Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a crucial step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can help safeguard the property from vandalism, theft and damages.
A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. The security offered by boarding up a house that is damaged, destroyed or smashed down can be extremely valuable. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building could be empty for a time, so blocking doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can also help secure your home from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and that any entry points are screened to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the wall using screws that can be easily removed by offenders with the right tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure screens made of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the proper tools.
Additionally, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property using steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The small upfront cost is not worth the potential loss or damage that might be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property.
Additionally, a professional boarding up service will install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks keep squatters and criminals away and give homeowners peace of mind when they go on vacation. You could also ask a friend or neighbor to check on your property on a regular basis to ensure that it is maintained. These simple measures will deter burglars from targeting your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your investment property.
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 curiosity. If an animal enters the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from damage to the structure to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping children and pets secure. It is important to remember, however, that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarded if they can only be accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows protects them from debris and wind damage during a storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and break-ins. A home or business owner will decide the appropriate time to encase their doors and windows based on the severity of the weather. The earlier the boarding is done, the more protection the property will get.
Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are firmly fixed using friction and anti-tamper 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 essential to analyze the situation prior to boarding up to ensure that the right materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money, while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining if reinforcement is necessary. Repair My Windows And Doors is also important to remove obstacles and clear away any furniture from the area to make it safe and simple for the process of boarding to take place.
The team will then prepare the door and frame for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit for the boards as well as to make them more resistant to the wind and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are intended for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.
After marking the boards, they are cut to size. They will then be fitted over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are set every few inches to ensure the boards' security. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to ease insertion. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is vacant is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels and rats that are looking for shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a structure and pose health risks which include the spread of disease. By boarding up windows and doors, you can stop creatures from entering your home and causing damage.
While it is important to board up entry points, you also should make sure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For example, mouse pests can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 inch wide, and spiders can crawl into cracks that are the size of quarters. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors that are outside will help reduce gaps.
You should also remove organic debris around your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut tree branches between 12 and 14 inches from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds growing in or near your building's base. This will prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing further damage.
Air curtains are another method to stop pests from entering an empty space. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan that is attached to the ceiling, and it blows a stream of air over doors, windows and entryways. This device can be used to keep flying insects out of the house. It is also useful for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.
Remember that it is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor, unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell. Also, you should avoid boarding up windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters, since this can give the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with an empty building, consult with a professional boarding service to board up any openings and give the impression the property is still being used.