Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
The boarding up of windows and doors is a crucial step to secure the structure before a storm hits. This can help safeguard the property from vandalism, theft and damages.
A building that is unoccupied invites vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be 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. The security offered by boarding up a property which is damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be extremely valuable. slough boarding up windows is especially important for homes and businesses which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building might be empty for a time, so blocking doors and windows will prevent criminals from entering until the work is complete.
In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding up service can help to secure your home from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window as they are able to see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are closed and that entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used to board up windows, however it doesn't provide the same level protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the wall using screws that can be easily removed by infractions using the appropriate tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to hold the steel screens in place are extremely hard to remove without the correct tool.
Steel screen is a efficient method of securing the entry points of your investment property. The slight upfront cost of the materials is minimal compared to the potential damage or loss caused by a break-in or act of vandalism in an empty building.
In addition, a professional boarding up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and will also give peace of mind to homeowners on vacation. It's recommended to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to ensure that it's being taken care of. These simple steps will stop thieves from targeting your business or home. It is important to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Protection from animals
The boards provide protection against animals that try to gain access to the property due to a number of reasons, including shelter for the night or just curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it can cause a wide variety of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows can assist in keeping out dangerous animals and keep children and pets secure. Openings on the second and higher floors are not recommended to be boarded when they can only be accessed via ladders, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
The boards protect the windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during the storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and burglaries. Based on the severity of the weather, a home or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to seal the doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed and the better protection the property will be given.
Boards can be secured with 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 with friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to take off using the crowbar, and also provides the same security as traditional wooden boards.
Before boarding up, it is crucial to evaluate the situation in order to select the right materials and approach. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems, and determining whether or not reinforcement is necessary. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and clear away any furniture from the area to ensure it is safe and easy for the process of boarding to take place.
The team will then prepare the door and frame for board installation by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and to help them stand up to winds and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea for the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the window or door they are intended to fit.
After marking the boards then they are cut to size. They will then be placed over the openings or other vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to secure the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to prevent splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and increase weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a structure and pose health hazards which include the spread of diseases. By boarding up doors and windows to stop pests from entering the structure and causing damage.
While it's essential to fence off entry points, you should ensure 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 the size of one quarter. This is why it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to minimize the gaps in these areas.
It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. Keep pine straw and mulch at least 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your structure. This will keep pests out of getting into your property and causing damage.
Air curtains are a different method to keep pests out of an empty structure. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it blows the air over windows, doors and entranceways. It can be used to keep flying insects out of the home. It can also be used for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.
Keep in mind that it's not necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder and can be used as an escape route for fire or a stairwell. Do not encase windows and doors in a property that is occupied by tenants as it could give an impression of abandonment which could attract criminals. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant house, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is being used.
