Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all windows and doors. This can help safeguard 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 will be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection from vandals
vacant properties are an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes that are undergoing construction or renovations. The building could be empty for a time, so blocking doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is completed.
A boarding up service will not only shield your property against vandals but also from weather-related damage. emergency boarding up service damaged or broken window or door can be a target for criminals as it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding service will ensure that all windows and doors are shut, and every entry point is secured to prevent cold air, water and other debris 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 fixed to the ground using screws that are easily removed by criminals with the right tools. The special anti-tampering fixings that are used to secure the steel screens in place are extremely hard to remove without the right tool.
Steel screen is a cost-effective option to secure the entry points of your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is minimal compared to the potential damage or loss caused by a burglary or act of vandalism in the building that is vacant.
A boarding-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals out and provide homeowners with peace of mind while they are on vacation. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property on a regular basis to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps can keep burglars away from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animals are protected from
The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a number of reasons, including shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals that enter the house can cause a variety of issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can help keep out dangerous animals, while also keeping children and pets safe. Openings on the second and higher floor should not be boarded up in the event that they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The act of boarding up windows and doors protects them from debris and wind damage during the storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and burglaries. A home or business owner will determine the best time to board up their windows and doors depending on the severity of weather. The earlier the boarding is done and secured, the more protection your property will get.
Boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are firmly fixed using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes the doors impossible to take off using a crowbar, and provides the same level of security as traditional wooden boards.
It is important to assess the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the appropriate materials are used and to determine the most effective method of operation. This will help you save time and money, while providing the highest level of protection possible. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining whether reinforcement is needed. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
The team will prepare the door and frame for board installation by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area will be sanded in order to ensure a good fit for the boards as well as to help them stand up to winds and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are meant to be used for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.
Once the boards are marked, they will be cut to size and then placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards securely 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 then be firmly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is an opportunity for squirrels, raccoons and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to buildings and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding doors and windows, you can stop pests from entering the structure and causing damage.
While it's important to fence off entry points, you should make sure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For example mice and spiders can crawl through cracks as small as the size of a quarter. It's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps between these areas.
You should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your home or business. Keep mulch and pine straw at minimum 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by about 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that are growing close to the base of your structure. This will help to prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing further damage.
Another method to block insects from entering a vacant structure is to use an air curtain. This is basically an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it blows a stream of air over the doors, windows and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests out, and it 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 to board up openings above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder. They could be used as an escape route or a staircase. Avoid boarding up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with a property that is vacant you can hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it is still being used.