Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This will help protect the property from theft, vandalism and destruction.
A vacant building is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection from vandals
vacant properties are a big draw for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up doorway up a house boarding up service which is damaged, destroyed or broken down can be a huge benefit. This is especially important for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building may be vacant for a time, so boarding up windows and doors will prevent criminals from entering until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to safeguard your home from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window as they are able to see inside. A commercial boarding up service-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and that entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the ground using screws that are easily removed by infractions using the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to hold screens made of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.
Additionally, securing the entry points of your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than emergency boarding up services made of plywood. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the possible damage or loss that may result from a break in or vandalism on the property that is vacant.
Additionally an expert boarding up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep criminals and squatters out and provide homeowners with peace of mind while they are on vacation. You can also ask a family member or a neighbor to inspect your property frequently to ensure it's maintained. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. It is essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property boarding up for various reasons, such as shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. Animals that enter the home could cause issues, from structural damage to health hazards. By boarding up windows and doors, you can assist in keeping out dangerous animals while keeping children and pets safe. Openings on the second and higher floors are not recommended to be boarded in the event that they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
boarding up a door up doors and windows shields them from debris and wind damage during an incoming storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and break-ins. A home or business owner will determine the ideal time to encase their doors and windows depending on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding is completed, the better protection for the property.
Boards can be secured by screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are fixed using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to take off using the crowbar, and also provides the same level of security as traditional wooden boards.
It is crucial to evaluate the situation prior to boarding up to ensure that the correct materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money while ensuring the highest level of protection that is possible. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcement is required. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is crucial to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will prepare the door and frame for board installation by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area will be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and make them more resistant to the wind and other forces. It is also recommended to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are designed for, to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.
Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and fitted over the openings and weak spots of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is a perfect place for squirrels, raccoons and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a building and pose health risks, including the spread of diseases. By boarding doors and windows to keep pests from entering and infesting the structure.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For instance, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks as small as a quarter. It's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas.
Also, you should remove organic debris around your business or home. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and get rid of any weeds that are growing close to your building's foundation. This will help to prevent pests from finding their way into your property and causing more damage.
Another method to block insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it creates an air stream over windows, doors and entranceways. It can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It is also helpful for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary to put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder. They could be used as a fire escape or a staircase. Do not encase windows and doors in a building occupied by tenants as it could give the impression of being abandoned, which can encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant house you can hire a professional board service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is being used.