The Reasons Boarding Up Doorway Is More Tougher Than You Imagine
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can help protect the property from vandalism, theft and destruction.
A vacant building is a perfect target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed from the inside, and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection against vandals
A vacant property can be an ideal target for vandals thieves and squatters. The security provided by boarding up a property that is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is particularly important for homes and businesses which are in the process of construction or renovations. The building may be vacant for a time, so the boarding of doors and windows will keep criminals out until the work is complete.
A boarding up service will not only protect your property against vandals but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a tempting target for criminals because it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding service will make sure that all doors and windows are shut, and any entry point is covered to stop cold air, water and debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the right tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens into place are extremely difficult to remove without the proper tools.
Additionally, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding made of plywood. The cost upfront is negligible compared to any possible damage or loss that may result from vandalism or break-ins on an empty property.
In addition professional board up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. boarding up windows and doors repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners going to vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to check on your property regularly to ensure that it is maintained. These simple measures can deter burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. The important thing is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property prior to issues begin.
Protection from animals
The boards provide protection from animals that try to gain access to the property for any reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals who enter the house can cause a variety of problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. The act of boarding up doors and windows can aid in keeping dangerous animals out and keep pets and children safe. Openings on the second and higher floor should not be boarded up when they can only be accessed by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells, or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards protect the windows and doors from damage caused by wind and debris during an event of storm. In addition it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. Depending on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to seal up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding is done and the better protection the property will get.
Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security doors that are firmly anchored using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove with a crowbar and gives the same level of security as traditional wooden boards.
It is important to assess the situation before boarding up to ensure that the correct materials are used and to determine the best method for handling the situation. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcement is needed. To make the process of boarding easier and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware, and making any needed repairs. The area should be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards as well as to ensure they can withstand 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 permit easy identification.
After the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards securely in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent splitting and to make it easier to insert. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is empty is an open door for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats looking for shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to a property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doors and windows you can prevent creatures from entering your home and creating damage.
While it's essential to board up entry points, you must make sure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For instance, mice can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are the size of quarters. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors to the outside will help reduce gaps.
You should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house and trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof and get rid of any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building. This will stop pests from entering your property and creating damage.
Air curtains are another way to stop pests from entering an empty structure. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This prevents flying insects and other pests out, and it is a good idea to use it in areas 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 easy to access and could be used as an escape route or stairwell, or both. Also, you should avoid boarding up doors and windows in a structure that is occupied by squatters as this can create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you are unsure what to do with a vacant property you can hire a professional board service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is still being used.