Boarding Up in Lewes
When damage strikes in Lewes—a historic town with its tight-knit streets winding around Lewes Castle and bustling shops along Cliffe High Street—securing the property quickly is essential. Whether it’s a smashed window in a period cottage near Southover or a shopfront hit by vandals on the High Street, boarding up in Lewes (BN7) gets things protected fast. We’re familiar with the area’s mix of medieval timber frames, Georgian townhouses, and modern flats, and we cover the whole BN7 district without the delays of out-of-town crews.
Lewes sits just north of Brighton, connected by the A27 and frequent trains from Lewes station to London or the coast. We’ve handled jobs here amid the chaos of Bonfire Night crowds or quiet mornings in nearby villages like Ringmer, Glynde, and Offham. Our team knows the narrow lanes around the castle make access tricky, so we come equipped for tight spots—no heavy machinery needed, just efficient plywood cuts and secure fixings.
Why Lewes Properties Need Specialist Boarding Up
Lewes blends residential charm with commercial hubs. You’ll find Victorian terraces lining streets like Lansdown Place, independent shops on Cliffe High Street, and larger premises near the Phoenix Industrial Estate. These older buildings often have sash windows or arched doorways that demand precise boarding to avoid further damage.
Common issues here include:
- Storm damage from South Downs winds ripping slates off roofs near the castle.
- Vandalism targeting empty shops or student lets around the station.
- Burglaries in quieter spots like Southover, where opportunists exploit dark evenings.
We use 18mm exterior-grade plywood for windows and doors—tough enough for BN7’s damp climate but light for easy fitting. For bigger openings like shopfronts on the High Street, we opt for 12mm OSB panels with anti-tamper screws that can’t be prised off from outside. If a frame’s too rotten (common in older Lewes homes), we’ll flag it upfront and discuss plywood overlays or temporary steel doors as alternatives.
How We Handle Boarding Up Jobs in Lewes
Our process is straightforward, designed for when you’re dealing with police at the scene or insurers on the line.
- Call us: Share your location—say, “Broken window on Cliffe High Street”—and police reference if you have it. We prioritise BN7 calls.
- On-site assessment: We measure up, check for structural issues (Lewes building control might need noting for listed properties), and explain options.
- Secure and weatherproof: Plywood cut to fit, fixed with coach bolts into brick or timber. For roofs near the Ouse, we add tarpaulin overlaps.
- Documentation: Time-stamped photos before/after, itemised invoice, and a work statement for your claim. No surprises.
We don’t guarantee exact arrival times—traffic on the A27 or Bonfire diversions can vary—but urgent Lewes jobs get same-day attention. DBS-checked technicians mean peace of mind for residential spots, and public liability covers any mishaps.
A Real Lewes Scenario: Shopfront After Hours
Picture a newsagent on Cliffe High Street: overnight break-in, glass everywhere, till emptied. Owner calls at 6am; we’re there by 8:30, clearing debris safely (no health risks from our side), boarding the full 3m shopfront with reinforced OSB, and fitting a temporary steel door for the side entry. By noon, it’s secure, photos emailed, and the owner heads to their insurer with our invoice. Shop reopens two days later, no extra weather damage from the River Ouse mist.
Coverage Around Lewes (BN7)
We stick to BN7, from central Lewes out to hamlets like Landport and Wallands Park. Nearby areas like Ringmer or Glynde? Quick hop via the A26. No postcode hassles—we know the lanes that dodge town centre jams.
For emergency boarding up in Lewes, it’s window boarding, door boarding, or shopfront boarding tailored to your property. Landlords with voids near the station often go for steel security screens for longer-term peace.
Insurance and Practical Tips for Lewes
Most BN7 policies cover boarding up as an emergency measure—keep our invoice and photos. We’re not adjusters, but we’ve supplied docs for claims on everything from castle-view homes to high street traders. Snap pics before we arrive if safe, note your police CRN, and contact your insurer early.
Limitations? If fire damage hits a thatched roof in Southover (rare but possible), we secure openings but leave remediation to specialists. Same for flood-swollen frames by the Ouse—we ventilate to dry out.
FAQs About Boarding Up in Lewes
How quickly can you board up a window in Lewes BN7?
We aim for same-day response in central Lewes, factoring in station-area parking. Call 01273 092 166 with details for the best slot.
Do you handle listed buildings near Lewes Castle?
Yes, non-destructive methods first—screws into mortar joints, removable fixings. We’ll advise if sympathetic repairs need a surveyor.
What’s the difference between plywood and steel doors for Lewes shops?
Plywood for immediate, cheap weatherproofing; steel for unattended sites like empty high street units, lasting weeks.
Can you board up after Bonfire Night damage in Lewes?
Absolutely— we’ve done it post-November chaos. Secure first, then assess soot/smoke separately.
Need boarding up in Lewes today? Call 01273 092 166 for fast, reliable help across BN7.
