Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is an essential step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This will help protect the property from vandalism, theft and destruction.
A vacant structure is a magnet for thieves, vandals, and squatters. A professional board-up will have carriage bolts that are able to be removed from the inside and be measured to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Properties that are vacant can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a home that has been damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be a huge benefit. This is especially crucial for homes and businesses that are under renovation or construction. The building might be empty for a period of time, and the boarding up door of doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is completed.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can also safeguard your home from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and that any entry points are secured to block debris, water and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly employed as a 24 hour boarding up service near me-up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually fixed into place with screws that can be removed by infractions using the proper tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to secure the steel screens are extremely hard to remove without the correct tool.
In addition, securing the entry points of your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding made of plywood. The slight upfront cost of the materials is negligible compared to the potential damage or loss caused by a break-In or vandalism incident in the building that is vacant.
Additionally, a professional boarding up service will install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and will also give peace of mind to homeowners to vacation. It's also a good idea to have a family member or a neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to make sure that it's being looked after. These simple steps will stop burglars from attacking your home or business. The most important thing is to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property before issues begin.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property due to various reasons, including shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it can cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up the windows and doors helps to keep out animals that could be dangerous while also keeping children and pets safe too. It is important to note that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarded if they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection from the elements
Boarding up windows and doors helps to protect them from wind and debris damage during a storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and break-ins. Depending on the severity of the weather, a home or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to put up doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property.
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. You can also use steel security doors that are firmly fixed using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation before boarding up doorway up to ensure that the appropriate materials are used and to determine the best method for handling the situation. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the highest degree of security. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining if reinforcement is required. It is also essential to eliminate obstacles and take away any furniture from the area to ensure it is safe and easy for the boarder to get in.
Once the area is ready to be boarded the team will then prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making required repairs. The area must then be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and make them more resistant to wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the door or window they are meant to be fitted.
Once the boards are marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are placed every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and to improve the weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A vacant building is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to a property and pose health risks and spread disease. By boarding up windows and doors 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 example, mouse pests can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of one quarter. For this reason, it's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to minimize the gaps in these areas.
You should also take away organic debris from your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding, and remove any weeds that grow in or close to the base of your building. This will prevent pests from entering your property and creating damage.
Air curtains are another way to stop pests from entering an empty space. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This keeps flying insects and other pests from getting in, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants.
It is not necessary to board-up openings above the 1st level unless the openings are easily accessible and can be used as an escape route or stairwell. You should also avoid boarding windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters, since this can create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you are unsure what to do with a property that is vacant get a professional 24 hour boarding up service near me service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it is being used.