Storm Damage Boarding Up in Maidstone (ME1–ME20)
Storm damage is stressful because it happens fast: a sudden gust takes a fence panel down, a roof tile slips, or a branch comes through a window. If your property is left exposed—even for a single night—you can end up with more water ingress, heat loss, and a higher risk of opportunistic break-ins.
We provide storm damage boarding up across Maidstone and the wider ME postcode area (ME1–ME20). If you need urgent help, start here: emergency boarding up and call 01622 580 086.
When storm damage typically happens around Maidstone
Kent catches its share of strong winds and heavy rain, and Maidstone’s mix of open stretches and built-up areas can create unpredictable gusts. We’re often called out after:
- Overnight wind catches loose roof tiles or ridge tiles, especially on older housing stock
- Driving rain finds its way through cracked glazing, tired sealant, or damaged frames
- Fallen branches (or whole limbs) strike windows, conservatory roofs, or cars—then the impact breaks nearby glazing
- Dislodged fencing or garden structures hit doors and ground-floor windows
- Flat-roof issues on extensions/garages where felt or flashing lifts, allowing water to enter
Areas near exposed routes and higher ground (for example around Detling Hill/Blue Bell Hill) can see sharper gusts, but we attend storm-related callouts across town and surrounding villages—whether you’re near Maidstone East station, along the A20/A26 corridors, or closer to the M20 (J6/J7).
What to do first (safe, practical steps)
If you’ve had storm damage, focus on safety and preventing further loss. If anything feels unsafe, keep back and call a professional.
- Check for immediate danger
- Downed power lines, hanging branches, unstable masonry, or loose roof sections are all “keep clear” situations.
- If water is coming in, protect what you can
- Move furniture away from the opening and place towels/buckets—only if it’s safe to do so.
- Take photos before anything changes
- A few clear pictures of the damage from inside and outside can help with your insurer.
- Call your insurer early
- We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the documentation insurers typically ask for (photos, invoice, work description).
- Call us to secure the opening
- Need help now? Call 01622 580 086
If you’re dealing with a smashed window or exposed doorway, storm damage boarding is about making the property secure and weather-resistant until repairs can be completed.
How we secure properties after storm damage
Every job is different, but the goal is consistent: reduce risk, prevent weather ingress, and make the property safe and secure.
1) We assess the opening and the surrounding structure
On arrival, we’ll look at:
- Whether the frame is intact enough for non-destructive fixing
- The size and shape of the opening (bay windows, sash windows, patio doors, shopfront glazing, skylights)
- Any signs the issue is part of wider damage (e.g., cracked lintel, loose brickwork, dropped roof sections)
If the frame is too damaged for standard methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. We won’t pretend a board is a structural repair—it’s a temporary security and weathering measure.
2) We choose the right material: plywood or OSB
For most storm damage boarding, we use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for robust protection on larger or more vulnerable openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate
We’ll select the material based on exposure (how windy/wet the location is), the size of the opening, and how long it’s likely to remain in place.
3) We fix boards securely (and sensibly)
We use methods designed to stop boards being removed from outside, while avoiding unnecessary damage where possible:
- Anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended
- Fixing into sound structure rather than crumbling frames
- Boarding that sits cleanly and doesn’t “flap” in wind (a common cause of follow-on damage)
Where there’s still glass in place (e.g., cracked but not fully broken), we’ll advise whether boarding is needed immediately or whether a lighter security approach is suitable.
4) We can secure doors as well as windows
Storm damage doesn’t only affect windows. If a door has swollen, split, or has failed around the lock area, we can secure it using door boarding in Maidstone. For higher-risk situations—forced access, repeated issues, or a property that will be empty—we may recommend a temporary steel door as a more secure medium-term option.
5) We provide documentation for peace of mind (and insurers)
After the job, you can expect clear records such as:
- Time-stamped photos of the secured opening(s)
- An itemised invoice
- A brief work statement describing what we fitted and where
This helps when you’re speaking with insurers, landlords, letting agents, or facilities managers.
Common storm damage callouts we handle (and the best solution)
Broken or blown-in windows
A common scenario after strong winds or impact from debris. We’ll usually recommend window boarding in Maidstone using exterior-grade plywood, fixed with anti-tamper methods when needed.
Damaged doors and insecure entrances
If wind has twisted a door, popped hinges, or damaged the lock area, we can secure it quickly with door boarding in Maidstone. Where the opening needs a more secure temporary replacement, we’ll discuss steel door options.
Shopfront glazing after storm impact
Retail units can be hit by wind-blown debris or signage. We provide shopfront boarding designed for larger panes and busy frontage areas—keeping the premises secure until glazing contractors can replace the unit.
Roof openings, slipped skylights, and weather ingress risk
If tiles have come away or a skylight has been damaged, we can help with roof boarding in Maidstone. Access and safety come first: if conditions are dangerous (high winds, unstable surfaces), we’ll be upfront about what can be done immediately and what may need to wait until it’s safe.
A realistic local example (what storm damage looks like in practice)
A typical call we see in ME14 is a family home not far from Maidstone East station where a night of strong wind brings down a branch into a rear garden. The branch cracks a ground-floor window panel and leaves sharp glass in the frame. The household is understandably worried about security—especially with the opening visible from a side access path.
We attend, photograph the damage, remove immediate hazards where safe to do so, and install exterior-grade plywood boarding fixed with anti-tamper fixings. The property is secure and far less exposed to the weather until a glazier can replace the unit. We provide an invoice and job description suitable for their insurance file.
Storm damage, insurance, and landlords: what we can (and can’t) do
Storm damage often ends up as an insurance claim, but the admin can be confusing when you’re tired and stressed.
We can help by:
- Supplying photos and paperwork that insurers commonly request
- Providing clear descriptions of what was secured and why
We can’t:
- Approve claims or speak as a loss adjuster
- Carry out building repairs, glazing replacement, or remediation (we secure the property)
If you’re making a claim, see our guidance on insurance claims support. If you’re a landlord or managing agent needing a property secured between contractors, our vacant property boarding options may be relevant too.
Why prompt boarding up matters after storms
Storm damage can escalate quickly if you leave openings exposed:
- Water ingress can damage electrics, plaster, flooring, and insulation
- Heat loss makes the property harder (and more expensive) to keep safe and dry
- Security risk increases if windows/doors are visibly compromised
- Pests and debris can enter through broken glazing or roof gaps
Boarding up is not the final repair—but it buys you time safely.
FAQs about storm damage boarding up in Maidstone
How quickly should I get a broken window boarded after a storm?
As soon as you reasonably can—especially if the opening is accessible from the street, a side alley, or shared access. Even if rain has stopped, another front can move through, and security is often the bigger concern overnight. If it’s urgent, use emergency boarding up and call 01622 580 086.
Can you board up roof damage in high winds?
We prioritise safety. If conditions are dangerous, we may need to wait until it’s safe to access the roof area. Where possible, we can secure from inside (e.g., damaged skylight) or take other reasonable steps to reduce immediate risk. Read more about roof boarding in Maidstone.
Do you cover villages outside Maidstone town centre?
Yes—across the ME postcode area (ME1–ME20). That includes locations such as Allington, Bearsted, Barming, Aylesford, and wider Medway/Sittingbourne areas when required. If you’re unsure, check areas we cover or call 01622 580 086.
Is storm damage boarding up covered by insurance?
Often it can be, but it depends on your policy and the circumstances. We’re not insurers, but we provide documentation that typically supports claims. See insurance claims support for practical next steps.
How long can boarding stay in place?
It depends on exposure, the condition of the frame, and whether the property is occupied. For short-term security and weather protection, plywood boarding is common. For longer-term void properties, security screens may be more appropriate—ask us what’s sensible once we’ve seen the site.
Related services (so you can choose the right fix)
Storm damage can affect more than one part of the property. These pages explain each solution:
- window boarding in Maidstone for broken or vulnerable glazing
- door boarding in Maidstone for damaged entrances and forced or failed doors
- shopfront boarding for commercial glazing and larger frontages
- roof boarding in Maidstone for skylights, roof openings, and weather ingress risk
If your need is urgent or out of hours, go straight to emergency boarding up.
Helpful links
- emergency boarding up
- window boarding in Maidstone
- door boarding in Maidstone
- roof boarding in Maidstone
- insurance claims support
- faqs
Need help now? Call 01622 580 086 for immediate assistance. If it’s easier to send details first, email info@boarding-up-maidstone.co.uk.
