Boarding Up in Upper Dicker
In the quiet rural hamlet of Upper Dicker—tucked along the BN27 postcode just off the A22 between Hailsham and Polegate—we understand the unique challenges of securing properties here. Whether it’s a weathered farmhouse window smashed by a storm or a barn door forced during a break-in, our team knows the lay of the land. From the scattered period cottages lining Coldharbour Lane to the open fields around the village, we’re your local specialists for emergency boarding up across this part of East Sussex.
Upper Dicker’s mix of historic farm buildings, detached bungalows, and occasional equestrian properties means damage often comes from weather exposure or opportunistic crime along the busy A22 corridor. We’re familiar with the area’s agricultural vibe—properties here face high winds from the South Downs and the occasional rural burglary targeting outbuildings. Our boarding up services cover everything from quick window fixes to more robust door boarding using 18mm exterior-grade plywood that stands up to the Wealden climate.
Why Upper Dicker Properties Need Reliable Boarding
Living or working in Upper Dicker, you’re surrounded by farmland and the route to Polegate railway station, just a short drive away. But that connectivity brings risks: passing traffic on the A22 can lead to accidental impacts, while isolation makes post-damage securing urgent to prevent further theft or weather ingress. Common setups include:
- Victorian and Edwardian cottages: Single-pane windows vulnerable to vandalism or bird strikes.
- Farmhouses and barns: Larger openings needing heavy-duty OSB sheeting with anti-tamper fixings.
- Modern bungalows near the A22: Sliding patio doors prone to forced entry attempts.
We prioritise non-destructive methods where possible, using coach bolts and security screws to fix boards without compromising frames. If access requires ladders for upper-level windows—common in the taller gabled roofs here—we carry the right gear and assess safely.
A Real Scenario from Upper Dicker
Picture this: a family in a stone cottage off Hailsham Road returns from Polegate station to find their rear kitchen window shattered, likely from a thrown stone during a youth gathering nearby. It’s late evening, rain’s forecast, and they’ve got livestock in adjacent outbuildings at risk. We arrive promptly, measure the irregular sash opening (about 1.2m x 1m), cut and fit 18mm plywood on-site with anti-tamper fixings angled to prevent outdoor removal. By morning, they have time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a work statement for their insurer—property secure until glaziers arrive. No drama, just practical protection tailored to rural BN27 life.
How We Handle Boarding Up Here
Our process is straightforward and built for areas like Upper Dicker, where properties can be spread out and access isn’t always straightforward:
- Call us: Share details—call 01273 092 166—and your police reference if applicable.
- Site visit: We head out from our BN coverage base, prioritising Upper Dicker’s urgent needs alongside nearby Hailsham.
- Assessment and boarding: Measure, cut materials to fit (plywood for windows, heavier OSB for doors), secure with fixings designed for unattended properties.
- Documentation: Photos before/after, invoice breakdown, and notes on any frame damage for insurance claims.
We use materials suited to the area’s damp conditions: exterior-grade plywood resists moisture better than interior grades, and our temporary steel doors offer medium-term security for vacant farm units. Public liability insurance covers us, and our technicians are DBS-checked for peace of mind.
For Upper Dicker’s proximity to Hailsham High Street shopping and the open countryside towards Arlington Reservoir, we often handle commercial call-outs too—like securing a small agricultural supplier’s loading door after storm debris impact.
Coverage and Response in Upper Dicker and Nearby
We serve the full BN27 postcode, extending to neighbouring spots like Hailsham, Lower Dicker, Stone Cross, and Polegate. No fixed arrival times—road conditions on the A22 vary—but urgent jobs get top priority. If your property’s near the village hall or along the lanes to Herstmonceux, we’re equipped for tight access with extending ladders and compact vans.
Honest note: We’re not glaziers or structural engineers, so severe frame damage might need follow-up trades. But we explain options upfront and provide clear handover docs.
FAQs for Upper Dicker
How quickly can you board up a window in BN27 after a break-in?
We mobilise fast for Upper Dicker, aiming to secure within hours of your call, depending on call volume and A22 traffic.
What’s the best boarding for farm outbuildings near Polegate?
For larger rural openings, we recommend 18mm OSB with steel reinforcement—weatherproof and tamper-resistant for properties left unattended.
Do you cover storm damage boarding near Hailsham High Street?
Yes, from Upper Dicker cottages to Hailsham commercial units, we handle wind-blown slates or debris-hit windows with immediate weatherproofing.
Is boarding up covered by home insurance in rural BN27?
Most policies include it as emergency mitigation—keep photos and our invoice. We’re not adjusters, but our docs align with standard claims.
Next Steps
Need secure boarding now? Call 01273 092 166 for Upper Dicker and BN27. Or email us details for non-emergency advice.