Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step to secure the structure before a storm hits. This can help protect the property from vandalism, theft and destruction.

A vacant property is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts that are only removed from the inside and will be measured for the door frames.

Protection against vandals

vacant properties are an ideal target for thieves, vandals and squatters. commercial boarding up service up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is particularly important for businesses and homes that are undergoing construction or renovations. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time, and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access for criminals until work is finished.

In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding up windows up service can also protect your property from damage caused by weather. A damaged or damaged door or window can be a target for burglars since they can see inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are closed and that any entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from getting into the structure.

Plywood is often employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to secure the steel screens in place are extremely hard to remove without the right tool.

Additionally, securing the entry points to your investment property that is vacant with steel screens is less expensive than boarding up windows with plywood. The cost upfront is not worth the potential loss or damage that could be caused by a break in or vandalism on the property that is vacant.

A professional boarding-up service can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they go away on vacation. It's also a good idea to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it is still being looked after. These simple measures can keep burglars away from attacking your business or home. The key is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property before issues begin.

Protection from animals

The boards offer protection against animals that try to gain access to the property for any variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals that get into the house can cause a variety of problems, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up the doors and windows can help keep animals out which could be a danger, keeping pets and children safe as well. It is important to remember however that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.

Protection against the elements

Boarding up doors and windows helps to protect them from debris and wind damage during the storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Business or home owners will determine the ideal time to board up their windows and doors depending on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed and secured, the more protection your property will receive.

The 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. You can also choose to use steel security doors that are fixed by friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels 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 to choose the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the best level of protection. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining if reinforcement is necessary. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and take away any furniture from the area to make it safe and easy for the process of boarding to take place.

The team will then prepare the frame and door 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 then be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and ensure they can withstand winds and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are designed to fit.

Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to hold the boards securely in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards are able to be caulked to stop leaks and to improve the weather resistance.

Pest protection

A building that is vacant is an open door for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats seeking shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to buildings and pose health hazards which include the spread of disease. By boarding up doors and windows, you can prevent pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.

It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You also need to fill in any gaps within your structure. For instance, rodents can squeeze through holes that are about 1/16 of an inch in width and spiders can squeeze through cracks that are the size of one quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all exterior doors can help to reduce gaps.

It is also important to remove organic debris around your home or business. Keep mulch and pine straw at minimum 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by approximately 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your building. This will keep pests out of entering your property and cause damage.

Another thing that can be done to prevent insects from entering a structure is to install an air curtain. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it creates a stream of air over the windows, doors and entranceways. This device can be used to keep flying insects out of the house. It is also helpful for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.

Remember that it is not necessary to board-up openings above the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and could be used as an escape route or stairwell, or both. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters, as this can create a perception of dereliction and encourage criminal activities. If you're unsure of what to do about a vacant building you should consult a professional boarding company to secure any openings and give the impression that the property is still being used.