Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
In the event of a storm, cover up all doors and windows. This will help protect the property from theft, vandalism and damages.
A building that is unoccupied invites 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 can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The security provided by boarding up a house that is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be invaluable. This is especially important for homes and businesses which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building may be vacant for a time, so the boarding of doors and windows will stop criminals from entering until the work is complete.
A boarding-up service will not only shield your home from vandals, but also from weather-related damage. A damaged or damaged door or window can be a target for criminals as it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding service can ensure that all doors and windows are closed, and that any entry point is protected 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 typically anchored into place with screws that can be easily removed by criminals with the proper tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to secure the steel screens are extremely difficult to remove without the right tools.
In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is less expensive than plywood boarding. The initial cost is negligible compared to any potential damage or loss that may result from vandalism or break-ins on the property that is vacant.
In addition professional board up service can also install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and offer peace of mind for homeowners going on vacation. It's important to have a friend or neighbor visit the property on a regular basis to ensure that it is still being cared for. These simple measures will deter thieves from targeting your business or home. The most important thing is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property before problems begin.
Protection from animals
The boards provide protection from animals that might try to gain access to the property due to a reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. If an animal gets inside the home, it could cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health hazards. Boarding up the doors and windows can help keep animals out which could be a danger while also keeping children and pets secure as well. Openings on the second or higher floors should not be boarded up if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are accessible only from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
Boarding up doors and windows helps to protect them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and burglaries. Based on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to board doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed and secured, the more protection your property will receive.
Boards can be secured by screws or nails. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
Before beginning the process of boarding up, it's important to analyze the situation to choose the right materials and approach. This will save you time and money, while also providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining whether reinforcements are needed. It is also crucial to eliminate obstacles and take all furniture from the area to ensure it is safe and easy for the process of boarding to take place.
The team will then prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area should be sanded to achieve a smooth fit and help the boards stand up to winds and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are designed for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.
After marking the boards, they are cut to size. The boards are then installed over the openings or weak areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to secure the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards are able to be caulked to stop leaks and to improve weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is unoccupied is an invitation for squirrels, raccoons and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to property and create health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding up doors and windows, you can stop insects from entering the structure and causing damage.
While it is important to fence off access points, you should ensure that any gaps along the exterior of your structure are sealed. For example, mouse pests can fit through openings about 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of quarters. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to close the gaps in these areas.
Also, you should take away organic debris from your business or home. Keep pine straw and mulch at least 12 to 14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by about 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds growing near the foundation of your structure. This will prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing more damage.
Another thing that can be done to prevent pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it blasts an air stream over windows, doors and entranceways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering, and it can be used in places such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Keep in emergency boarding up that it's not necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder and can be used as a fire escape or an staircase. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters since this can give the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a vacant house, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is still being used.