Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
In the event of a storm, cover up all windows and doors. This can help safeguard the property from vandalism, theft and damages.
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
A vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building may be vacant for a time, so blocking doors and windows will stop criminals from entering until the work is complete.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can also secure your home from weather damage. Criminals are attracted by damaged or broken doors or window since they can see inside. A boarding up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and all entry points are secured to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used as a boarding up solution, but it doesn't offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals using the appropriate tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure 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. The small upfront cost of the materials is minimal in comparison to the risk of damage or loss that could be caused by a break-In or vandalism attack on a vacant building.
A professional boarding-up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and will also give peace of mind to homeowners going to vacation. You can also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property frequently to ensure it's maintained. These simple steps will stop burglars from targeting your business or home. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property due to a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. If an animal enters the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows helps keep animals out that could be dangerous while also keeping children and pets safe as well. Openings on the second and higher floor should not be fenced off in the event that they are only accessible via a ladder, or they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards shield doors and windows from wind and debris damage during an event of storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up up windows and doors. The sooner the boarding process is completed, the more protection the property will be given.
Boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
It is important to assess the situation before embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are utilized and the most effective method of operation. This will save you time and money while ensuring the most effective level of protection. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems and determining if reinforcement is necessary. It is also essential to eliminate obstacles and take away any furniture from the area to make it safe and simple for the boarder to get in.
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 necessary repairs. The area should be sanded to ensure a seamless fit and help the boards resist the forces of 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 permit easy identification.
After marking the boards then they are cut to size. They will then be fitted over the openings or vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to secure the boards in place. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior inserting screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards are then firmly secured with caulking to reduce leaks and increase the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is unoccupied is an invitation for squirrels, raccoons and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health hazards as well as the spread of diseases. By boarding windows and doors you can prevent creatures from entering your home and creating damage.
While it's important to board up entry points, you also must ensure that any gaps along the exterior of your structure are sealed. For instance, rodents can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of a quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors to the outside will reduce gaps.
You should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house and trim branches of trees between 12 and 14 inches from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds that grow in or close to your building's foundation. This will stop pests from finding their way into your property and causing further damage.
Air curtains are a different method to stop pests from entering an empty space. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan that is attached to the ceiling, and it blasts an air stream over the windows, doors and entranceways. This keeps flying insects and other pests from entering the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Be aware, however, that it's not necessary put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder and can be used as an escape route for fire or a stairwell. You should also avoid boarding windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters since this can create a perception of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a vacant property get a professional boarding service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is still being used.