Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a crucial step in securing the structure before a storm strikes. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts that are only removed from the inside, and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Properties that are vacant can be a big draw for thieves, vandals and squatters. The security offered by commercial boarding up service up a home that is damaged, destroyed or broken down can be invaluable. This is especially crucial for homes and businesses that are under renovation or construction. It's possible that the building will be empty for some time and boarding up the windows and doors prevents access for criminals until the work is complete.
In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding up and burglary repairs-up service can also help safeguard your home from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and that entry points are screened to prevent water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it doesn't provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws that can be easily removed by criminals with the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the proper tools.
Steel screen is a more economical option to secure the entry points to your investment property. The cost upfront is negligible compared to any possible damage or loss that could be caused by vandalism or break-ins on the property that is vacant.
A professional boarding-up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and will also give peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to look over your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps can keep burglars away from attacking your business or home. The important thing is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property before the problems begin.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property for a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If an animal gets inside the house, it could cause a myriad of issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. By boarding up windows and doors, you can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping children and pets safe. It is important to remember however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding in the event that they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection from the elements
The act of boarding up windows and doors protects them from wind and debris damage during a storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. A home or business owner will determine the ideal time to encase their doors and windows depending on the severity of weather. The sooner the boarding up doorway (mozillabd.science) process is completed and the better protection the property boarding up will receive.
Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to pass through the plywood and into the door frame. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to take the panels off with a crowbar, and offers the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation and select the right materials and approach. This will save you time and money while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining if reinforcements are required. It is also crucial to remove obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to make it safe and simple for the boarding process to take place.
The team will prepare the frame and door for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a good fit for the boards and to help them stand up to the wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea for the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the window or door they are designed to fit.
After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. They are then installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are set every few inches in order to ensure the boards' security. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to prevent splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A building that is empty is an open door for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats that are looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doors and windows, you can prevent pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
While it is important to secure entry points, you also should ensure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For instance the pests of mice and spiders can crawl through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. It's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to minimize the gaps between these areas.
You should also take away organic debris from your business or home. Keep pine straw and mulch at minimum 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your structure. This will prevent pests from entering your property and creating damage.
Another option to stop insects from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates an air stream over the windows, doors and entranceways. This stops flying insects and other pests from entering the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember, though, that it isn't necessary to board up openings above the first floor unless they are easily accessible without the use of a ladder. They can be used as an escape route or an staircase. You should also avoid boarding up door up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters, because this could create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a property that is vacant, hire a professional board service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it's still being used.