Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
emergency boarding up up doors and windows is a necessary step to secure the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This will protect your home from theft and vandalism.
A vacant property is an invitation to vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board up will have carriage bolts that will only be removed from the inside and be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property is an ideal target for vandals thieves and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that is damaged, broken down or destroyed offers valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially important for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. 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 finished.
A boarding up company near me-up service will not only protect your property from vandals but also from weather damage. Criminals are attracted by damaged or broken doors or window because they can see inside. A boarding service will make sure all windows and doors are sealed, and every entry point is secured to block cold air, water and debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which are easily removed by criminals who have the right tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix screens made of steel are very difficult to remove without the proper tools.
In addition, securing entry points to your vacant investment property using steel screens is more affordable than boarding up service near me with plywood. The initial cost of the materials is negligible compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by a break-In or act of vandalism in an empty building.
Additionally, a professional boarding up companies up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep criminals and squatters out and provide homeowners with peace of mind while they are going on vacation. It is also a good idea to have a friend or neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to ensure that it is still being taken care of. These simple steps will deter burglars from attacking your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Protection from animals
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. If an animal gets inside the house, it could cause a myriad of problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out and keep pets and children secure. It is important to note that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
Boarding up windows and doors shields them from wind and debris damage during the storm. Additionally it can help keep vandalism and burglaries out. Business or home owners will determine the best time to encase their doors and windows based on the severity of weather. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property.
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. You can also use steel security door that are wedged into place with friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to take off using the crowbar, and also provides the same security as traditional wooden 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 best approach. This will save you time and money, while also providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining whether reinforcements are required. It is also essential to eliminate obstacles and take all furniture from the area to make it safe and simple for the boarding process to take place.
The team will prepare the door and frame for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must then be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and ensure they can withstand the wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's recommended that the plywood boards to be branded 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. They will then be placed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards securely in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding up door up doors and windows, you can stop insects from entering the structure and causing damage.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For instance mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks as small as one quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors that are outside can help to reduce gaps.
It is also important to remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your building, trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds that are growing near your building's base. This will stop pests from entering your property and cause damage.
Another thing that can be done to prevent pests from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air across windows or doors and entryways. It can be used to keep insects from entering the home. It is also useful 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 level unless the openings are accessible and can be used for a fire escape, stairwell, or both. Also, you should avoid boarding windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters because this could create a perception of dereliction and encourage criminal activities. If you're unsure of what to do with an empty property seek out a professional boarding company to board up any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.