Boarding Up Windows and Doors
The practice of Boarding Up Door up doors and windows is a great way to deter vandalism, theft, and squatting by creating physical barriers that make it difficult for unauthorised individuals to gain access. boarding up property up your windows and doors can protect empty properties from damage caused by rain, snow and other debris.
Plywood boards are a popular choice because they are inexpensive and readily available. However, for more durable and long-lasting options, consider steel window and door security screens.
Preparation
If you're in middle of a natural disaster or facing a burglary, it's essential to board up your commercial or home as soon as possible. Boarding up doors and windows safeguards your property from further damage, and also stops people from trespassing and using the property as a refuge and could even lower the cost of insurance. To ensure that your boards fit tightly and offer effective security, you need to use the correct materials and prepare them in a proper manner.
Before you begin boarding up, remove any hardware from the door and frame including locks and hinges and place them in a secure location to be reinstalled. Also, ensure that you cover surrounding areas with plastic sheeting to prevent dust and debris. You will also want to make sure that the door and frame is clean and dry to avoid adhesion issues.
Once you've prepared the area, you can start boarding up your windows and doors. If you're not familiar about this process, it is best to consult an London emergency glazier to make sure the boarding you choose to use is compliant with HUD standards and is put in place properly. You'll need to cover windows and doors in the basement as well as on the first floor with plywood panels that are secured with carriage bolts. You will then need to apply weatherstripping or caulk to the edges of plywood to provide additional protection from rain and wind.
There are several different types of boarding materials for vacant properties, from OSB (oriented strand board) to perforated and solid steel security sheets. The best choice will depend on your needs and requirements, so it is important to discuss these options with your security company and know how each type of material will work on the property. If you live in a well-maintained area it is crucial to think about the aesthetic impact. Boarded-up windows can create an unattractive, shabby appearance, so it's important to choose a solution that is in harmony with the surrounding landscape and architecture. If you are choosing metal security sheets, make sure to use both solid and perforated sheets at a ratio of 2:1 to maximize light transmission and reduce the visual impact.
Materials
Plywood is the most popular material that is used to boarding doors and windows. This is because it is affordable, simple to handle and easily available. However, it's not always a good solution because criminals can easily utilize it to gain entry into homes. The best boarding up options are security screens made of steel that can be used as a stand-alone item or together with plywood to provide complete boarding-up protection for empty buildings. Steel security screens are installed using anti-tampering fixations that are not able to be removed using the standard tools like the bar. This serves as a deterrent to criminals seeking access into vacant buildings, mitigating the threat of squatters and other illegal occupation of void spaces.
It is simple to secure your property from vandalism and theft through the use of boarded up doors and windows. It also shields the building from the damage caused by storms and other natural disasters. Boarding up can be especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions because it helps prevent debris and water from entering the building. Boarding up can also help keep children and animals secure in the property.
Typically, owners of vacant properties will hire a professional boarding service to assist with the process of protecting their properties. These companies will be prepared ahead of time with all the required materials for boarding up, and will have them ready to go into action as soon as a need arises. They will be able to provide an immediate response, which is essential during times of civil war.
Check that the company you choose to provide boarding services is fully insured and has experience in protecting residential and commercial property. It is also important to check the type of the boarding materials they employ - some companies will make use of plywood, whereas others will utilize more durable solutions such as steel security screens.
If a house is left empty for a long time it is vulnerable to a range of threats, including burglars as well as arsonists. By taking precautions by boarding your property, you can lessen these risks and make sure that your investment property is safe until it is re-opened to use.
Installation
It is essential to secure a vacant property from criminals. By boarding up windows, doors and skylights can deter vandals, trespassers and squatters, by creating an physical barrier to access. Boarding up a building also provides protection from natural elements like rain and wind that can damage the interior or cause an hazard for fire if water gets into the structure.
The first step to board up windows is to measure the size of the opening of the door or window and then purchase the appropriate plywood to fit the area. It's best to use a more robust plywood, such as 5/8 inch or better 7/8 inch, which will protect against the impact of a forced entry.
After the plywood has been cut to size then it's time to put it in it. Begin at the hinge side of the window by taking off the old hinges and nails, and then nail the ply to the frame around the corner. Make sure the reveal gap is in line with the edge of the stud, and examine it for a smooth closure. If the gaps are too large and wide, shim them up until they are completely flush.
It is recommended that the holes left by the original hardware are caulked and filled. This will prevent the risk of a build-up of water in the walls. Consider using a waterproof sealant on the plywood to protect it from moisture. Be sure to look for safety hazards, such as protruding screws and nails that could injure visitors or prevent the door from closing properly.
The installation of steel sheets over your windows can add an additional layer of security. These are available in a variety of sizes and can be secured to the structure using anti-tamper screws. These special screws are designed to be difficult to remove and make it impossible for criminals to gain entry into the building using the crowbar or other common tools.
Airtasker will connect you with skilled Taskers who can secure your vacant property quickly and efficiently. They will have the right tools and know-how to put up high-quality boarding safely at all entry points.
Maintenance
Boarding up your property is a great method to safeguard it from damage from natural disasters, fires and other events. It can protect your property against broken glass, shattered windows, and doors. It can also stop structural deterioration and mold growth. It is also an important step to recover from an event as it will make your home more sturdy and safer until repairs can be done.
A professional emergency boarding up cost boarding service for boarding up windows will be equipped with all the necessary equipment and materials to secure your property quickly. They can also offer additional services like cleaning debris, water and sand off the property. The company will also inspect the property for signs of damage and repair the damage as required. This service can save you time and money, and also ensure that your home or business is protected from any further damage in the future.
Properties that are vacant are susceptible to a variety of issues, including vandalism, which can result in costly repairs and loss of personal belongings. Boarding up your property can help avoid this issue, since it makes it harder for vandals to gain access and ruin the building with graffiti. You can also avoid the expense of hiring security personnel to guard your property.
There are numerous benefits to boarding up your business or home however, you must be prepared in the event of a hurricane. The appropriate plywood boards will save you from expensive repairs after the storm. It's also recommended to put up protective shutters on your property.
When you board up your property ensure that you make sure you use marked panels to cover the openings that are similar. This will help you keep the track of exactly where each piece is to be used. Make sure you screw the pieces into place and ensure they are secure. You can also consider coating the plywood with sealant or paint to waterproof it. This can be done at any time during the year, but it is recommended to do this prior to the onset of a storm.