Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step in securing the structure before a storm hits. This will protect your home from theft and vandalism.
A building that is unoccupied is a prime target for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be weighed for the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal target for vandals thieves and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes that are under renovation or construction. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time, and closing the doors and windows blocks access by criminals until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can help to safeguard your home from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a tempting target for burglars since it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding service will make sure that all windows and doors are shut, and every entry point is secured to block cold air, water, and debris from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly employed as a boarding-up solution, but it doesn't provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws that can be easily removed by criminals who have the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to secure the steel screens are extremely hard to remove without the right tool.
Additionally, securing the entry points to your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than plywood boarding. The small upfront cost of the materials is minimal compared to the potential damage or loss caused by a break-In or vandalism incident in the building that is vacant.
A professional boarding-up service will also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and offer peace of mind for homeowners going to vacation. It is also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend keep an eye on the property frequently to ensure that it is still being cared for. These simple steps will stop burglars from targeting your home or business. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that try to gain access to the property for any reason, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. If an animal gets inside the house, it could cause a wide variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can assist in keeping out dangerous animals, while also keeping pets and children safe. It should be noted however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding in the event that they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
The boards shield windows and doors from damage caused by wind and debris during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. Business or home owners will determine the ideal time to encase their windows and doors depending on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding is completed, the more protection the property will receive.
Boards can be secured by nails or screws. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes it impossible to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation in order to select the right materials and approach. This will save you time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. boarding up windows service should include assessing the vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining if reinforcement is required. To make the boarding process easier and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making necessary repairs. The area will be sanded in order to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and to make them more resistant 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 designed for to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.
Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and then placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to secure the boards in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to ease insertion. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is not in use is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a building and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding windows and doors to stop creatures from entering your home and creating damage.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For instance mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks even as small as the size of a quarter. For this reason, it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to minimize the gaps between these areas.
Also, you should take away organic debris from your home or business. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your structure. This will stop pests from entering your property and creating damage.
Air curtains are another way to prevent pests from entering an unfinished structure. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This stops flying insects and other pests out the space, and can be used in places like back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they are easily accessible without the use of a ladder and can be used as a fire escape or an staircase. Avoid boarding doors and windows in a structure that is occupied people who are squatters, as this can give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of what to do with an empty property, consult with a professional boarding company to seal any gaps and give the impression that the property is still being used.