Window Boarding in Tonbridge (Emergency & Planned Securing)

A broken or vulnerable window makes a property feel instantly unsafe. If you need window boarding in Tonbridge, we can help you make safe the same day where possible, including out of hours call-outs when it can’t wait. Whether it’s a smashed window after vandalism, a cracked pane after an accident, or a forced entry during a burglary, our job is to secure the opening properly so you can breathe again.

For urgent help, call 01732 900 178. If it’s not an immediate emergency, you can also email us and we’ll come back with a clear plan and quote.

When do you need emergency window boarding?

People usually call us when the glass is gone (or about to go) and the property can’t be left exposed. Common emergency situations include:

Burglary/break-in where a pane has been smashed to gain entry
Vandalism or street damage causing a smashed window (including ground-floor windows)
Storm damage where wind has loosened glazing or debris has broken glass
Accident/impact damage (anything from a thrown object to a vehicle strike near a frontage)
Fire damage where windows are compromised and the building needs securing (we secure—remediation is separate)

If you’re dealing with an active incident or it’s unsafe, step back and call emergency services first. Once the scene is safe, we can attend to secure property and reduce the risk of theft, weather ingress, and further damage.

For event-specific guidance, see:

What “make safe” means (and what it doesn’t)

When customers ask us to “board up broken window”, they usually want three things:

Security – stop easy access from outside
Safety – remove immediate hazards (sharp edges, loose shards where accessible)
Stability – a secure, fixed board that won’t work loose overnight

Boarding is typically a temporary boarding solution while you arrange glazing replacement or wider repairs. We’re happy to advise on what a glazier will need next, but we don’t claim to be the glazing contractor unless explicitly agreed.

Materials we use (and why)

We choose materials based on the opening size, exposure, and risk level. We’ll explain our recommendation before we start.

18mm exterior-grade plywood (typical for most windows)

For many domestic and commercial call-outs, 18mm exterior-grade plywood provides a strong, stable barrier.

Good for larger openings and higher-risk locations
Strong fixing without flexing
More resistant to weathering than thinner sheets

12mm OSB (often suitable for smaller or lower-risk openings)

OSB (oriented strand board) can be a practical choice for smaller windows or where the risk is lower.

Cost-effective for modest openings
Quick to cut and fit
Often used where boarding is short-term and sheltered

We’ll talk you through the trade-offs (strength, weather exposure, and how long it’s likely to stay in place).

How we board up windows: methods & fixings

Every property is different. A ground-floor sash window on a lived-in home isn’t approached the same way as a rear window on a vacant unit. Our technicians focus on secure, tidy fitting that prioritises safety and avoids unnecessary damage.

Measuring and cut-to-fit on site

We measure the opening and cut boards to fit, aiming for full coverage with minimal gaps. This matters for both security and weather protection.

Fixing approach: secure from the outside, difficult to remove

Where appropriate, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the chance the board can be removed from outside—especially important if the property will be unattended.

Minimising additional damage

If the frame is intact, we aim for non-destructive methods wherever possible. If the surrounding frame is already split, rotten, or too unstable to take fixings, we’ll tell you plainly and explain the options before proceeding.

Internal versus external boarding

External boarding is common for immediate security and deterrence
Internal boarding can be useful in some scenarios (e.g., protected façades, or where external fixing isn’t appropriate)

We’ll recommend the safest method based on access, risk, and the condition of the frame.

Emergency window boarding for homes, flats, and commercial premises

We provide window boarding Tonbridge services for:

Residential properties (houses, flats, maisonettes)
Commercial premises (shops, offices, restaurants, small industrial units)
Vacant properties (between tenancies, probate, or long-term void)

Each has different practical challenges—flats may need managed access, commercial sites may require coordination with keyholders, and vacant buildings may need stronger, longer-term measures.

If you’re securing a void or higher-risk building, you may also want to consider screens or doors rather than plywood alone:

What to expect when you call

If you need emergency window boarding near me in Tonbridge, the call should be simple and practical. We’ll ask a few questions so we bring the right materials and fixings.

Tell us what’s happened
Is it a smashed window, attempted break-in, storm damage, or accident? Is anyone injured? Has the police attended?
We assess access and risk
Ground floor, upper floor, rear access, busy frontage, or shared entrance—this affects equipment and approach.
We attend and secure the opening
We’ll board the window, check for immediate security concerns, and leave the area safe and tidy.

We don’t promise fixed arrival times—traffic, ongoing emergencies, and access issues can change priorities—but if you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA on the phone and keep it straightforward.

Need urgent help? Call 01732 900 178

Documentation for insurers (photos, invoice, work statement)

After a break-in or damage, insurers typically want clear evidence of what was done and why. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide documentation that often helps move things along:

Time-stamped photos of the damage and the completed boarding
Itemised invoice showing labour and materials
Work statement describing the make-safe measures taken

More guidance here: insurance claims help

Tip: If it’s safe, take your own photos before anything is moved and keep your police reference number (where applicable).

Safety notes (please read if glass is broken)

If you have broken glazing:

Keep people and pets away from the area
Don’t try to remove large shards from a high or awkward opening
If there’s evidence of forced entry, avoid touching surfaces (police may need it)
If the opening is on an upper floor, avoid leaning out—wait for proper access equipment

When we arrive, we’ll work as safely as possible and advise if specialist access is required.

How long can window boarding stay in place?

Boarding is designed as a temporary measure, but in reality it may stay up longer while you wait for glazing or frames to be repaired.

How long it can remain depends on:

Exposure to weather (wind-driven rain is hard on any temporary covering)
Security risk (isolated or vacant properties often need stronger measures)
Frame condition (weak frames may limit how robustly we can fix)

If you’re likely to need medium-term security, we can discuss alternatives that may be more suitable than plywood alone.

Areas we cover for window boarding (Tonbridge & TN postcodes)

We’re based in Tonbridge and cover TN postcodes (TN1–TN40), including regular call-outs across districts such as TN9, TN10, TN11, TN12, TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16, TN17, TN18, TN19, TN20, TN21, TN22, TN23 and beyond.

If you’re outside central Tonbridge, you may find your local page helpful:

For the full list, visit: areas we cover

Why choose us for window boarding in Tonbridge?

You don’t need hype when you’re stressed—you need clear communication and competent work.

10+ years trading in boarding and property securing
Fully insured for peace of mind
DBS-checked technicians attending your property
Straightforward deliverables: photos, itemised invoice, and a clear description of work completed

Frequently asked questions: window boarding

Can you board up a broken window tonight?

If it’s urgent, call 01732 900 178. We handle out of hours and emergency jobs where possible, prioritising properties that can’t be left exposed.

What should I do first after a smashed window?

If there’s danger or a crime in progress, call emergency services. Otherwise, keep the area clear, take photos if safe, and call us to make safe the opening. If it was a break-in, keep your police reference number.

Do you remove the broken glass?

We can deal with immediate hazards where accessible, but full glazing removal and replacement is typically a separate trade. We’ll always aim to leave the area safe and explain what we’ve done.

Will boarding up damage my window frame?

We try to avoid unnecessary damage. If the frame is sound, we’ll use appropriate fixings and methods. If the frame is already badly damaged, we’ll explain the realistic options before we proceed.

Is window boarding covered by insurance?

Often it can be, particularly after burglary, vandalism, storm damage, or accidental impact—coverage depends on your policy. We provide photos and an itemised invoice to support your claim. See: insurance claims help

How much does window boarding cost in Tonbridge?

Costs depend on opening size, height/access, materials (plywood vs OSB), and how many windows need securing. We don’t publish fixed prices because it wouldn’t be honest. See what affects cost: pricing

Can you board up windows on flats and upper floors?

Yes, but upper-floor work depends on safe access. Tell us the floor level and any access restrictions when you call so we can plan correctly.

Do you offer longer-term security for vacant properties?

Yes. If a building is likely to remain empty, boarding alone may not be the best long-term option. We can advise on stronger solutions and the right approach for repeat risk. Start here: vacant property boarding

Next steps (book window boarding)

If you need emergency window boarding Tonbridge—or you want planned boarding for a vulnerable or vacant property—get in touch and we’ll talk you through the safest, most practical option.

Need help now? Call 01732 900 178 for immediate assistance.
Or message us: info@boarding-up-tonbridge.co.uk

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