Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all doors and windows. This can help protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A vacant building invites thieves, vandals, 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 against vandals
vacant properties are an ideal target for thieves, vandals and squatters. The security offered by boarding up a house that is damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be invaluable. This is especially crucial 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 doorway up the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up houses up service can also help secure your home from weather damage. A damaged or broken window boarding up near me or door is a tempting target for burglars since it allows them to look inside your home. A emergency boarding up up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and that entry points are screened to stop water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the wall using screws that are easily removed by offenders with the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens into place are very difficult to remove without the right tool.
Steel screen is a more efficient way to secure the entry points of 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 an empty building.
In addition professional board up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks keep squatters and criminals out, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they go away on vacation. It's important to have a family member or a neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to make sure that it is still being cared for. These simple measures can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The key is to take proactive steps to safeguard 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 curiosity. Animals who enter the home can cause many problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. The act of boarding up service up doors and windows helps keep out animals that could otherwise be dangerous while also keeping children and pets secure as well. Openings on the second or higher floors are not recommended to be boarded when they can only be accessed by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows protects them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. In addition it can help prevent break-ins and vandalism. Based on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding is done, the more protection the property will be given.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are wedged into place with friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels using a crowbar, and offers the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation before taking the time to make sure that the appropriate materials are used and the best approach. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining whether reinforcements are required. It is also crucial to remove obstacles and clear away any furniture from the area to make it safe and easy for the boarder to get in.
The team will then prepare the frame and door for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and allow the boards to 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 door or window they are intended to fit.
After marking the boards, they are cut to size. They will then be installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards in place. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards are then firmly secured with caulking to stop leaks and improve 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 significant damage to a building and pose health hazards as well as the spread of diseases. By boarding doors and windows, you can prevent pests from entering and infesting the structure.
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 get through gaps that are less than 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get through cracks that are the size of one quarter. This is why it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to reduce the gaps between these areas.
It is also important to take away organic debris from your home or business. Keep pine straw and mulch at minimum 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by about 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that have grown close to the base of your structure. This will prevent pests from entering your property and causing damage.
Another option to prevent insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it creates a stream of air over doors, windows and entranceways. This keeps flying insects and other pests from entering, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Keep in mind that it's not necessary to put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder and can be used as an escape route for fire or an stairwell. Also, you should avoid boarding up door up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters since this can create a perception of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant building, consult with an expert boarding service to seal any gaps and give the impression the property is still in use.