7 Useful Tips For Making The Greatest Use Of Your Boarding Up Doorway
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all windows and doors. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism, and damage.
A vacant property is an invitation to vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts which can only be removed from 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 security provided by boarding up a house which is damaged, destroyed or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is particularly important for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time and boarding up the windows and doors prevents access for criminals until work is completed.
A boarding-up service will not only shield your property from vandals but also 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 up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are locked and all entry points are secured to stop water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is often employed as a boarding-up solution, but it doesn't offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the ground using screws that can be easily removed by infractions using the proper tools. However, emergency boarding up bedford specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix screens made of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.
In addition, securing entry points to your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding made of plywood. The small upfront cost of the materials is a small amount when compared to the possibility of damage or loss that could be caused by a break-In or vandalism incident in the building that is vacant.
In addition professional boarding up service can install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners to vacation. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property regularly to ensure it's maintained. These simple measures can keep burglars away from attacking your business or home. The key is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property prior to problems start.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property due to different reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. Animals that enter the home could cause problems, from structural damage to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping pets and children safe. It should be noted however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards guard windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and break-ins. Based on the severity of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up the doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is done the better the protection for the property.
The boards can be secured using nails or screws. 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 makes it impossible to remove the panels with crowbars and gives the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
It is important to assess the situation before taking the time to make sure that the correct materials are used and to determine the best approach. This will help you save time and money, while ensuring the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining if reinforcement is needed. To make the boarding process easier and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready for boarding the team will then prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area should then be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and to help them stand up to winds and other forces. It is also a good 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 ensure easy identification.
After the boards have been identified, they are cut to size and then placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be inserted every few inches to hold the boards securely. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to prevent splitting and to ease insertion. The boards are able to be caulked to stop leaks and to improve weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is not in use is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to home and pose health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding up windows and doors you can prevent pests from entering the structure and cause damage.
While it is important to secure entry points, you must ensure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For instance mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks even as small as the size of a quarter. For this reason, it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to close the gaps in these areas.
It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the area surrounding your commercial or residential property. Keep pine straw and mulch at about 12-14 inches from the building's foundation. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your structure. This will help to prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing further damage.
Air curtains are another method to stop pests from entering an empty structure. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates an air stream over doors, windows and entranceways. This stops flying insects and other pests out the space, and can be used in places like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary to board up openings above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder. They could be used as an escape route for fire or an stairwell. Do not encase doors and windows 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 building you should consult a professional boarding company to board up any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.