Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Before a storm, board up all windows and doors. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.

A vacant structure is a magnet for thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside and will be weighed for the door frames.

Protection against vandals

vacant properties are a big draw for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a property that is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be a huge benefit. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time, and closing the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is completed.

In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding up service can also safeguard your home from weather-related damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals because it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding service will make sure all windows and doors are closed, and that any entry point is protected to block cold air, water and debris from entering the structure.

Plywood is typically employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed into place with screws that can be easily removed by offenders with the proper tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens into place are extremely difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.

In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than emergency boarding up cost made of plywood. The small upfront cost of the materials is negligible in comparison to the risk of loss or damage caused by a break-In or act of vandalism in the building that is vacant.

A professional boarding up door-up service can also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and will also provide peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. It is recommended to have a neighbor or friend check on the property regularly to make sure that it is still being taken care of. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. The important thing is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property before the issues begin.

Animals are protected from

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 curiosity. Animals who enter the house can cause a variety of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doorway up doors and windows can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping pets and children safe. Openings on the second or higher floor are not recommended to be boarded if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are only accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells, or fire escapes.

Protection against the elements

Boarding up windows and doors helps to protect them from wind and debris damage during the storm. In addition it helps stop vandalism and break-ins. The owner of a business or home will determine the best time to board up their windows and doors based on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed and secured, the more protection your property will receive.

Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to pass through the plywood and into the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security doors that are firmly anchored by friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels using crowbars and gives the same security level as traditional timber boards.

Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation to choose the right materials and approach. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining if reinforcement is necessary. To make the boarding process simpler and safer, it is important 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 must be sanded in order to achieve a smooth fit and help the boards resist the forces of the force of wind and other forces. It is also recommended to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are intended for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.

Once the boards have been identified, they are cut to size and placed over the openings and weak spots of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to prevent splitting and to ease insertion. The boards can then be firmly secured with caulking to stop leaks and improve the weather resistance.

Protection from pests

A building that is vacant is an open door for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a building and pose health risks, including the spread of disease. By boarding up doors and windows to stop creatures from entering your home and cause damage.

While it's essential to fence off entry points, you should make sure that any gaps around the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For instance, mice can fit through openings about 1/16 inch wide and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are about the size of one quarter. For this reason, it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas.

It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the areas around your commercial property or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by about 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your building. This will stop pests from entering your property and causing damage.

Another thing that can be done to prevent pests from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows, doors, and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests out the space, and can be used in places like back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.

Be aware, however, that it isn't necessary to 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 an escape route or a stairwell. Avoid boarding up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied squatters as this could create the impression of being abandoned, which could attract criminals. If you're not sure how to do with an empty property you should consult a professional emergency boarding up service service to board up any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.