Door Boarding in Tonbridge (Emergency Door Boarding & Temporary Security)
A damaged or forced door is one of the quickest ways a property becomes vulnerable. If you need door boarding in Tonbridge, we’ll help you make safe the opening and restore a basic level of security until a permanent repair or replacement can be arranged.
For urgent situations—after a break-in, attempted burglary, storm damage, or an accident—call 01732 900 178. We cover Tonbridge and the wider TN postcode area (TN1–TN40), and we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone.
Need emergency door boarding now? Call 01732 900 178
When you might need emergency door boarding
Door boarding is most often required when there’s been sudden damage and you need the property secured quickly—especially if it will be unattended overnight or while you wait for a locksmith, glazier, or builder.
Common call-outs we handle include:
- Forced entry / attempted break-in where the door won’t close or lock properly
- A kicked-in door, split frame, or damaged multi-point locking mechanism
- Fire brigade entry where the door is compromised afterwards (we secure the opening; remediation is outside our scope)
- Storm damage that has blown a door open or warped a frame
- Accidental impact (for example, a vehicle strike on an entry door or communal entrance)
If it’s not safe to stay on site, or the opening is accessible from the street, boarding up the door is often the fastest practical way to secure property and reduce the risk of theft or further damage.
If your issue is primarily glazing rather than the door leaf/frame, see our window boarding in Tonbridge page as well.
What “door boarding” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Door boarding is a temporary security measure designed to:
- Restrict access through a damaged doorway
- Reduce the risk of further intrusion and weather exposure
- Help stabilise the opening while permanent repairs are arranged
It’s not a substitute for a proper repair, replacement door, or a full security upgrade. Where it makes sense, we’ll also discuss stronger medium-term options such as temporary steel doors for higher-risk situations.
For urgent attendance, use our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.
Our approach: make-safe first, then the right level of security
Every damaged doorway is different. Some can be secured with straightforward boarding; others need a more robust solution because the frame is blown, the surround is crumbling, or the property is vacant.
We generally work through the following:
-
Assess the door, frame, and surrounding structure
We check how the door failed, whether the frame is stable, and whether there are hidden risks (loose masonry, broken glass, exposed fixings). -
Choose the least disruptive method that still secures the property
If non-destructive fixings are possible, we’ll use them. If the frame is too damaged, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. -
Install boarding or a temporary steel door, then document the work
We finish with time-stamped photos and a clear work record for your insurer or managing agent.
Materials we use (and why)
We use materials suited to external use and to the size and condition of the opening. The aim is a secure fit that’s difficult to remove from outside, while still being practical to remove later for repairs.
Typical materials include:
-
18mm exterior-grade plywood
A strong, reliable option for doorways and higher-risk ground-floor access points. -
12mm OSB (or equivalent)
Often suitable for smaller openings or where a lighter temporary board is appropriate. -
Anti-tamper fixings (where appropriate)
Important when the property will be unattended. Anti-tamper fixings help prevent boards being removed from outside. -
Timber battens / bracing
Used to spread load and avoid stressing already-damaged frames, and to improve rigidity.
If you’re securing a retail or street-facing entrance that needs a larger, more visible temporary barrier, our shopfront boarding service may be a better fit.
Methods: how we board up doors safely and securely
There are a few common methods for boarding up a doorway. We’ll choose based on the door construction, the damage, and whether you need access later.
1) External face boarding (quick make-safe)
This is often used when:
- The door leaf is damaged beyond locking
- The frame is compromised
- You need immediate temporary boarding to stop access
We cut the board to size, align it to cover the vulnerable section (including weak points around locks), then fix it securely using a method suitable for the surrounding substrate.
2) Internal braced boarding (reduced external fixings)
Where practical, we may brace internally so there are fewer exposed fixings outside. This can be useful for certain residential doorways or where you want a neater temporary solution.
3) Temporary steel door installation (medium-term security)
If the property will be vacant, repeatedly targeted, or the doorway is too damaged to board reliably, a temporary steel door can be a better option than plywood alone.
This is common after:
- Repeat burglary attempts
- Major door/frame failure
- Vacant/void property handovers
For vacant premises, you may also want to review boarding up for vacant property.
Emergency scenarios we’re often called for (Tonbridge & the TN area)
People usually find us while searching phrases like:
- board up door
- emergency boarding up
- 24/7 boarding up
- out of hours
- make safe
- secure property
- temporary boarding
Here’s how we typically help in each situation:
- After a burglary: we secure the opening, reduce re-entry risk, and provide documentation for claims. See burglary repairs and boarding.
- After vandalism: we board the damaged entrance and help prevent further damage while repairs are arranged. See vandalism repair and boarding.
- After storm damage: we stabilise and weatherproof where possible, prioritising safety and access control. See storm damage make-safe.
- After an accident/impact: we secure the doorway and flag any concerns if the structure looks unsafe (we’re not structural engineers, but we won’t ignore obvious risk). See accident damage boarding.
What you get (useful for insurers and property managers)
When you’re dealing with an insurer, landlord, or managing agent, clear paperwork matters. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide what insurers typically ask for after emergency make-safe work:
- Time-stamped photos showing the damage and the completed boarding
- Itemised invoice (materials + labour)
- Work statement describing what we did and why (e.g., “door frame split and non-locking; opening secured with exterior-grade plywood and anti-tamper fixings”)
For more guidance on the claims process, see insurance claims support.
Access, keys, and practical considerations
To keep things smooth, it helps to know:
- If the police have attended, keep your crime reference number handy.
- If you’re a tenant, try to contact your landlord/agent early—especially if boarding affects access.
- If there’s broken glass, keep people and pets away from the area.
- If the property is a flat or above a shop, let us know about access routes, entry systems, and any restrictions.
If you need ongoing perimeter control during building works or after major damage, we also offer temporary fencing.
How long does door boarding last?
Door boarding is intended as a temporary measure—long enough to:
- Prevent access while you arrange permanent repairs
- Reduce the chance of further theft or vandalism
- Keep the property safer overnight or over a weekend
If the door or frame is severely damaged—or the property is empty—we may recommend upgrading to a temporary steel door or additional security solutions.
If you’re unsure what’s best, call and describe what’s happened. We’ll talk through the options honestly.
Door boarding across Tonbridge and TN postcodes (TN1–TN40)
We’re based for Tonbridge and cover the wider TN area, including TN9, TN10, TN11, TN12, TN13, TN15, TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN7, TN8 and beyond across TN1–TN40.
For location-specific help, you can also browse areas we cover. If you’re in Tonbridge itself, see boarding up in Tonbridge TN9.
FAQs — Door boarding in Tonbridge
How quickly can you attend for emergency door boarding?
We don’t quote fixed arrival times because workload, traffic, and the type of job vary—especially out of hours. If you call 01732 900 178, we’ll tell you a realistic ETA and prioritise urgent make-safe situations.
Can you board up a door tonight?
If you need emergency boarding up tonight, call us. We handle urgent call-outs and will confirm what’s possible when we take details of the damage and access.
Do you board up front doors as well as back doors?
Yes. We board up front doors, back doors, side entrances, communal entrances, and internal access points where required (for example, between a public area and a restricted area after damage).
What if the frame is too damaged to fix boarding to?
If the frame or surrounding structure is too compromised for a secure fix, we’ll explain the options before we proceed. In some cases, a temporary steel door is safer and more secure than trying to board onto weak timber or crumbling masonry.
Will boarding damage my door frame more?
We aim to use the least destructive method that still secures the opening. However, if the doorway is already unstable, any secure temporary fix may involve additional fixings. We’ll talk you through the approach and why we’re recommending it.
Is door boarding covered by insurance?
Often, emergency make-safe work can be covered depending on your policy and circumstances. We provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement to support your claim. More details are on our insurance claims page.
What should I do before you arrive?
If it’s safe:
- Take a few photos of the damage
- Keep your police reference number (if applicable)
- Clear immediate hazards (loose shards, obstructions) without putting yourself at risk
Then call 01732 900 178.
Can you secure a property if I’m not there?
Usually yes, provided lawful access can be arranged (key holder, agent, site manager) and you confirm permission to proceed. For managed buildings, we can work with facilities teams and provide documentation afterwards.
Do you also do burglary repairs to the door and locks?
We focus on securing the property (boarding, temporary steel doors, and make-safe). Permanent door/lock replacement may require a locksmith or joiner depending on the damage. We can still secure everything so you’re not left exposed. See burglary repairs and boarding.
Related services (when door boarding isn’t enough)
Depending on the incident, you may also need:
- window boarding in Tonbridge for broken glazing nearby
- shopfront boarding for commercial entrances
- roof boarding for skylights and overhead openings
- boarding up for residential property or commercial property
If you’re not sure which applies, call and we’ll guide you.
Need help now?
A damaged door is stressful—especially after a break-in or late-night incident. We’ll keep it simple: we’ll ask a few questions, advise the safest option, and get the property secured.
Need emergency door boarding or a door boarded up in Tonbridge?
Call 01732 900 178 for immediate assistance, or email us if it’s non-urgent.
