Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all doors and windows. This can help safeguard the property from theft, vandalism and destruction.
A vacant property is a prime target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is particularly important for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building might be empty for a while, so boarding up windows and doors will prevent criminals from entering until the work is complete.
In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding up service can also help secure your home from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted to 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 locked and that any entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used to cover windows, however it doesn't provide the same level security as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to hold the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove if you don't have the proper tool.
Steel screen is a cost-effective option to secure the entry points to your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is minimal compared to the potential loss or damage caused by a break-in or vandalism attack on the building that is vacant.
A professional boarding-up service will also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind while they are away on vacation. window boarding up near me can also ask a friend or neighbor to look over your property on a regular basis to ensure that it is maintained. These simple steps will deter burglars from attacking your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property for different reasons, including shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it could cause a myriad of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. By boarding up windows and doors, you can assist in keeping out dangerous animals while keeping children and pets secure. It is important to remember, however, that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarded in the event that they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up windows and doors protects them from debris and wind damage during an incoming storm. Additionally it can help stop vandalism and break-ins. The owner of a business or home will determine the best time to board up their windows and doors depending on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed, the better the security for the property.
Boards can be secured by screws or nails. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are wedged into place using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it difficult to take the panels off with crowbars and gives the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.
It is important to assess the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money while ensuring the highest level of protection that is possible. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining whether or not reinforcement is needed. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to ensure it is safe and simple for the process of boarding to take place.
The team will prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a seamless fit and allow the boards to stand up to wind and other forces. It is also an excellent 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 allow easy identification.
After the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and fitted over the openings and weak spots of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to secure 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 can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an invitation for squirrels, raccoons and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a building and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding doors and windows, you can stop insects from entering the structure and causing damage.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also fill in any gaps within your structure. For instance, rodents can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of a quarter. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps between these areas.
You should also remove organic debris around your business or home. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds growing in or close to your building's foundation. This will keep pests out of entering your property and causing damage.
Another method to block insects from entering a structure is to install an air curtain. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows, doors, and entryways. This stops flying insects and other pests from getting in the area, and it can be used in places such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.
It is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor, unless the openings are accessible and can be used for a fire escape, stairwell, or both. Avoid boarding up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied tenants as it could give the impression of being abandoned, which can encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure what to do about an empty building seek out an expert boarding service to board up any openings and give the impression the property is still being used.