Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can help protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A building that is unoccupied is a prime target 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
vacant properties are a big draw for thieves, vandals and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a home that is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is especially important for homes and businesses which are in the process of construction or renovations. It's possible that the building 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 protect your property against vandals but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A Boarding up doorway-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and that any entry points are secured to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly employed as a boarding up companies-up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed into place with screws that can be easily removed by offenders with the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to hold the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove if you don't have the proper tool.
Steel screen is a economical option to secure the entry points to your investment property. The slight upfront cost of the materials is minimal when compared to the possibility of loss or damage caused by a break-in or act of vandalism in an empty building.
A emergency boarding up cost-up company that is professional can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and provide peace of mind to homeowners going to vacation. It is important to have a neighbor or friend visit the property on a regular basis to make sure that it is still being taken care of. These simple measures will deter burglars from attacking your home or business. The important thing is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property prior to problems start.
Animals are protected from
The boards provide protection against animals that try to gain access to the property for any reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals who enter the home could cause problems, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping pets and children secure. Openings on the second or higher floors are not recommended to be boarded if they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells, or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
The boards shield windows and doors from damage caused by wind and debris during the storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and break-ins. Based on the nature of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to board the doors and windows. The sooner the boarding process is done the better the protection for the property.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to pass through the plywood and into the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels using crowbars and gives the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.
It is important to assess the situation before taking the time to make sure that the correct materials are used and to determine the most effective method of operation. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing your vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining whether reinforcements are required. It is also essential to remove obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to ensure it is safe and simple for the boarding process to take place.
When the area is ready to be boarded the team will then prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making necessary repairs. The area will be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and help them stand up to wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's recommended that the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the door or window they are meant to be fitted.
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 structure. Screws are inserted every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to prevent splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can then be firmly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and increase weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is empty is an open door for rodents, squirrels and rats who are looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to your property and create health hazards, including spreading disease. By emergency boarding up services up windows and doors to stop insects from entering the structure and causing damage.
It's not enough just to board up the entry points. It is also necessary to seal any gaps around your structure. For example, mouse pests can fit through openings about 1/16 of an inch in width and spiders can get through cracks that are the size of one quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors that are outside will help reduce gaps.
Also, you should remove organic debris around your home or business. Keep pine straw and mulch at minimum 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by approximately 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing close to the base of your building. This will help to prevent pests from finding their way into your property and causing more damage.
Another method to stop insects from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it blows a stream of air over doors, windows and entranceways. This prevents flying insects and other pests out the area, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember that it is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters, since this can create a perception of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're unsure of what to do about an empty property seek out a professional boarding service to secure any openings and give the impression the property is still in use.