Why Boarding Up a Doorway Is a Good Idea
The act of boarding up your doors and windows will protect them from severe weather. It also helps keep out animals and vandals that may be seeking shelter or to satisfy their curiosity.
When you are boarding up, start at the top of the window. This way, you will be able to use gravity to your advantage.
Protection from vandals
If a building is unoccupied it opens the door to thieves and vandals who seek a quick way to gain entry. The boarding up of the doors and windows of the building is the initial step to reduce the risk. Boarding up the building will not only shield it from burglars but also from weather damage and curious passersby.
When you are boarding up a vacant home, it is important to cover any entry points. This includes those that aren't typical entry points, such as basements and skylights. These can serve as hiding spots or escape routes in the event of a break-in. By boarding these areas, you can help ensure the safety of any guests, including pets and children who might wander onto the premises.
The most common method to secure a vacant home is using plywood boards, which are fixed in place with nails. While this might work in the short run but it's not ideal for those who want to provide the most protection to your property. Plywood is easy to take away using a basic tool, which makes it a poor deterrent against criminals. Steel security screens are also available, and are secured with anti-tampering fixings. They are designed to be difficult to remove and require specialist tools that small-scale criminals do not have.
Steel security screens are not just more resistant to tampering but also a more attractive alternative to the standard timber or uPVC boarding. They can be put in a variety of residential and commercial structures, including showrooms, retail stores, and glazed areas within offices. Steel is also available in a variety of finishes which means it can be used to enhance the look of the building and improve its curb appeal.
Contact a professional emergency board service if you require to board a window or door in the event of an emergency. They'll be able to provide a rapid response and secure your property while it is being repaired. They will examine your property and develop an action plan to safeguard it from further damage.
Protection from animals
In certain instances, the reason an empty property might need to be fenced off is not to deter vandalism but for the protection of animals and people. The vacant properties attract animals for a variety of reasons, including shelter, food and curiosity. Animals can cause serious damage to a home or office, and can even can pose a threat to people living there. This can be prevented by boarding the ground floor entrances and at least one window on the upper floor. Openings that are above the first floor that do not meet this test should be secured instead of being boarded.
Protection from fire
The act of boarding up a doorway can provide protection from fire, especially when there is smoke and soot buildup. It can also prevent the spread of fire to other areas of the house or business. The act of boarding up a doorway or window can help prevent rain and other elements damaging the structure.
Board up services are usually required following a fire or other catastrophe which leaves a home vacant and susceptible to damage. The process is not always easy but it is necessary to safeguard the building and minimize further damage. Emergency boarding can be arranged by professional companies, or homeowners can do it themselves. It is crucial to follow the proper steps and procedures to ensure the job is done correctly.
Preparing for a storm is crucial however, not everyone has the time. Boarding up doors and windows can reduce the damage caused by flying debris and wind in severe storms. Specialized solutions for boarding, such as storm shutters or hurricane shutters, can be used for additional protection.
These boards are made to withstand high winds and are attached to doors or windows with carriage bolts. If the building is constructed with an underlying masonry structure, the bolts can be secured in place with the use of a masonry screw or an anchor. The boarding must be cautiously installed to ensure that it does not sag or loosen over time. After boarding up services is installed, it must be checked regularly to ensure that it is safe.
The boards that are on a property secure can also help to keep vermin and pests away from the property. A damaged or bare structure could invite rats, mice or squirrels, as well as other unwanted guests. Boarding up can prevent these unwanted creatures from entering the property, and protect the residents against the health hazards they pose.
It takes an enormous amount of time and effort to board up a house. It is best to prepare the items in advance, so they are ready for when the time comes. This will help you save time and ensure that the task is done right. Label each piece of plywood, and keep it in a safe place until you need it.
Pest protection
Windows and doors on a vacant home are an invitation to all kinds of unwelcome creatures. Windows that are damaged can give entry to burglars who may use the property as a hideout, scavengers who could cause additional damage and create liabilities or even squatters that will seek shelter or food, or even a place to stay. By boarding up doors and windows, you will keep them out and protect the property from further damage.
In addition to stopping pests from accessing a building, boarding up doors and windows can also help insulate it from the elements. This will decrease the amount of water that will be able to enter a building and cause damage to interior finishes and increase the likelihood of a fire. In addition the insulation will act as protection against noise that could be emanating from the outside.
Additionally, a boarding up service will help to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms that could result from a long-term empty building. These microorganisms can include bacteria, molds and viruses. These microorganisms are capable of damaging or contaminating materials like wood, metal, and concrete. These microorganisms can also cause illness or death in animals and humans.
Placing every door and window is one of the most effective methods to protect the investment from these dangers. In some instances, it might be necessary to block other entryways such as the windows in the basement of commercial properties or the skylights in residential buildings. In any case, it is important to make sure that the plywood used for boarding up is properly labeled in order to be easily identified and stored in the future.
In most instances, plywood can be purchased at any large hardware store. It is recommended that you purchase the highest quality plywood to ensure that it will last as long as possible. Choose a clear caulking for the the frame of the door. This will also safeguard the integrity of the door and keep insects from getting under the door. It is also a good idea to install a door sweep, which is a cheap and easy way to cover the gap between the threshold and the floor. This can be done best with nylon brushes, since it will be more effective than neoprene or vinyl.