Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step to secure the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can help protect your property from theft and vandalism.
boarding up doorway invites thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that can only be removed on the inside, and will be weighed for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
vacant properties are a big draw for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed offers the best protection against thieves. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building might be empty for a period of time, and the boarding of doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can help to protect your property from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A boarding service can ensure that all windows and doors are closed, and that any entry point is covered to prevent cold air, water, and debris from getting into the structure.
Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the ground using screws that can be removed by criminals with the proper tools. In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to secure steel screens into place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the appropriate tool.
Additionally, securing the entry points to your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The initial cost of the materials is negligible in comparison to the risk of loss or damage caused by a break-In or act of vandalism in an empty building.
A boarding-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks keep squatters and criminals out and provide homeowners with peace of mind when they go going on vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to look over your property regularly to ensure that it is maintained. These simple measures will deter thieves from targeting your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection from animals that might try to gain access to the property for any variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals that get into the home can cause many issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. The practice of boarding up windows and doors helps to keep animals out which could be a danger while also keeping children and pets safe as well. The openings on the second and higher floor are not recommended to be boarded when they can only be accessed via a ladder, or they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows shields them from debris and wind damage during a storm. Additionally it can help keep vandalism and burglaries out. The owner of a business or home will determine the best time to encase their doors and windows based on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed, the more protection the property will get.
The boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are fixed by friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same security level as traditional timber boards.
Before boarding up, it is essential to assess the situation in order to select the right materials and approach. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcements are needed. To make the process of boarding more efficient and safer, it is important to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready for boarding the team will then prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making needed repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a seamless fit and aid in helping the boards resist the forces of wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's an ideal idea for the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the door or window they are meant to be fitted.
After the boards have been identified, they are cut to size and fitted over the openings and weak spots of the structure. Screws are inserted every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to prevent splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to property and create health hazards and spread disease. By boarding windows and doors to keep pests from entering and infesting the structure.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For example mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks that are as small as a quarter. This is why it's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to minimize the gaps in these areas.
It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the area surrounding your commercial property or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your home and trim tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds that grow in or near your building's base. This will stop pests from gaining entry into your property and causing more damage.
Air curtains are another way to stop pests from entering an empty structure. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it blasts a stream of air over windows, doors and entranceways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from getting in, and it is a good idea to use it in areas such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
It is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell. Do not encase windows and doors in a building occupied by squatters as this could create the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you're not sure what to do about a vacant building seek out a professional boarding service to secure any openings and give the impression the property is still being used.