Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
It is important to board up windows and doors. is a crucial step to secure the structure before a storm hits. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism and damages.
A vacant property is a prime target for thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Properties that are vacant can be an ideal target for thieves, vandals and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a property that is damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be extremely valuable. This is particularly important for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. It is possible that the building will be empty for some time and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access for criminals until work is complete.
A boarding up service will not only shield your home from vandals, but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted to damaged or broken doors or window as they are able to see inside. A boarding service will ensure that all windows and doors are sealed, and every entry point is secured to stop cold air, water and other debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to board up windows, but it doesn't provide the same level protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which are easily removed by criminals who have the right tools. In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to hold steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.
In addition, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. emergency boarding up is not worth the possible damage or loss that might be caused by a break in or vandalism on a vacant property.
In addition, a professional boarding up service can install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks keep squatters and criminals away and give homeowners peace of mind while they are on vacation. You could also ask a friend or neighbor to check on your property on a regular basis to ensure it's maintained. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The important thing is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before the problems start.
Animals are protected from
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property due to different reasons, including shelter for the night or just curiosity. Animals that get into the home can cause many problems, from damage to the structure to health risks. The practice of boarding up windows and doors helps to keep out animals which could be a danger as well as keeping children and pets safe too. It should be noted, however, that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding in the event that they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining homes such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The boards shield doors and windows from wind and debris damage during a storm. Additionally, it helps to stop vandalism and break-ins. Business or home owners will determine the best time to encase their windows and doors in accordance with the severity of the weather. The earlier the boarding is done, the more protection the property will get.
Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with 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 right materials are utilized and the best method for handling the situation. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcements are required. To make the boarding process more efficient and safer, it is important to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a good fit for the boards as well as to make them more resistant to 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. The boards are then placed over the openings or weak areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards securely in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior inserting screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and increase the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an opportunity for squirrels, raccoons and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a building and pose health risks which include the spread of diseases. By boarding up doors and windows to keep pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. It is also necessary to fill in any gaps within your structure. For example the pests of mice and spiders can crawl through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. For this reason, it's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps in these areas.
It's also a good idea to remove organic debris from the area around your commercial property or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at minimum 12 to 14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Remove tree branches from the siding or roof by about 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the base of your building. This will help to prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing further damage.
Air curtains are a different method to stop pests from entering an empty structure. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows, doors, and entryways. It can be used to keep insects from entering the home. It is also helpful for drive-thru windows in restaurants and back shipping doors.
It is not required to board up openings above the 1st level unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell, or both. Avoid boarding up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which can encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with an empty building seek out a professional boarding service to seal any gaps and give the impression that the property is still being used.