Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Before a storm, board up all windows and doors. This will help protect the property from vandalism, theft and destruction.

A vacant building invites vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board up will have carriage bolts that will only be removed from the inside and be sized to fit the door frames.

Protection against vandals

A vacant property is an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed offers valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. It is possible that the building will be vacant for a certain time and boarding up the doors and windows blocks access for criminals until work is completed.

A boarding up service will not only protect your home from vandals, but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window boarding up near me or door is a tempting target for criminals because it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding service can ensure all windows and doors are sealed, and every entry point is secured to block cold air, water and other debris from entering the structure.

Plywood is commonly employed as a boarding-up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is often attached with screws, which are easily removed by criminals using the right tools. The special anti-tampering fixings that are used to secure the steel screens in place are extremely hard to remove without the correct tools.

Steel screen is a more cost-effective way to secure the entry points of your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is minimal in comparison to the risk of damage or loss that could be caused by a burglary or vandalism incident in the building that is vacant.

A professional boarding up property-up service will also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and provide peace of mind to homeowners going on vacation. It is recommended to have a family member or a neighbor keep an eye on the property frequently to make sure that it's being cared for. These simple steps will stop burglars from targeting your business or home. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.

Protection from animals

The boards offer protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property for various reasons, including shelter for the night or curiosity. Animals that get into the home could cause problems, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping children and pets secure. The openings on the second and higher floor should not be fenced off in the event that they are only accessible via a ladder, or they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.

Protection against the elements

The boards shield doors and windows from damage caused by wind and debris during the storm. In addition it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. Based on the severity of the weather, a home or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to board up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding up houses is done, the more protection the property will receive.

Boards can be secured by screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the plywood and into the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels using a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.

Before boarding up, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining if reinforcements are needed. To make the process of boarding easier and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.

Once the area is ready to be boarded the team will then prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area should then be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards as well as to make them more resistant to the wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are meant to be fitted.

Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and then placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards securely. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior to inserting screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be solidly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and enhance weather resistance.

Pest protection

A building that is empty is an open invitation for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health risks which include the spread of disease. By boarding up windows and doors to stop insects from entering the structure and cause damage.

While it is important to board up entry points, you also need to ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For example, spiders and mouse pests can get through cracks as small as one quarter. For this reason, it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas.

It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your home cut branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof and get rid of any weeds that grow in or near your building's base. This will stop pests from gaining entry into your property and causing damage.

Air curtains are a different method to prevent pests from entering an unfinished structure. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This device can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It can also be used for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.

Remember, though, that it isn't necessary to board up openings above the first floor unless they're accessible by means of a ladder and can be used as an escape route for fire or an staircase. You should also avoid boarding Up doorway up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied by squatters, since this can create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you are unsure what to do with a vacant house you can hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it's still being used.