Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Before a storm, board up all doors and windows. This will protect your home from theft and vandalism.

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

Protection against vandals

A vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes that are undergoing construction or renovations. The building might be empty for a time, so boarding up windows and doors will keep criminals out until the work is finished.

In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can also help secure your home from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted to damaged or broken doors or window since they can see inside. A boarding up windows service-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and all entry points are screened to block debris, water and cold air from getting into the structure.

Plywood is commonly used to block windows, however it doesn't provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually fixed into place with screws that are easily removed by offenders with the appropriate tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens into place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the appropriate tool.

In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is more affordable than boarding made of plywood. The small upfront cost of the materials is minimal in comparison to the risk of loss or damage caused by a burglary or act of vandalism in the building that is vacant.

In addition, a professional boarding up service will install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and will also offer peace of mind for homeowners who are going to vacation. You could also ask a friend or neighbor to check on your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple measures will deter thieves from targeting your home or business. It is essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property.

Animal protection

The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property for any reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals that get into the home can cause many issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows helps keep out animals which could be a danger, keeping pets and children safe as well. The openings on the second and higher floors are not recommended to be boarded if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, boarding up doorway stairwells or fire escapes.

Protection from the elements

Boarding up doors and windows shields them from wind and debris damage during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the nature of the weather, a home or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to put up the doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better protection for the property.

Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same level of security as traditional timber boards.

It is important to assess the situation before boarding up to ensure that the appropriate materials are used and the best method for handling the situation. This will save time and money, while also providing the highest degree of protection that is possible. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems and determining whether or not reinforcement is necessary. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is crucial to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.

Once the area is ready to be boarding, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware, and making any needed repairs. The area should then be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards and to ensure they can withstand winds and other forces. It is also recommended to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are designed for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.

After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. The boards are then fitted over the openings or vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and to improve the weather resistance.

Protection from insects

A vacant building is basically an open invitation for rodents, squirrels and rats that are seeking shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to property and create health hazards which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doorway, why not try these out, up doors and windows you can prevent pests from entering the structure and cause damage.

While it is important to board up entry points, you also should ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your building are sealed. For example mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks as small as one quarter. It's essential that you install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps in these areas.

It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the area surrounding your commercial or residential property. Keep pine straw and mulch at about 12-14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing close to the base of your structure. This will stop pests from entering your property and causing damage.

Air curtains are another method to prevent pests from entering an empty structure. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it blows a stream of air over the doors, windows and entranceways. This stops flying insects and other pests from getting in, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.

It is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor, unless the openings are easily accessible and could be used as an escape route or stairwell, or both. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters, because this could create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of what to do with an empty property seek out a professional boarding service to secure any openings and give the impression that the property is still being used.