Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
The boarding up of windows and doors is an essential step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A building that is unoccupied invites thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides the best protection against thieves. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes that are under renovation or construction. It’s possible that the structure will be vacant for a certain time, and boarding up the doors and windows blocks access for criminals until the work is completed.
In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding up service (one-time offer) can also help protect your property from damage caused by weather. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals as it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding service will ensure that all windows and doors are closed, and that every entry point is secured to block cold air, water and 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 usually affixed into place with screws that are easily removed by infractions using the proper tools. The special anti-tampering fixings that are used to secure the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove if you don’t have the proper tool.
Steel screen is a cost-effective 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 vandalism or a break-in on an empty property.
Additionally, a professional boarding up service can install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and provide peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. It’s important to have a neighbor or friend check on the property regularly to make sure that it’s being taken care of. These simple measures will deter burglars from targeting your business or home. It is essential to take proactive steps to protect your investment property.
Protection from animals
The boards provide protection from animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a variety of reasons, such as shelter for boarding up service the night or out of curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it can cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can assist in keeping out dangerous animals and keep pets and children safe. It is important to remember, however, that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding in the event that they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The boards shield windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during a storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and break-ins. The owner of a business or home will decide the appropriate time to encase their doors and windows depending on the severity of weather. The earlier the boarding up commercial property is completed, the better the security for the property.
Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are firmly anchored using friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to take the panels off with crowbars and gives the same security level as traditional timber boards.
Before taking the time to board up, it is important to analyze the situation in order to select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location’s vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining whether or not reinforcement is needed. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and clear all furniture from the area to make it safe and simple for the process of boarding to take place.
Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will then prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making any needed repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards and ensure they can withstand the 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 after marking them, they are cut to size. They will then be placed over the openings or other vulnerable areas of the building. Screws are set every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to avoid splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a structure and pose health risks as well as the spread of diseases. By boarding up a doorway windows and doors, you can prevent insects from entering and infesting the structure.
While it’s important to fence off entry points, you must ensure that any gaps around the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For example, mouse pests can fit through openings about 1/16 inch wide, and spiders can crawl through cracks that are the size of a quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors to the outside can help to reduce gaps.
Also, you should remove organic debris around your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your home and trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof, and remove any weeds that are growing near your building’s base. This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing further damage.
Another thing that can be done to prevent insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows or doors and entryways. This device can be used to keep insects from entering the home. It is also helpful for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Be aware, however, that it’s not necessary cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder. They could be used as a fire escape or a staircase. Avoid emergency boarding up 24/7 up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you’re unsure of what to do about a vacant building seek out a professional boarding service to secure any openings and create the impression that the property is still in use.