Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all windows and doors. This will protect your home from vandalism and theft.
A building that is unoccupied invites thieves, vandals, and squatters. A professional board up will have carriage bolts that will only be removed from the inside and will be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
vacant properties are an attractive target for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide the best protection against thieves. This is particularly important for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. The building could be empty for a time, so boarding up windows and doors will stop criminals from entering until the work is finished.
A boarding up service will not only protect your property from vandals but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a tempting target for burglars since they can see inside your home. A boarding up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and that any entry points are secured to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to board up windows, but it does not provide the same level protection as steel security screens. Plywood is often attached with screws, which are easily removed by criminals using the proper tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix screens made of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.
Steel screen is a economical way to secure the entry points to your investment property. The small upfront cost is not worth the possible damage or loss that might be caused by vandalism or break-ins on an empty property.
Additionally an expert boarding up service can install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they go going on vacation. You can also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property regularly to ensure that it is maintained. These simple steps will stop burglars from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to protect your investment property.
Animals are protected from
The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property for various reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. If an animal gets inside the home, it could cause a variety of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. By boarding up windows and doors, you can assist in keeping out dangerous animals while keeping children and pets safe. It should be noted that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarded in the event that they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection from the elements
The boards guard doors and windows from wind and debris damage during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the nature of the weather, a home or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up the doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is done and secured, the more protection your property will be given.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security door that are firmly anchored with friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same security level 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 most effective method of operation. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of protection possible. The assessment must 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 safer, it is important to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will then prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and help the boards 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 intended for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.
After the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and fitted over the openings and weak spots of the structure. Screws are placed every few inches in order to ensure the boards are secured. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and increase the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is basically an open invitation to rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats who are seeking shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to buildings and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding up doors and windows to keep pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
While it is important to secure access points, you must ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your building are sealed. For example the pests of mice and spiders can get through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. It's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps between these areas.
It is also important to remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your home or business. Keep mulch and pine straw at least 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by about 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your building. This will stop pests from entering your property and creating damage.
Another thing that can be done to prevent insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows, doors, and entryways. boarding up a door www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It is also useful for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors.
Remember, though, that it isn't necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are easily accessible without the use of a ladder and can be used as a fire escape or a staircase. It is also recommended to not board windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters because this could create a perception of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant property you can hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is being used.