Fire Damage Boarding Up in Dartford (DA1–DA18)
A fire is one of the most stressful events a property owner or tenant can go through. Even when the flames are out, the building can be left vulnerable—broken windows, damaged doors, compromised frames, and gaps in the roofline that let in rain and attract opportunists.
At Boarding Up Dartford, we provide fire damage boarding up in Dartford and across the DA postcodes. Our role is simple and practical: we secure the property and make it safe with temporary boarding and security measures, then provide the documentation your insurer typically asks for.
Need help now (including out of hours)?
Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.
When fire damage boarding up is needed
Fire-related call-outs don’t always involve a “total loss” building. More often, the fire service has done its job—then you’re left with openings that must be secured quickly.
We’re commonly asked to help after:
- Broken or missing glazing from heat, pressure, or forced entry by the emergency services
- Front or rear doors that won’t close due to swelling, warping, or frame distortion
- Shopfront glazing damaged by heat or smoke pressure (or subsequent impact)
- Roof gaps or damaged skylights letting water in after the incident
- Vacant or restricted-access properties that will be unattended overnight or over a weekend
- Partial re-entry situations where you’re allowed back, but only once the premises is made safe
If you’re dealing with a smashed window, need to board up a broken window, or have a damaged entry point and need to board up a door, the priority is the same: secure property and reduce the chance of further loss.
For urgent attendance, visit: emergency boarding up.
What to do straight after a fire (practical steps)
If you’re reading this on the same day as the incident, these steps help protect you and your claim.
- Follow the fire service guidance and don’t re-enter until you’re told it’s safe.
- If there’s a crime element, keep any incident or reference number (police or fire service).
- Take photos if safe to do so—wide shots, then close-ups of damaged openings.
- Contact your insurer early. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide documentation insurers typically request.
- Arrange temporary boarding to stop rain, reduce access, and stabilise the site.
- Don’t attempt DIY boarding on unstable frames—it often causes more damage and can be unsafe.
If you need someone to talk it through, call us and we’ll tell you what we can realistically do and what might need a different trade (e.g., structural repairs).
Urgent make-safe required? Call 01322 952 450
Our role after fire damage: secure and make safe (not remediation)
It’s important to be clear about scope. After a fire, there may be smoke, odour, soot contamination, and water damage. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation or full reinstatement. What we do provide is the security and weather protection that helps prevent further damage while you arrange the next steps.
What “make safe” usually means after fire damage
Depending on the condition of the property, a make-safe visit may include:
- Temporary boarding to windows, doors, shopfronts, or other openings
- Anti-tamper fixings where appropriate to reduce removal from outside—important if the building will be unattended
- Temporary steel doors for medium-term security when a door opening is too damaged to secure with timber alone
- Security screening options for longer-term voids (where suitable and requested)
- Basic weatherproofing approach for exposed openings to help reduce rain ingress (within the limits of temporary works)
If the surrounding frame is too fragile for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding. Sometimes the safest route is a more robust fixing method, and sometimes it means advising you to involve a builder or structural professional first.
How we secure fire-damaged windows
Fire can crack glazing, pop panes, and weaken frames. Even if the glass is still in place, it may be unstable.
For temporary boarding, we typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger or higher-risk openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where suitable
We measure the aperture, cut to fit, and fix in a way that suits the material and the condition of the surrounding frame. The goal is to create a firm barrier that can’t be easily pulled away from outside.
If you specifically need help with a board up broken window, see: window boarding in Dartford.
How we secure damaged doors and entry points
After a fire, door sets can warp, locks can fail, and frames may be distorted. If a door can’t be secured, the property is exposed—especially overnight.
We can:
- Board and secure door openings as a short-term solution
- Fit a temporary steel door when you need a stronger, more practical medium-term option (common for forced entries or severe door damage)
- Advise on the most sensible approach based on how long the property will be unattended
Learn more here: door boarding in Dartford.
Shopfront and commercial premises after fire damage
For shops, offices, and mixed-use sites, security has to balance speed with practicality—especially if you need to protect stock, equipment, or sensitive documents.
We can help with:
- Shopfront boarded up solutions for damaged glazing
- Larger format boarding for wide panes and commercial openings
- Out-of-hours attendance (where available) to reduce downtime and risk
More detail: shopfront boarding in Dartford.
If you’re a facilities manager or business owner, you may also find: commercial property boarding up helpful.
Roof openings and skylights after a fire
Fire damage doesn’t always stay at ground level. Heat and water can affect roof coverings, rooflights, and skylights, creating overhead openings that let water in quickly.
Where it’s safe and accessible, we can board or secure:
- Skylights and rooflights
- Openings created by fire damage or firefighting efforts
- Exposed sections that need temporary protection until permanent repairs
More information: roof boarding in Dartford.
What happens when you call us (and what we need from you)
We keep this straightforward—especially when you’ve just had a fire.
- You tell us what’s happened (fire damage, what’s exposed, whether the site is currently safe to access).
- We give a realistic ETA on the phone. We don’t promise fixed arrival times—conditions and workload vary, but we prioritise urgent calls.
- We attend, make safe, and document the work with photos and a clear work summary.
Helpful details to have ready:
- Property postcode (DA1–DA18) and access notes
- Whether emergency services are still on scene
- Which openings are compromised (front door, rear door, windows, rooflight, shopfront)
- Any immediate risks you’re aware of (loose glass, unstable frames)
Documentation for insurance claims (what you receive)
When you’re dealing with fire damage boarding Dartford claims, paperwork matters. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we provide the information insurers typically ask for.
You can request:
- Time-stamped photos of the secured openings
- An itemised invoice
- A brief work statement describing what was done and the materials used
For guidance on preparing a claim, see: insurance claims support.
Fire damage in Dartford: local coverage and practical realities
We cover Dartford and the DA postcode area (DA1–DA18), including residential streets, flats above shops, and commercial sites. Access can vary widely—parking restrictions, narrow approach roads, rear access only, or properties that must remain cordoned off.
If access is limited or the structure appears unsafe, we’ll be honest about what can be done immediately and what needs additional clearance or specialist input first.
For local pages, start here: areas we cover.
Typical scenarios we’re called to after a fire (examples)
Every incident is different, but these are common patterns:
- A smashed window after heat stress, leaving a ground-floor room exposed
- A door that won’t close after water and heat damage, requiring temporary boarding or a stronger temporary solution
- A commercial unit where the shopfront boarded up is needed to protect premises overnight
- A rooflight damaged during firefighting, needing short-term protection until a roofer attends
If your situation is mixed (fire plus forced entry, or vandalism after the site is left open), we can help you plan the right combination of measures and point you to the appropriate page:
FAQs about fire damage boarding up in Dartford
How quickly can you attend for emergency boarding up after a fire?
We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, including out of hours when available. We don’t quote guaranteed arrival times—call us and we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on current workload and travel.
Can you board up tonight if my window is smashed?
Yes—if access is safe and the opening needs securing, we can board up broken window openings as part of emergency boarding up. If the surrounding frame is badly compromised, we’ll explain the safest fixing method before starting.
Do you provide 24/7 boarding up in Dartford?
We provide 24/7 boarding up availability for urgent situations where possible. The best step is to phone—if we can’t attend immediately due to safety restrictions or access issues, we’ll tell you straight and advise on next steps.
What materials do you use for fire damage boarding?
Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for stronger coverage on larger openings and 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate. We choose based on exposure, risk level, and the condition of the frame.
Can you board up a door after fire damage?
Yes. If you need to board up door openings because the door or frame is damaged, we can secure it temporarily. If you need a more robust solution for a longer period, we may recommend a temporary steel door depending on the opening.
Will boarding up stop rain getting in completely?
Boarding up helps reduce exposure and provides a physical barrier, but fire damage can leave complex gaps and hidden pathways for water. We’ll do what’s practical as a temporary measure and clearly explain any limitations we can see on arrival.
Is boarding up covered by insurance after a fire?
It often can be, depending on your policy and circumstances. We provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. For more guidance, see our insurance claims support page.
I’m worried someone will break in—can you make the property secure?
Yes. After a fire, properties can be vulnerable. We attend to make safe, secure access points, and reduce the risk of opportunistic entry. Anti-tamper fixings and stronger temporary options may be appropriate if the building will be unattended.
Do you work with landlords and managing agents?
Yes—landlords, letting agents, and facilities teams regularly call us to secure property after incidents, especially where a site is void or between tenancies. See: vacant property boarding up.
Which areas do you cover around Dartford?
We cover Dartford and surrounding DA postcode districts (DA1–DA18). If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, call us with your postcode and we’ll confirm.
Related services (choose the right option)
If you’re still deciding what you need, these pages explain each solution in more detail:
- window boarding in Dartford – for cracked, shattered, or missing panes
- door boarding in Dartford – for damaged entries and insecure doors
- shopfront boarding in Dartford – for commercial glazing and wide openings
- roof boarding in Dartford – for skylights and roof-level openings
- what is boarding up? – a clear explanation of methods and when they’re used
Need fire damage boarding up in Dartford?
If you’ve had a fire and need to secure the property, we’ll talk you through the next step and arrange a practical make-safe solution.
Need help now? Call 01322 952 450 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-dartford.co.uk
