Boarding Up in Katesgrove, Reading
If you’ve had a break-in, storm damage, or vandalism in Katesgrove, you need reliable boarding up fast. We’re local specialists covering RG1 and the surrounding Reading area, familiar with the terraced houses along London Road, the student lets near Kendrick Road, and the quick access from Reading railway station. Whether it’s a smashed window in a flat above one of the takeaways on London Road or a damaged shopfront there, we secure properties promptly to protect against further issues and help with your insurance claim.
Katesgrove’s mix of Victorian terraces, purpose-built flats, and commercial units on busy London Road makes it a vibrant but sometimes vulnerable spot. With strong community ties, proximity to Prospect Park, and excellent links via Reading station just a short walk or drive away, incidents here often need a swift, discreet response. We’ve handled everything from opportunistic burglaries in shared houses to storm-blown slates on older roofs, always using materials suited to the area’s architecture.
Why Katesgrove Properties Need Specialist Boarding Up
This RG1 neighbourhood blends residential streets like Elm Road and Chatham Street with commercial fronts along London Road, home to independent shops, cafes, and takeaways. The high student population means many properties are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), with large sash windows prone to vandalism or accidental damage. Older builds here often have intricate frames that require careful securing to avoid further harm.
Common scenarios include:
- Vandalism on London Road: Late-night incidents targeting shops or parked vehicles damaging nearby windows.
- Burglaries in terraced homes: Forced entries via rear doors or ground-floor windows, especially during term breaks.
- Storm impacts near Prospect Park: High winds affecting roofs or skylights in homes backing onto green spaces.
We’re on hand for these, prioritising non-destructive methods where possible, like using 18mm exterior-grade plywood with anti-tamper fixings that can’t be prised off from outside.
How We Handle Boarding Up in Katesgrove
Our process is straightforward and tailored to Katesgrove’s compact streets and quick-response needs:
- Call us: Share your police reference number if available, and details of the damage—window, door, or shopfront.
- We assess on arrival: Checking access challenges, like narrow alleys off Kendrick Road or upstairs flats without lifts.
- Secure efficiently: For windows, we measure precisely and fit OSB or plywood panels. Doors get temporary steel options if frames are compromised. Shopfronts on London Road use larger, reinforced sheets.
- Document everything: Time-stamped photos before and after, plus an itemised work statement for insurers.
We carry public liability insurance and use DBS-checked technicians, ensuring safety in family homes or busy commercial spots. If a frame is too damaged, we’ll explain alternatives upfront—no surprises.
Materials and Methods Suited to Katesgrove
- Windows: 12mm OSB for smaller panes in flats; 18mm plywood for bay windows in terraces—both weatherproofed and secured with coach bolts.
- Doors: Anti-snap fixings into brickwork, or temporary steel doors for longer-term security in vacant student lets.
- Shopfronts: Heavy-duty panels overlapping frames, vital for London Road’s high footfall.
These choices protect against the area’s frequent rain and wind, while allowing ventilation if needed post-flooding.
A Real Katesgrove Scenario
Picture a rental flat on London Road: a stone’s throw from Reading station. Overnight vandalism shatters the front window, leaving the tenant stressed with classes looming. We arrive within hours, clear glass safely, fit a custom plywood panel with tamper-proof screws, and provide photos plus an invoice detailing materials used. The landlord gets insurer-ready docs, and the property stays secure until glaziers return—peace of mind amid the morning rush.
Coverage Around Katesgrove
We cover all of RG1, extending seamlessly to nearby areas like Whitley, Newtown, Prospect Park, and West Reading. From Kendrick School to the edges of Prospect Park, and along Shinfield Road, we’re your go-to for emergency boarding up in Reading.
FAQs for Katesgrove
How quickly can you board up a window on London Road?
We prioritise urgent calls in RG1, aiming to attend same day, though traffic near Reading station can vary. Call early for best response.
Is boarding up covered by insurance for Katesgrove rentals?
Yes, typically under buildings insurance. We provide full documentation, including photos, to support claims—just keep your policy handy.
What if my property backs onto Prospect Park and has roof damage?
We secure skylights or access points with weatherproof sheeting, coordinating if emergency services are involved.
Do you handle HMOs near Kendrick Road?
Absolutely—our methods work for multi-occupancy setups, minimising disruption for students or tenants.
Next Steps After Boarding Up
Take photos if safe before we arrive, note your police log number, and contact your insurer promptly. We’re not adjusters, but our paperwork aligns with what they need.
Need secure boarding up in Katesgrove? Call 01182 308 876 now for fast help, or email us details.
