people need for a claim file.
You can expect:
- Time-stamped photos of the opening and the completed boarding
- An itemised invoice (materials and labour)
- A work statement describing what was secured and how
For more guidance, see our insurance claims support page.
What happens when you call us (simple, practical process)
- Tell us what’s happened (window/door/shopfront/rooflight, size, ground floor or upper floor, any hazards).
- We give a realistic ETA based on current workload and travel—no false promises. We prioritise urgent safety and security risks.
- We attend, make safe, and secure the opening, then provide photos and paperwork.
If you’re dealing with a managed building, landlord instructions, or a facilities process, mention it early. We’ll work with what you need (e.g., site contact details, access notes, and basic method info).
Typical scenario (what this looks like in real life)
If a vehicle clips a frontage or low wall and takes out glazing, the frame can be left distorted and the opening irregular. In that situation we’ll often:
- Clear immediate hazards (where safe and within scope)
- Measure the opening and choose a board thickness suited to the risk
- Use anti-tamper fixings where the site is likely to be unattended
- Secure the area so you can arrange permanent repairs without leaving the property exposed
If the surrounding structure looks unsafe, we’ll explain what we can secure and what should be inspected by a builder or engineer before further work.
Accident damage vs other incidents (when to use different guidance)
Sometimes what looks like an “accident” overlaps with other situations:
- If there are signs of deliberate damage, see vandalism repairs
- If the damage happened during severe weather, see storm damage help
- If the incident followed a break-in attempt, see burglary repairs
FAQs about accident damage boarding up in Dartford
Can you board up my smashed window tonight?
If it’s urgent, call us. We provide emergency boarding up across Dartford and the DA postcodes and will prioritise genuine safety/security risks. We’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
What if the frame is damaged and won’t take fixings?
We see this often after impacts. We’ll assess on arrival and explain the safest options. If non-destructive methods aren’t possible due to frame condition, we’ll talk you through what we recommend before proceeding.
Do you secure doors that won’t close properly after an impact?
Yes—if a door is misaligned, the lock is damaged, or the frame has shifted, we can secure it using door boarding in Dartford. In some cases a more robust temporary solution may be appropriate.
Can you board up a shopfront after accidental damage?
Yes. We handle shopfront boarded up call-outs for damaged commercial glazing and larger openings—see shopfront boarding in Dartford. We work carefully around public areas and aim to minimise disruption while we make safe.
Is boarding up covered by insurance after accident damage?
Often it can be, but it depends on your policy and circumstances. We’re not insurance advisors, but we provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. See insurance claims support.
How long does boarding up take?
It depends on the number of openings, access, and how damaged the surrounding frame is. A straightforward single opening can be quick; complex impact damage can take longer due to measuring, safe fixing, and ensuring stability.
Can you secure a rooflight or skylight that’s been damaged?
Yes—if you have an overhead opening we can often secure it with roof boarding in Dartford. Access and safety are the main factors; tell us what floor it’s on and whether there’s safe access.
Do you work with landlords, agents, and facilities managers?
Yes. We regularly help landlords and property managers secure accident-damaged buildings, including voids between tenancies. If you need documentation or need us to liaise with a site contact, tell us when you book.
Next steps: secure the property, then plan repairs
Permanent repair (glazing, frames, brickwork, doors) often can’t happen immediately—especially out of hours. Boarding up bridges that gap so your property is protected.
Need help now? Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk
