Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all doors and windows. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board up will include carriage bolts that are able to be removed from the inside and be measured to fit the door frames.
Protection from vandals
Properties that are vacant can be an ideal target for thieves, vandals and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed can provide an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building may be vacant for a period of time, and boarding up windows and doors will stop criminals from entering until the work is complete.
A boarding-up service will not only guard your property against vandals but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for criminals because it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and all entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the ground using screws that can be removed by criminals with the right tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to hold the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove without the right tools.
Steel screen is a economical option to secure the entry points to your investment property. The small upfront cost is not worth the potential loss or damage that could be caused by a break in or vandalism on the property that is vacant.
A Boarding Up Doorway-up company that is professional can also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind while they are going on vacation. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps can stop burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection from animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a number of reasons, including shelter for the night or just curiosity. If an animal gets inside the home, it can cause a variety of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. By boarding up windows and doors, you can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping pets and children secure. It should be noted that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining homes such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection from the elements
Boarding up windows and doors protects them from debris and wind damage during an incoming storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. The owner of a business or home will decide the appropriate time to encase their doors and windows in accordance with the severity of weather. The sooner the 24 hour boarding up service near me is completed and the better protection the property will receive.
The boards can be secured using nails or screws. 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 which are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels using a crowbar and provides the same security level as traditional timber boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation prior to taking the time to make sure that the appropriate materials are utilized and the best approach. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of protection that is possible. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems and determining if reinforcement is needed. It is also essential to remove obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to ensure it is safe and convenient for the process of boarding to take place.
Once the area is ready for boarding the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware, and making any needed repairs. The area will be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards as well as to ensure they can withstand wind and other forces. It is also an excellent idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are intended for to avoid confusion and permit easy identification.
Once the boards are identified, they are cut to size and then placed over the openings and weak spots of the structure. Screws are inserted every few inches in order to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A building that is not in use is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a building and pose health hazards, including the spread of disease. By boarding up windows and doors to stop pests from entering the structure and cause damage.
While it's essential to fence off access points, you should ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For example, spiders and mouse pests are able to crawl through cracks as small as one quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors to the outside will help reduce gaps.
It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial boarding up service property. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that are growing near the base of your structure. This will keep pests out of entering your property and causing damage.
Another method to stop pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Be aware that it isn't required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st level unless the openings are accessible and can be used for an escape route or stairwell, or both. Avoid emergency boarding up services doors and windows in a structure that is occupied squatters as this could create an impression of abandonment which could attract criminals. If you're not sure what to do about an empty building, consult with a professional boarding company to board up any openings and create the impression that the property is still in use.