Roof Boarding in Tonbridge (Emergency Roof & Skylight Boarding)
When a roof is damaged, it rarely happens at a convenient time. A slipped tile line, broken skylight, or impact hole can let rain in fast—so the priority is to make safe, reduce further water ingress, and secure the opening until permanent repairs can be arranged. Our team provides roof boarding in Tonbridge and across the TN postcodes, with practical, emergency-first solutions for homes and commercial buildings.
If you need urgent help, don’t wait for the weather to turn.
Need emergency roof boarding now? Call 01732 900 178
Prefer not to speak on the phone? Email us and we’ll call you back.
When roof boarding is needed (and why it’s time-sensitive)
Roof boarding is most often required after sudden damage where an opening has appeared, glazing has failed, or the roof covering is no longer doing its job. Common call-outs we attend include:
- Storm damage: wind-lifted sheets, slipped tiles, broken ridge sections, torn felt
- Broken skylights / rooflights: shattered glazing, cracked domes, vandalism
- Fire damage: openings created by heat, water, or fire service access (we secure—remediation is separate)
- Fallen debris / impact damage: branches, masonry, or accidental strikes
- Vacant properties: recurring access attempts via rooflights or weak roof areas
The risk isn’t only rainwater. An unsecured roof opening can also mean heat loss, unsafe internal conditions, and opportunistic entry—especially if scaffolding, a flat roof, or a low extension roof provides easy access.
For incident-specific guidance, see:
Emergency roof boarding: what we can realistically do
Roof boarding is a temporary security and weather barrier, not a full roof repair. Our aim is to stabilise the situation quickly and safely:
- Cover or secure the damaged opening (skylight, rooflight, missing section)
- Reduce water ingress with sensible temporary detailing
- Ensure the area is left safe (including below the damage point where appropriate)
- Provide documentation for your insurer or facilities team
If the roof structure is unstable or there are hazards (loose materials, unsafe access, suspected asbestos-containing materials), we will explain what’s possible and what isn’t before proceeding. Safety comes first.
For urgent attendance, use our dedicated page: emergency boarding up.
Roof boarding vs roof repairs (and why insurers often want “make-safe” first)
After a storm or impact, you’re often waiting on a roofer, a surveyor, or insurer approval. In the meantime, properties still need securing. Roof boarding is frequently used as an interim measure because:
- It helps prevent further damage while repairs are arranged
- It reduces the risk of additional claims caused by ongoing water ingress
- It shows you took reasonable steps to secure the property
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the photos and paperwork insurers typically request. More on that here: insurance claims support.
Materials we use (and why)
We choose materials based on the opening type, location, exposure, and expected duration.
Exterior-grade plywood (common for roof openings)
For many roof boarding jobs we use exterior-grade plywood, often 18mm for strength and better fixing purchase—particularly on larger openings or where the board may be exposed to wind uplift.
Why plywood:
- Strong, stable, and holds fixings well
- Suitable for larger spans with proper support
- Better resistance to moisture than standard interior boards
OSB (for smaller or lower-risk openings)
For some smaller openings, or where the risk profile allows, 12mm OSB can be used as a practical temporary measure.
Why OSB:
- Cost-effective and quick to work with
- Suitable for smaller voids where exposure is limited
We’ll always explain what we’re proposing and why—especially if conditions suggest a more robust option is needed.
Fixings and security details
Roof boarding can fail if it’s under-fixed or easy to remove. We use appropriate fixings for the substrate and situation, which may include:
- Anti-tamper fixings where there’s a security risk (important if the building will be unattended)
- Through-fixing with backing where safe and appropriate
- Fixing patterns designed to resist wind uplift and movement
If the surrounding frame or structure is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll talk you through options before we proceed.
How roof boarding works (step-by-step)
Every roof is different, but the process is usually:
-
Initial assessment & safety check
We identify the damage, check access routes, and consider hazards (loose tiles, fragile rooflights, wet surfaces). -
Measure, cut, and prepare the board
Boards are cut to suit the opening with sensible overlaps where possible. Where needed, we’ll add support points to improve stability. -
Fix securely and check weather resistance
We fix the board to minimise movement and reduce water ingress risk, then check from inside (where safe) to confirm coverage. -
Make safe below the opening (if required)
If there’s broken glazing or debris risk, we’ll advise on internal exclusion zones and temporary safety steps. -
Documentation for your records/insurer
We can supply time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a clear work statement describing what was done.
Want a broader overview of methods across different openings? See what is boarding up.
Typical emergency scenarios we handle in Tonbridge and TN postcodes
Here are realistic examples of when customers call us for roof and skylight boarding:
- A rooflight is smashed (accidental impact or vandalism) and rain is forecast overnight
- Storm winds lift roof covering on an extension roof, leaving exposed felt and an active leak point
- Fire service access leaves a roof opening that needs securing once the scene is handed over
- A commercial unit has a vulnerable flat roof hatch or skylight that’s been compromised
If you’re dealing with internal water damage as well, roof boarding can reduce further ingress, but drying and remediation is usually handled by specialist contractors.
Rooflights, skylights and fragile glazing: special considerations
Skylights and rooflights can be deceptively tricky. Even when the opening looks small, the risks are higher due to:
- Fragile surrounding frames
- Difficult access angles
- The need to prevent sharp fragments falling internally
If you’ve had a rooflight break, it can also be a sign of attempted access on a flat roof. In those cases, we may discuss longer-term options like securing other vulnerable points, or additional measures for vacant buildings. See: vacant property boarding solutions.
Access and safety: what we need from you (and what we’ll advise)
Roof boarding often requires careful planning around access. If you can, tell us:
- Property type (house, flat, shop, warehouse)
- Roof height and whether there’s safe access (rear garden, side access, flat roof extension)
- Whether anyone is on site and if power/lighting is available
- Whether the police/fire service are involved (and if you have a reference number)
We don’t quote fixed arrival times—conditions vary and roof work is weather-dependent—but when you call we’ll give you a realistic ETA and prioritise urgent jobs.
What you get after we board up your roof
We keep things straightforward, especially when you’re already dealing with stress and disruption.
You can expect:
- A clear explanation of what’s possible on the day
- Secure temporary boarding to the affected roof opening
- Time-stamped photos of the damage and the finished make-safe work
- Itemised invoice and work statement suitable for insurance/admin
- Practical advice on next steps (roofer, glazing, surveyor where needed)
For costs and what affects them, see: boarding up pricing.
Roof boarding for homes, shops and managed buildings
We work across residential and commercial settings, including:
- Houses, flats and maisonettes: residential boarding
- Shops, offices and mixed-use premises: commercial boarding
- Empty/void properties awaiting works: vacant property security
If you’ve had damage at ground level as well (break-in, smashed doors/windows), we can also help with:
FAQs: Roof & Skylight Boarding (Tonbridge and TN area)
How quickly can you attend for emergency roof boarding in Tonbridge?
We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t guarantee fixed arrival times. Workload, traffic, and weather can affect attendance. If you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone. For urgent help, use emergency boarding up.
Can you board up a smashed skylight tonight (out of hours)?
If it’s safe to access and conditions allow, yes—we handle out of hours make-safe where possible. If it’s too dangerous to work at height (high winds, icy roof, unstable structure), we’ll explain safer alternatives and the soonest workable option.
Is roof boarding weatherproof?
It’s designed as a temporary barrier to reduce water ingress and secure the opening. No temporary system is the same as a full repair, especially in severe weather, but good fixing and sensible overlaps make a big difference. We’ll be honest about limitations based on the damage and exposure.
What materials do you use for roof boarding?
Commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and stability, and 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate. The choice depends on size, location, and security risk.
Will roof boarding stop a leak completely?
It may reduce or stop active ingress, but leaks can track along timbers or membranes. Our goal is to secure the opening and reduce further damage. If there’s widespread roof failure, you may also need a roofer and potentially a surveyor.
Do you provide photos and paperwork for insurance?
Yes. We can provide time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement describing the make-safe work completed. See more guidance here: insurance claims support.
Can you secure other entry points at the same time (windows/doors)?
Yes—many incidents involve multiple vulnerabilities. We can board up a broken window, secure a door, or arrange shopfront boarded up protection as part of the same visit where practical. Explore: window boarding and door boarding.
Do you work across the TN postcodes?
Yes. We cover Tonbridge and the wider TN area (TN1–TN40). If you’re unsure whether you’re in range, call and we’ll confirm. You can also browse areas we cover.
Need emergency roof boarding in Tonbridge?
If your roof, skylight, or rooflight has been damaged, the next step is usually to make safe and secure the property before the weather or security risk worsens.
Call now: Call 01732 900 178
Email: info@boarding-up-tonbridge.co.uk
If you’re dealing with multiple types of damage, start here: 24/7 emergency boarding up.
