Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
The boarding up of windows and doors is an essential step in securing the structure before a storm hits. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A building that is unoccupied invites vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that will only be removed from the inside and will be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides the best protection against thieves. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. The building might be empty for a while, so the boarding of doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is complete.
A boarding up service will not only shield your home from vandals, but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted by damaged or broken doors or window because they can see inside. A boarding service will make sure that all windows and doors are closed, and that every entry point is secured to block cold air, water, and debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to cover windows, but it doesn't provide the same level protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which are easily removed by criminals who have the proper tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to hold the steel screens are extremely difficult to remove if you don't have the proper tools.
Steel screen is a cost-effective method of securing the entry points to your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is negligible compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by a break-in or act of vandalism in an empty building.
Additionally professional board up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners on vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to look over your property regularly to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps will stop burglars from attacking your home or business. The important thing is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before the problems start.
Protection from animals
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property for different reasons, including shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. If an animal enters the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, from damage to the structure to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out, while also keeping pets and children safe. It should be noted that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarded in the event that they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining properties or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The boards protect the windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during an event of storm. boarding up services helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. Business or home owners will determine the best time to board up their doors and windows in accordance with the severity of weather. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better protection for the property.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are firmly anchored using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it impossible to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are used and to determine the most effective method of operation. This will save time and money, while providing the highest level of security. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining if reinforcement is needed. To make the boarding process easier and more secure, it is essential to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.
When the area is ready to be boarded, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making needed repairs. The area will be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and to make them more resistant to winds and other forces. It is also an excellent idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are intended for, to avoid confusion and permit easy identification.
Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and then placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are set every few inches to ensure the boards' security. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to avoid splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and to improve the weather resistance.
Pest protection
A vacant building is basically an open invitation for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats that are looking for shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a building and pose health risks as well as the spread of disease. By boarding up doors and windows you can prevent insects from entering the structure and creating damage.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also seal any gaps around your structure. For example mice and spiders can crawl through cracks as small as the size of a quarter. It's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to reduce the gaps between these areas.
It's also a good idea to remove organic debris from the area surrounding your home or commercial property. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your house and trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof, and remove any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building. This will keep pests out of getting into your property and causing damage.
Another option to prevent insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This stops flying insects and other pests from getting in the area, and it is a good idea to use it in areas such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are easily accessible without the use of a ladder. They can be used as a fire escape or an staircase. Do not encase windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters as this could create an impression of abandonment which can attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of what to do with a vacant building, consult with an expert boarding service to board up any openings and give the impression the property is still in use.