In the event of a storm, cover up all windows and doors. This can protect your property from vandalism and theft.
A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts that can only be removed on the inside, and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
A vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed can provide an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building could be empty for a period of time, and blocking doors and windows will prevent criminals from entering until the work is finished.
In addition to offering protection from vandals, a emergency boarding up-up service can also safeguard your home from damage caused by weather. A damaged or broken window boarding up near me or door can be a target for criminals as it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding service will ensure that all windows and doors are sealed, and any entry point is covered to stop cold air, water and debris from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly employed as a Boarding Up Doorway-up solution, but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the wall using screws that can be removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. The special anti-tampering fixings that are used to hold the screens of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the right tools.
In addition, securing entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The initial cost of the materials is negligible when compared to the possibility of damage or loss that could be caused by a break-in or act of vandalism in the building that is vacant.
A boarding up service-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away and provide homeowners with peace of mind while they are away on vacation. It's important to have a neighbor or friend keep an eye on the property frequently to ensure that it is still being taken care of. These simple steps will stop thieves from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a reason, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. Animals that enter the home can cause many problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. By boarding up windows and doors, you can aid in keeping dangerous animals out, while also keeping pets and children secure. Openings on the second or higher floors should not be boarded up in the event that they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows helps to protect them from debris and wind damage during the storm. Additionally it can help prevent break-ins and vandalism. Depending on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to put up doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors which are firmly fixed using friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to take off using a crowbar, and provides the same security as traditional wooden boards.
Before taking the time to board up, it is important to analyze the situation to choose the right materials and 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 whether or not reinforcement is required. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
The team will then prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must then be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards and to make them more resistant to 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 meant to be used 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 should be placed every few inches to hold the boards in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards can be sealed to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A building that is not in use is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to home and pose health hazards which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doors and windows, you can prevent pests from entering and infesting the structure.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For example mice and spiders can get through cracks that are as small as a quarter. 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 a good idea to remove organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. Keep mulch and pine straw at minimum 12 to 14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by approximately 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that are growing near the base of your building. This will prevent pests from entering your property and cause damage.
Air curtains are another method to prevent pests from entering an empty space. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows, doors, and entryways. It can be used to keep insects from entering the home. It is also useful for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Be aware that it isn't required to board up openings above the 1st floor unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape, stairwell, or both. Do not encase doors and windows in a structure that is occupied squatters as this could create an impression of abandonment which could attract criminals. If you're unsure of what to do about a vacant building you should consult an expert boarding service to seal any gaps and create the impression that the property is still being used.