Boarding Up Services in Tonbridge (TN) – Emergency & Planned Property Security

If you need boarding up services in Tonbridge, you’re usually dealing with something stressful: a smashed window, a forced door, storm damage, or a vacant property that can’t be left open. We help you make safe quickly, secure the opening properly, and provide the documentation you’ll typically need for an insurance claim.

We cover Tonbridge and the wider TN postcode area (TN1–TN40). For urgent help, see our dedicated page for emergency boarding up.

Need help now? Call 01732 900 178 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email for non-urgent enquiries? [email protected]

When you might need boarding up

Boarding up isn’t just “putting a sheet over a hole”. Done properly, it’s about securing the property, reducing further damage, and lowering the risk of repeat entry—especially if the building will be unattended.

Common reasons people call us include:

  • A smashed window after vandalism or an accident (a “board up broken window” call-out)
  • A forced or damaged entrance where you need to board up door areas until repairs are arranged
  • A shopfront impact where you need the shopfront boarded up to protect staff, stock, and the public
  • Storm damage to glazing, rooflights or skylights—temporary boarding to keep the weather out
  • Voids and probate properties where you need to secure property for weeks or months

If your situation is linked to a specific incident, you may find these guides helpful:

Our boarding up services (what we do)

Below are our core services across Tonbridge and the TN area. If you’re not sure which one you need, call us—describing the opening and the damage is usually enough for us to advise on the safest next step.

Window boarding (residential & commercial)

Windows are the most common vulnerability after a break-in, vandalism or impact. We board up broken or compromised glazing to help prevent weather ingress and unauthorised access.

What this usually involves:

  • Measuring the opening and choosing the right sheet material (commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood; 12mm OSB can be suitable for smaller, lower-risk openings)
  • Fixing with anti-tamper methods where appropriate, especially for unattended properties
  • Positioning boards to reduce gaps and leverage points, while keeping things as neat as possible

Learn more: window boarding in Tonbridge

Emergency intent examples we handle every week: board up broken window, smashed window, temporary boarding, make safe.

Door boarding & temporary door security

If a door has been forced, splintered, or the frame is damaged, simply “closing it” often isn’t enough. Door security needs to resist leverage and protect the lock area.

Depending on the damage, we can:

  • Board and brace damaged door openings as a short-term make-safe
  • Fit a temporary steel door for stronger medium-term security (useful for vacant properties, repeated targeting, or when repair lead-times are longer)
  • Advise if the frame is too compromised for non-destructive methods—if that’s the case, we’ll explain the options before proceeding

Learn more: door boarding in Tonbridge

Common urgent searches we match: board up door, secure property, emergency boarding up.

Shopfront boarding (retail & high-street units)

Shopfronts tend to have larger glazed areas, higher footfall, and more public safety considerations. We provide boarding solutions for retail units, takeaways, offices and mixed-use buildings.

Typical considerations:

  • Larger sheets and stronger fixings for wide spans
  • Safe working around public areas (and coordinating access if shutters or alarms are involved)
  • Making the front elevation secure while you arrange glazing replacement

Learn more: shopfront boarding in Tonbridge

Emergency intent phrases that often apply here: shopfront boarded up, out of hours, secure property.

Roof & skylight boarding / temporary weatherproofing

Damage to rooflights, skylights, or upper-level glazing can quickly become a water ingress problem—especially in wind-driven rain. Roof-level openings also present a serious security risk.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Safe access planning and working at height considerations
  • Boarding methods that aim to reduce water ingress and draughts
  • Securing the opening to prevent entry (skylights are a common vulnerability)

Learn more: roof boarding in Tonbridge

Vacant property security: longer-term options

If a property is empty—between tenants, in probate, or awaiting works—temporary boarding may not be the best long-term answer. In those cases, we can talk through stronger solutions designed for longer durations.

Options may include:

  • Temporary steel doors for reliable access control
  • Security screens for windows and vulnerable openings (where appropriate)

If this is your situation, start here: vacant property boarding and security

Temporary fencing (where perimeter control is needed)

Sometimes the main issue isn’t just a door or window—there may be a compromised boundary, unsafe access, or a need to control entry to a site.

We can assist with suitable temporary fencing solutions where required.

Learn more: temporary fencing

How our service works (what to expect when you call)

When you call, we keep it simple and practical—especially if it’s out of hours and you just want the place secure.

  1. Quick assessment on the phone
    We’ll ask what’s happened, the size/location of the opening, whether the property is occupied, and any immediate hazards (loose glass, fire damage, exposed electrics). If you have them, photos can help.

  2. Attend and make safe
    We aim to attend as quickly as possible and prioritise urgent calls. We don’t promise fixed arrival times—conditions and workload vary—but we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

  3. Secure, document, and hand over
    Once the opening is secured, we can provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a short work statement—useful for landlords, managing agents, and insurance.

For the most urgent scenarios tonight, go straight to: 24 hour emergency boarding up in Tonbridge

Materials and methods (why the details matter)

The difference between “covered up” and properly secured is often the fixing method and the board choice.

We commonly use:

  • Exterior-grade plywood (often 18mm) for strength and better resistance to moisture
  • OSB (often 12mm) for smaller openings or lower-risk internal locations (where suitable)
  • Anti-tamper fixings to make removal from outside much harder—important if the property will be left empty
  • Bracing/through-fixing methods where needed to avoid relying on weak, damaged frames

If a window or door frame is too damaged to take fixings safely, we’ll tell you and explain alternatives. The goal is always the same: make safe and secure property without creating additional avoidable damage.

Residential, commercial, and managed properties

We regularly work across:

  • Residential homes and flats (including rented properties and blocks where access needs coordinating)
  • Commercial premises such as shops, offices and mixed-use buildings (often requiring out of hours attendance)
  • Landlord and facilities management scenarios where documentation and clear communication matter

If you want a page tailored to your type of building, these may help:

Insurance and paperwork (what we can provide)

We’re not loss adjusters and can’t advise on policy cover, but we can support your claim with the kind of evidence insurers often request.

Where requested, we can provide:

  • Time-stamped photos showing the damage and the completed boarding
  • An itemised invoice (materials, labour, and attendance)
  • A short work statement describing what was secured and how

More guidance: insurance claims help

Practical tips (if safe to do so):

  • Take your own photos before anything is moved
  • Keep your police reference number (if applicable)
  • Contact your insurer early—many have preferred processes for emergency make-safe work

Areas we cover across TN postcodes

We’re based around Tonbridge and cover the TN postcode area (TN1–TN40), including TN9, TN11, TN12, TN13, TN15 and surrounding districts depending on the job.

To check your specific location, start here: areas we cover
Popular local page: boarding up Tonbridge TN9

Pricing: what affects the cost of boarding up?

The cost of boarding up depends on what’s involved. Without seeing the opening, it’s not responsible to quote a fixed price.

Factors that affect cost include:

  • Size and number of openings (single window vs large shopfront)
  • Height/access (upper floors, rooflights, awkward rear access)
  • The fixing method needed (especially for anti-tamper security)
  • Whether a temporary steel door is required rather than timber boarding
  • Time and urgency (standard hours vs out of hours attendance)

More detail on how we price work: boarding up pricing

FAQs about boarding up services in Tonbridge

Can you board up a broken window the same day?

Often, yes—especially for urgent cases. Attendance depends on workload and travel across the TN area. Call and we’ll give you a realistic ETA. If it’s urgent tonight, see emergency boarding up.

What’s the difference between plywood and OSB for boarding?

Plywood is generally stronger and more durable in wet conditions, which is why we commonly use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for external openings. OSB (often 12mm) can be appropriate for smaller or lower-risk situations. We’ll recommend what’s suitable for your opening.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

We aim to minimise additional damage and use fixings appropriate to the substrate. However, if the surrounding frame is already rotten, cracked, or unstable, we may need to use stronger methods to secure the opening. We’ll explain the approach before starting.

Do you provide a temporary steel door instead of boarding?

Yes, where it’s the better option. Temporary steel doors are often chosen when a property will be vacant, repeatedly targeted, or repairs may take time. Start here: door boarding and temporary door security.

Can you board up a shopfront out of hours?

Yes—shopfront call-outs are common out of hours, particularly after vandalism or impact. We focus on making the area safe and securing the frontage. See: shopfront boarding.

I’ve had a break-in—what should I do first?

If anyone is inside or there’s immediate danger, call emergency services. If safe, avoid touching anything the police may need, and take photos. Then call us to secure property and make safe: burglary repairs and boarding.

Do you handle storm-damaged rooflights or skylights?

Yes—roof and skylight openings are time-sensitive because of water ingress risk. We can arrange secure boarding and temporary weatherproofing as appropriate. See: roof boarding and storm damage help.

Is boarding up covered by insurance?

Sometimes, depending on your policy and circumstances. We can provide time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice to support your claim. More help here: insurance claims guidance.

Ready to secure your property?

If you need temporary boarding, a shopfront boarded up, or to board up a broken window after damage, we’ll talk you through the next steps and arrange attendance.

Need help now? Call 01732 900 178 for immediate assistance.
For quotes and planned work: Call 01732 900 178 or email us.