Boarding Up Doorway 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
It is important to board up windows and doors. is an essential step to secure the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A building that is unoccupied is a perfect target for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that can only be removed on the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal target for vandals thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. It is possible that the building will be empty for a period of time and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access for criminals until the work is finished.
A boarding-up service will not only guard your property against vandals but also from weather-related damage. A damaged or damaged door or window is a prime target for criminals as it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are closed and all entry points are covered to block debris, water and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws that can be easily removed by criminals with the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to secure the steel screens are extremely hard to remove if you don't have the proper tools.
Steel screen is a more efficient method of securing the entry points to your investment property. The small upfront cost of the materials is a small amount compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by a break-In or act of vandalism in a vacant building.
A professional boarding-up service can also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. You can also ask a family member or a neighbor to inspect your property frequently to ensure it's maintained. These simple measures can stop burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Protection from animals
The boards provide protection from animals that may attempt to gain access to the property for any number of reasons, including shelter for the night or just curiosity. Animals that get into the home can cause many issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. The practice of boarding up windows and doors helps to keep animals out that could otherwise be dangerous while also keeping children and pets secure as well. Openings on the second and higher floor are not recommended to be boarded when they can only be accessed via ladders, or if they are accessible only from nearby 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. In addition it helps stop vandalism and break-ins. Business or home owners will decide the appropriate time to board up their doors and windows based on the severity of the weather. The earlier the boarding is done the better the 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. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that 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.
It is important to assess the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are used and to determine the most effective method of operation. This will save time and money, while also providing the highest degree of security. The assessment should include assessing your vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining whether reinforcements are needed. To make the boarding process easier and safer, it is important to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will prepare the door and frame for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area will be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and 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 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 are then fitted over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to hold the boards securely. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to ease insertion. The boards can then be firmly secured with caulking to stop leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is basically an open invitation to squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats that are seeking shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to a property and pose health risks, including spreading disease. By boarding doors and windows you can prevent creatures from entering your home and cause damage.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also seal any gaps around your structure. For example, mouse pests can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are about the size of quarters. It's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps between these areas.
house boarding up service Repair My Windows And Doors should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your structure. This will stop pests from getting into your property and creating damage.
Air curtains are a different method to keep pests out of an unfinished structure. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it blows an air stream over windows, doors and entranceways. This device can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It can also be used for drive-thru windows in restaurants and back shipping doors.
Remember that it is not necessary to board-up openings above the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and can be used for a fire escape or stairwell. It is also recommended to not board windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters since this can give the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activities. If you're not sure what to do about an empty property seek out a professional boarding service to board up any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.