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 building that is unoccupied invites thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that will only be removed from the inside and be measured to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides the best protection against thieves. This is particularly important for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building could be empty for a while, so boarding up windows and doors will prevent criminals from entering until the work is completed.
In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to protect your property from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A 24 hour emergency boarding up up service will ensure that all windows and doors are closed and that any entry points are screened to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is often used to board up windows, but it does not provide the same level security as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored into place with screws that are easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to secure steel screens into place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.
Steel screen is a more efficient option to secure the entry points of your investment property. The initial cost is insignificant compared to the potential damage or loss that might be caused by vandalism or a break-in on a vacant property.
Additionally professional boarding up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and offer peace of mind for homeowners who are going to vacation. It is also a good idea to have a family member or a neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to ensure that it is still being looked after. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Animals are protected from
The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property for a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it could cause a myriad of issues, ranging from structural damage to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping pets and children secure. Openings on the second and higher floor should not be fenced off when they can only be accessed by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The act of boarding up windows near me up windows and doors helps to protect them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. In addition it can help stop vandalism and break-ins. Depending on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to board up windows and doors. The sooner the boarding process is completed and secured, the more protection your property will be given.
The boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are firmly anchored with friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove with a crowbar and gives the same security as traditional wooden boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation prior to 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 providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems, and determining whether or not reinforcement is necessary. It is also essential to eliminate obstacles and clear all furniture from the area to make it safe and easy for the boarder to get in.
When the area is ready for boarding, the team will prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any needed repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a perfect fit and help the boards withstand the force of 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 intended to fit.
Once the boards are marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the openings and weak spots of the building. Screws are placed every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can then be solidly secured with caulking to stop leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is vacant is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels and rats that are looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to buildings and pose health hazards as well as the spread of diseases. By boarding up services doors and windows to keep insects from entering and infesting the structure.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You also need to fill in any gaps within your structure. For example mice and spiders can get through cracks even as small as one quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all exterior doors can help to reduce gaps.
You should also remove organic debris around your home or business. Keep mulch and pine straw at least 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds growing near the foundation of your structure. This will prevent pests from entering your property and causing damage.
Air curtains are another method to keep pests out of an empty space. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows or doors and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from getting in the area, and it can be used in places such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Be aware, however, that it's not necessary to put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they're easily accessible without the use of a ladder and can be used as an escape route for fire or an staircase. It is also recommended to not board up doors and windows in a property that is occupied by squatters, since this can create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're unsure of how to do with a vacant property, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it's still being used.