Boarding Up in Inkpen (RG17)
If you’ve had a break-in, storm damage, or vandalism in Inkpen, securing your property quickly is essential to prevent further issues. As local boarding-up specialists covering RG17 and the wider Reading area, we understand the rural character of Inkpen—its scattered period cottages, farmhouses along Inkpen Road, and homes near the open fields. Whether it’s a damaged window on a thatched property or a forced door at a remote outbuilding, call 01182 308 876 for prompt, reliable service.
Inkpen sits in West Berkshire, just a short drive from Hungerford, with its mix of historic homes and agricultural buildings exposed to the elements. We know the area well: from properties overlooking Inkpen Beacon—the county’s highest point at Walbury Hill—to those closer to the village centre around the Red Lion pub and Inkpen Primary School. These spots see everything from high winds rattling loose panes to occasional vandalism targeting outlying barns. Our team handles these challenges with materials suited to rural settings, like 18mm exterior-grade plywood that withstands Berkshire weather without warping.
Why Inkpen Properties Need Specialist Boarding Up
Living or working in Inkpen means dealing with isolation—nearest rail links are at Hungerford station, a 10-minute drive via the B4494, and main roads like the A4 are some distance away. This remoteness amplifies risks after damage: unattended cottages near Inkpen Common can invite squatters, while farm gates off gravel tracks need robust securing.
Common property types here include:
- Period cottages and semis: Often with small-paned sash windows vulnerable to storm gusts sweeping across Walbury Hill.
- Farmhouses and outbuildings: Larger openings, timber frames that swell in damp conditions.
- Modern rural homes: Bay windows or bifolds facing fields, prone to accidental impacts from farm vehicles.
We tailor our approach to these. For instance, anti-tamper fixings are key on properties left empty overnight, as they’re hard to remove without tools—crucial when you’re commuting to nearby Kintbury or Hungerford.
How We Secure Properties in Inkpen
Our process is straightforward and transparent, designed for stressed property owners in RG17:
- Initial call: Note your police reference (if applicable), location details like “near Inkpen Beacon,” and damage type. We prioritise based on urgency—no fixed times, but rural call-outs get focused attention.
- On-site assessment: Use ladders for elevated access on bungalows or two-person teams for heavy shopfront-style doors on converted barns. If frames are too damaged, we explain replacement options upfront.
- Boarding installation: 18mm plywood for windows (OSB for smaller panes), coach screws into masonry, or temporary steel doors for main entries. All weatherproofed to handle Inkpen’s downpours.
- Cleanup and documentation: Time-stamped photos before/after, itemised invoice, and a work statement for insurance claims.
Take the case of a farmer on Inkpen Road whose stable door was kicked in during a night-time theft attempt. With sheep at risk and no lock available until morning, we fitted a temporary steel door overnight. It held firm through the next day’s rain, and our photos smoothed their insurer’s process—no quibbles.
We cover Inkpen alongside nearby spots like Hungerford, Kintbury, Lambourn, and East Garston, all within RG17. From the B4494 lanes to properties backing onto the downs, we’re equipped for the terrain.
Materials and Methods for RG17 Rural Sites
No one-size-fits-all here. In Inkpen’s exposed locations:
- Windows: 12mm OSB for narrow farmhouse panes—lightweight yet secure.
- Doors: Full plywood sheeting or steel alternatives if plywood won’t span wide openings.
- Roofs/skylights: Specialist access for leaks near the Beacon, using sealed fixings.
We’re DBS-checked, publicly insured, and focus on non-destructive methods where possible. Smoke damage after a barn fire? We board up securely but refer remediation elsewhere.
What Happens After We Board Up
You’ll get:
- Clear handover: How to inspect for tampering.
- Insurer-ready paperwork: Matches what adjusters expect post-burglary repairs or storm damage.
- Follow-up options: Like steel security screens for longer-term void properties.
Keep safe: Photograph damage beforehand if possible, note your police crime number, and contact your insurer early—we’re not advisors, but our docs help.
Inkpen Boarding Up FAQs
How quickly can you respond to a smashed window near Hungerford station for an Inkpen resident?
We prioritise urgent RG17 calls like yours, dispatching from our Reading base. Conditions vary, but expect us within hours of your call to 01182 308 876.
Is boarding up covered by home insurance for properties in Inkpen (RG17)?
Typically yes, as emergency securing. We provide detailed invoices and photos—check your policy, and we’ll liaise with photos if needed.
What if my Inkpen cottage has a thatched roof with skylight damage?
We secure overhead openings with reinforced boarding, ensuring ventilation to avoid trapped moisture. For full repairs, connect with local roofers.
Do you handle outbuildings on farms near Walbury Hill?
Absolutely—temporary steel doors or heavy-duty plywood for wide spans, with fixings suited to uneven posts.
Next Steps
Need secure boarding in Inkpen today? Call 01182 308 876 or email us. We’re here for RG17.
