Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

In the event of a storm, cover up all windows and doors. This can help protect your property from vandalism and theft.

A building that is unoccupied is an invitation to vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will have carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and will be measured to fit the door frames.

Protection against vandals

A vacant property is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The protection provided by 24 hour boarding up service near me up a property which is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be invaluable. This is particularly important for businesses and homes that are undergoing construction or renovations. The building could be empty for a while, so boarding up windows and doors will keep criminals out until the work is complete.

A boarding-up service will not only shield your property against vandals but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals because it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding up company service will make sure that all windows and doors are closed, and that every entry point is secured to prevent cold air, water and other debris from entering the structure.

Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it doesn't provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which are easily removed by criminals using the proper tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to hold the screens of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the correct tools.

In addition, securing entry points to your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the possible damage or loss that may result from a break in or vandalism on the property that is vacant.

Additionally, a professional boarding up service will install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away and give homeowners peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is important to have a family member or a neighbor keep an eye on the property frequently to make sure that it's being taken care of. These simple measures can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The important thing is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property prior to problems begin.

Animal protection

The boards offer protection against animals who may try to gain access to your property for a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it can cause a variety of issues, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out, while also keeping children and pets safe. Openings on the second or higher floors should not be boarded up in the event that they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.

Protection against the elements

The boards guard windows and doors from damage caused by wind and debris during the storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to board doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property.

Boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes the doors impossible to take off using a crowbar and gives the same security as traditional wooden boards.

It is essential to analyze the situation before taking the time to make sure that the correct materials are used and the best approach. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining if reinforcements are needed. To make the boarding process simpler and safer, it is important to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.

Once the area is ready for boarding up doorway the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a good fit for the boards and to help them stand up to wind and other forces. It is also an excellent idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are meant to be used for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.

Once the boards are identified, they are cut to size and then placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to hold the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and to improve weather resistance.

Pest protection

A vacant building is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a structure and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding up doors and windows, you can stop pests from entering the structure and causing damage.

While it's essential to secure entry points, you must ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance, rodents can squeeze through holes that are about 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are the size of quarters. For this reason, it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to close the gaps between these areas.

You should also take away organic debris from your home or business. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your building cut tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof and get rid of any weeds that grow in or close to your building's foundation. This will keep pests out of entering your property and cause damage.

Another thing that can be done to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This is basically an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates an air stream over windows, doors and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering the area, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants.

Be aware, Boarding Up doorway however, that it's not necessary cover up any openings above the first floor unless they're accessible by means of a ladder and can be used as an escape route or an staircase. You should also avoid boarding up doors and windows in a building that is occupied by squatters, as this can create the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you are unsure what to do with a vacant house get a professional boarding up doorway service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is being used.