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 hits. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism.
boarding up windows near me that is unoccupied is an invitation to vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside and be measured to fit the door frames.
Protection against vandals
A vacant property can be an ideal location 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 that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building could be empty for a while, so blocking doors and windows will stop criminals from entering until the work is completed.
A boarding-up service will not only shield your home from vandals, but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door is a prime target for criminals as it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding service will ensure that all doors and windows are shut, and any entry point is covered to stop cold air, water, and debris from getting into the structure.
Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution, but it doesn't provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws that can be easily removed by criminals using the right tools. The anti-tampering screws that are designed to secure the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove if you don't have the proper tools.
Additionally, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property using steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is negligible compared to any potential loss or damage that might be caused by a break in or vandalism on an empty property.
Additionally, a professional boarding up service will install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they are going on vacation. It's important to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to ensure that it's being cared for. These simple steps can stop burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The most important thing is to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property before the issues begin.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection from animals that might try to gain access to the property for any variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. Animals that enter the house can cause a variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows can help keep out dangerous animals while keeping pets and children safe. Openings on the second and higher floors should not be boarded up when they can only be accessed via a ladder, or they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards shield doors and windows from wind and debris damage during a storm. In addition, it helps to keep vandalism and burglaries out. Based on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal the doors and windows. The sooner the boarding process is completed and secured, the more protection your property will get.
Boards can be secured using screws or nails. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. It is also possible to use steel security doors that are fixed with friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with crowbars and gives the same level of security as traditional timber boards.
It is important to assess the situation prior to taking the time to make sure that the appropriate materials are used and the best method for handling the situation. This will save you time and money while ensuring the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems and determining whether reinforcement is necessary. It is also important to remove obstacles and clear all furniture from the area to make it safe and convenient for the boarding process to take place.
The team will then 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 must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and help the boards withstand winds and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's recommended that the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are meant to be fitted.
Once the boards are marked, they will be cut to size and fitted over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are inserted every few inches to ensure the boards' security. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to ease insertion. The boards can then be firmly secured with caulking to reduce leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from insects
A vacant building is basically an open door for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats that are looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health risks which include the spread of disease. By boarding doors and windows to keep pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You also need to close any gaps in your structure. For instance mice and spiders can crawl through cracks that are as small as a quarter. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps between these areas.
It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the area surrounding your home or commercial property. Keep pine straw and mulch at about 12-14 inches from the building's foundation. Trim tree branches from the siding or roof by approximately 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds growing near the foundation of your building. This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing more damage.
Another method to stop insects from entering a structure is to install an air curtain. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan that is attached to the ceiling, and it creates an air stream over the windows, doors and entranceways. This keeps flying insects and other pests out, and it can be used in places like back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
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 an escape route for fire or a staircase. Do not encase windows and doors in a structure that is occupied tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which could attract criminals. If you're not sure how to do about an empty property you should consult an expert boarding service to board up any openings and create the impression that the property is still being used.