Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A building that is unoccupied is an invitation to vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property is an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. It is possible that the building will be vacant for a certain time, and closing the doors and windows will prevent access for criminals until the work is finished.
A emergency boarding up service-up service will not only guard your property against vandals but also from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A boarding service will ensure that all windows and doors are shut, and every entry point is secured to prevent cold air, water and other debris from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the wall using screws that can be removed by infractions using the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.
Additionally, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screens is less expensive than plywood boarding. The cost upfront is not worth the potential loss or damage that could be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property.
In addition, a professional boarding up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind while they are going on vacation. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to check on your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps will stop burglars from attacking your home or business. It is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Protection from animals
The boards offer protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property for different reasons, including shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If an animal gets inside the home, it can cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from structural damage to health risks. The act of boarding up doors and windows can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping pets and children safe. Openings on the second or higher floors are not recommended to be boarded in the event that they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are only accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The act of boarding up windows and doors shields them from debris and wind damage during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and break-ins. A home or business owner will determine the ideal time to encase their doors and windows based on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process 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 the plywood and reach the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security door that are wedged into place by friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with a crowbar, and offers the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
Before taking the time to board up, it is essential to assess the situation to choose the appropriate materials and method. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining if reinforcement is required. To make the process of boarding easier and safer, it is important to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
The team will then prepare the door and frame for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and help the boards resist the forces of 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.
Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and increase the weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is vacant is an open invitation for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats seeking shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to buildings and pose health hazards as well as the spread of disease. By boarding up doorway (click through the up coming website page) up windows and doors, you can stop insects from entering the structure and creating damage.
While it's important to fence off entry points, you should ensure that any gaps around the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For example, spiders and mouse pests are able to crawl through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. It's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to minimize the gaps between these areas.
You should also remove organic debris around your business or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by approximately 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your building. This will help to prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing further 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, and entryways. It can be used to keep flying insects out of the house. It can also be used for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.
Be aware that it isn't required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and can be used as a fire escape, stairwell, or both. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters, as this can create a perception of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you are unsure what to do with a property that is vacant, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is being used.