Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
The boarding up of windows and doors is an essential step to secure the structure before a storm strikes. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism, and damage.
A vacant property is a prime target for thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside, and will be weighed for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
Vacant properties can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed offers valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially important for homes and businesses which are in the process of renovations or construction. It's possible that the structure will be empty for some time, and boarding up the windows and doors prevents access for criminals 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 damaged door or window is a tempting target for criminals as it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are locked and that any entry points are screened to prevent water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it does not offer as much protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to hold the steel screens in place are extremely hard to remove if you don't have the proper tools.
In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is not worth the potential damage or loss that may result from vandalism or break-ins on an empty property.
A boarding-up company that is professional can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals out and give homeowners peace of mind while they are on vacation. rushden boarding up doors 's also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check on the property regularly to make sure that it is still being cared for. These simple measures can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The key is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before problems start.
Protection from animals
The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to the property for any reason, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. Animals that get into the home could cause problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. By boarding up windows and doors, you can assist in keeping out dangerous animals and keep pets and children secure. It is important to remember however that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining properties or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
The boards guard doors and windows from damage caused by wind and debris during the storm. In addition it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. Based on the nature of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to seal up windows and doors. The sooner the boarding is done the better the protection for the property.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes the panels impossible to remove with the crowbar, and also provides the same level of security as traditional wooden boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation prior to embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the appropriate materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money, while also providing the highest degree of security. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining whether or not reinforcement is required. To make the process of boarding more efficient and safer, it is important to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will then prepare the frame and door for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a good fit for the boards and make them more resistant to 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 designed for, to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.
Once the boards are marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws should be inserted every few inches to keep the boards in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior to inserting screws to prevent splitting and to ease insertion. The boards are then solidly secured with caulking to reduce leaks and enhance weather resistance.
Pest protection
A building that is empty is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats who are looking for shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to your property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding up doors and windows you can stop pests from entering and infesting the structure.
While it's essential to secure entry points, you should ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For example, mouse pests can squeeze through holes that are about 1/16 of an inch in width, and spiders can crawl through cracks that are the size of one quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors to the outside will help reduce gaps.
Also, you should remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. Keep pine straw and mulch at about 12-14 inches from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that have grown close to the base of your structure. This will help to prevent pests from gaining entry into your property and causing more damage.
Air curtains are a different method to prevent pests from entering an empty space. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air across windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. It can be used to keep flying insects out of the home. It is also useful for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Be aware, however, that it's not necessary to put up a board on openings that are above the first floor unless they're easily accessible without the use of a ladder. They could be used as an escape route for fire or an staircase. Avoid boarding windows and doors in a property that is occupied by tenants as it could give the impression of being abandoned, which can encourage criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a property that is vacant you can hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it is still being used.