Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a crucial step to secure the structure before a storm strikes. This will help protect the property from vandalism, theft and damages.
A vacant structure is a magnet for thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed offers an excellent defense against criminals. This is particularly important for businesses and homes that are under renovation or construction. The building could be empty for a time, so blocking doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is complete.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a emergency boarding up up service can also help safeguard your home from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals because they can see inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and that entry points are secured to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used as a emergency boarding up service up solution, but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is often attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals who have the right tools. In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to hold screens made of steel are very difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.
In addition, securing entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is less expensive than plywood boarding up services. The small upfront cost is negligible compared to any possible damage or loss that could be caused by vandalism or a break-in on the property boarding up that is vacant.
Additionally an expert board up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and provide peace of mind to homeowners on vacation. It's also a good idea to have a friend or neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to make sure that it is still being taken care of. These simple measures can keep burglars away from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive steps to protect your investment property.
Animals are protected from
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property for any number of reasons, including shelter for the night or just curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it can cause a variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health risks. The act of boarding up doors and windows can assist in keeping out dangerous animals, while also keeping pets and children secure. It is important to note, however, that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjoining properties or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The act of boarding up windows and doors shields them from wind and debris damage during the storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the nature of the weather, a home or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is done the better the protection for the property.
Boards can be secured using 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 choose to use steel security door that are wedged into place by friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same security level as traditional timber boards.
It is crucial to evaluate the situation before embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the appropriate materials are utilized and the most effective method of operation. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems, and determining if reinforcement is required. To make the process of boarding more efficient and more secure, it is crucial to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the area is ready for boarding, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making needed repairs. The area must be sanded to achieve a smooth fit and help the boards stand up to the force of wind and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are intended for, to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.
After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. The boards are then fitted over the openings or weak areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards securely in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and to improve weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A vacant building is basically an open door for rodents, squirrels and rats seeking shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to your property and create health hazards which include spreading diseases. By boarding doors and windows you can stop pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also fill in any gaps within your structure. For example, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks that are as small as one quarter. For this reason, it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps between these areas.
It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the area surrounding your commercial or residential property. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house and trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds growing in or close to your building's foundation. This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing damage.
Air curtains are another way to stop pests from entering an unfinished structure. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This keeps flying insects and other pests from entering the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants.
It is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st level unless the openings are accessible and can be used for an escape route or stairwell, or both. Avoid boarding up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied squatters as this could create the impression of being abandoned, which can encourage criminal activity. If you are unsure what to do with a vacant property you can hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is being used.