Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all windows and doors. This will protect your home from vandalism and theft.
A vacant building is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will have carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is particularly important for homes and businesses that are undergoing construction or renovations. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time, and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is completed.
A boarding up service will not only guard your property from vandals but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window boarding up near me because they can see inside. A commercial boarding up service service will ensure all windows and doors are sealed, and any entry point is protected to prevent cold air, water and debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is often employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which are easily removed by criminals with the right tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure steel screens into place are extremely difficult to remove without the right tool.
Steel screen is a economical method of securing the entry points to your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is minimal compared to the potential damage or loss caused by a burglary or vandalism incident in the building that is vacant.
A boarding Up doorway (botdb.win)-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away and give homeowners peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is also a good idea to have a family member or a neighbor keep an eye on the property frequently to ensure that it is still being taken care of. These simple measures can stop burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. The most important thing is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before issues begin.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property due to various reasons, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the house, it could cause a variety of problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. The act of boarding up windows and doors helps to keep animals out that could otherwise be dangerous as well as keeping children and pets safe too. Openings on the second or higher floor are not recommended to be boarded if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are only accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
The boards shield doors and windows from damage by debris and wind during an event of storm. Additionally it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up up windows and doors. The sooner the boarding is completed and the better protection the property will be given.
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 choose to use steel security door that are wedged into place with friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to remove with a crowbar and gives the same security as traditional wooden boards.
It is important to assess the situation before boarding up to ensure that the right materials are utilized and the best approach. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing your vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining if reinforcement is needed. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and take all furniture from the area to make it safe and easy for the process of commercial boarding up service to take place.
Once the area is ready for boarding the team will prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware, and making any needed repairs. The area should be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and to ensure they can withstand the 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 permit easy identification.
After marking the boards, they are cut to size. The boards are then placed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the building. Screws are set every few inches to ensure the boards' security. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards can be solidly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is basically an open door for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a home and pose health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding doors and windows you can prevent pests from entering the structure and causing damage.
While it's important to secure entry points, you should make sure that any gaps around the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance the pests of mice and spiders can crawl through cracks even as small as a quarter. It's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps between these areas.
It is also important to remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at minimum 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by about 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds growing close to the base of your building. This will stop pests from gaining entry into your property and causing more damage.
Another option to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering the area, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Be aware that it isn't necessary to board-up openings above the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and can be used as a fire escape, stairwell, or both. You should also avoid boarding up company up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters because this could create the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure what to do about an empty building, consult with a professional boarding company to secure any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.