Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all windows and doors. This can help protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A vacant building invites vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will have carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be sized to fit door frames.
Protection against vandals
Properties that are vacant can be an attractive target for thieves, vandals and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that has been damaged, smashed 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 could be empty for a period of time, and boarding up windows and doors will stop criminals from entering until the work is completed.
24 hour boarding up service -up service will not only guard your property from vandals but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and that entry points are screened to prevent water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to cover windows, but it does not offer the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is often attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals using the proper tools. In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to secure screens made of steel are extremely difficult to get rid of without the appropriate tool.
In addition, securing entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screens is more affordable than plywood boarding. The initial cost is insignificant compared to the potential damage or loss that might be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property.
A professional boarding-up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep criminals and squatters out and provide homeowners with peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is recommended to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it is still being cared for. These simple steps will deter burglars from attacking your home or business. It is essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it could cause a wide variety of issues, from damage to the structure to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out and keep pets and children safe. It is important to remember, however, that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties or stairwells.
Protection from the elements
Boarding up windows and doors shields them from debris and wind damage during an incoming storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and break-ins. Based on the nature of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to board the doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property.
Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security doors that are wedged into place using friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to take off using a crowbar, and provides the same security as traditional wooden boards.
It is important to assess the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are used and the most effective method of operation. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining whether reinforcements are needed. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will then prepare the door and frame for board installation by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area will be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards and make them more resistant to the wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are designed to fit.
After marking the boards, they are cut to size. They are then 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 a good idea to drill pilot holes prior inserting screws to prevent splitting and to make it easier to insert. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and to improve weather resistance.
Pest protection
A vacant building is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a property and create health hazards and spread disease. By boarding doors and windows to keep pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
While it's important to board up entry points, you should ensure that any gaps around the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance, mice can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 inch wide and spiders can squeeze through cracks that are the size of a quarter. For this reason, it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps between these areas.
It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the areas around your commercial property or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your house cut branches of trees between 12 and 14 inches from the siding and roof and eliminate any weeds that are growing near your building's base. This will keep pests out of getting into your property and cause damage.
Air curtains are another way to keep pests out of an empty structure. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows, doors, and entryways. This device can be used to keep insects from entering the home. It can also be used for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Remember, though, that it isn't necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they're accessible by means of a ladder. They can be used as an escape route or a staircase. Avoid boarding doors and windows in a property that is occupied by people who are squatters, as this can give the impression of abandonment, which can encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with a property that is vacant get a professional boarding service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is still being used.
