Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
The boarding up houses up of windows and doors is a necessary step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A vacant building invites thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that are only removed from the inside, and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
Vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide the best protection against thieves. This is especially crucial for homes and businesses that are under renovation or construction. The building may be vacant for a while, so the boarding of doors and windows will prevent criminals from entering until the work is finished.
In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to safeguard your home from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to damaged or broken doors or window since they can see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and all entry points are covered to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is often used to board up windows, but it does not offer the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which are easily removed by criminals with the proper tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to secure the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove without the right tool.
In addition, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than plywood boarding. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the possible damage or loss that could be caused by a break in or vandalism on a vacant property.
Additionally an expert boarding up service (heavenarticle.com noted) can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away and give homeowners peace of mind when they are away on vacation. It is recommended to have a family member or a neighbor keep an eye on the property frequently to make sure that it's being looked after. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property for various reasons, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it can cause a myriad of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health hazards. The practice of boarding up doors and windows can help keep animals out which could be a danger, keeping pets and children safe too. It is important to remember that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjoining homes, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards guard doors and windows from damage caused by wind and debris during an event of storm. Additionally it helps stop vandalism and break-ins. The owner of a business or home will determine the ideal time to secure their windows and doors in accordance with the severity of weather. The sooner the boarding process 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 go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same security level as traditional timber boards.
Before beginning the process of boarding up, it's important to analyze the situation and select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money while providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying potential problems, and determining whether reinforcement is required. To make the process of boarding simpler and safer, it is important to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready to be boarding, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to achieve a smooth fit and help the boards withstand winds and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's an ideal idea for the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the window boarding up near me or door they are designed to fit.
After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. They are then fitted over the openings or other vulnerable areas of the building. Screws are inserted every few inches to ensure the boards' security. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes before inserting screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards are then securely secured using caulking to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A building that is vacant is an open door for rodents, squirrels and rats that are seeking shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to your home and pose health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding doors and windows you can stop pests from entering and infesting the structure.
While it is important to board up entry points, you also need to ensure that any gaps along the exterior of your structure are sealed. For example, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks even as small as the size of a quarter. It's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps in these areas.
It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the area around your commercial property or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by about 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your building. This will prevent pests from entering your property and cause damage.
Another option to block insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This stops flying insects and other pests from getting in the space, and can be used in places such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
It is not required to board up openings above the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and can be used for a fire escape, stairwell, or both. Also, you should avoid boarding up doors and windows in a property that is occupied by squatters because this could create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're not sure how to do about a vacant building seek out an expert emergency boarding up 24/7 service to board up any openings and create the impression that the property is still being used.