Notes

"A Guide To Boarding Up Doorway In 2024
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Boarding up doors and windows is a crucial step to secure the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism, and damage.

A vacant building is a prime target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board up will have carriage bolts that are able to be removed from the inside and be measured to fit the door frames.

Protection from vandals

Properties that are vacant can be an attractive target for thieves, vandals and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed 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. It is possible that the building will be empty for a period of time, and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is complete.

A boarding up service will not only guard your property against vandals but also from weather damage. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding service will ensure that all doors and windows are sealed, and any entry point is protected to stop cold air, water and other debris from entering the structure.

Plywood is commonly employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to hold steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.

Steel screen is a more economical method of securing the entry points of your investment property. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the potential loss or damage that could be caused by vandalism or a break-in on an empty property.

In addition, a professional board up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and will also provide peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to look over your property regularly to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps will stop burglars from targeting your home or business. The key is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property before problems begin.

Animal protection

The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a number of reasons, including shelter for the night or curiosity. If property boarding up is allowed inside the home, it could cause a variety of issues, ranging from structural damage to health risks. The practice of boarding up doors and windows helps keep animals out that could otherwise be dangerous as well as keeping children and pets secure as well. Openings on the second and higher floor are not recommended to be boarded in the event that they are only accessible by ladder, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.

Protection from the elements

The act of boarding up windows and doors helps to protect them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to seal doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is done the better the protection for the property.

Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.

Before taking the time to board up, it is important to analyze the situation to choose the appropriate materials and method. This will save you time and money, while also providing the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems and determining whether or not reinforcement is required. To make the process of boarding simpler and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.

Once the area is ready to be boarding the team will prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making any required repairs. The area must be sanded to achieve a smooth fit and allow the boards to resist the forces of wind and other forces. It is also recommended to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are meant to be used for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.

After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. They will then be placed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to secure the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be securely secured using caulking to prevent leaks and increase the weather resistance.


Pest protection

A building that is vacant is an open door for rodents, squirrels and rats seeking shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doors and windows, you can prevent insects from entering and infesting the structure.

It's not enough just to board up the entry points. You must also fill in any gaps within your structure. For instance, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks as small as one quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors to the outside will reduce gaps.

It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the area around your home or commercial property. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your building, trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and get rid of any weeds growing in or near your building's base. This will prevent pests from entering your property and causing damage.

Another option to prevent pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates a stream of air over the doors, windows and entranceways. This prevents flying insects and other pests out the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows in restaurants.

Keep in mind that it's not necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they're accessible with the aid of a ladder. They can be used as a fire escape or a stairwell. It is also recommended to not board windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters as this can create the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activities. If you're unsure of how 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.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/ilford-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/