Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. house boarding up service repairmywindowsanddoors will help protect the property from vandalism, theft and destruction.
A vacant property is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board up will include carriage bolts that are able to be removed from the inside. They will be sized to fit the door frames.
Protection from vandals
vacant properties are an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. It's possible that the building will be empty for some time and boarding up the windows and doors prevents access by criminals until the work is finished.
In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to safeguard your home from weather-related 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-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are locked and all entry points are covered to prevent water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically employed as a boarding-up solution but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which are easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool.
In addition, securing entry points to your vacant investment property using steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The initial cost is not worth the potential damage or loss that might be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property.
In addition an expert boarding up service can install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and will also give peace of mind to homeowners on vacation. It's recommended to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to ensure that it is still being looked after. These simple steps can stop burglars and other criminals from attacking your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property.
Animals are protected from
The boards protect you from animals that may attempt to gain access to your property for different reasons, such as shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. Animals who enter the home can cause many issues, from structural damage to health hazards. Boarding up the doors and windows can help keep animals out that could otherwise be dangerous as well as keeping children and pets safe too. It is important to remember, however, that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarded in the event that they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjacent properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows protects them from wind and debris damage during the storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and break-ins. Based on the severity of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal up windows and doors. The sooner the boarding process is completed and the better protection the property will receive.
Boards can be secured with nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security doors that are fixed using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to take off using a crowbar, and provides the same security as traditional wooden boards.
Before beginning the process of boarding up, it's essential to assess the situation and select the right materials and approach. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining if reinforcement is needed. It is also essential to remove obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to ensure it is safe and convenient for the boarding process to take place.
Once the site is ready for boarding the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware, and making any required repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and help the boards resist the forces of wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's an ideal idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the door or window they are intended to fit.
After marking the boards then they are cut to size. The boards are then fitted over the openings or other vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are placed every few inches to ensure the boards' security. Drilling pilot holes is a great idea to prevent splitting and make insertion easier. The boards are then solidly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and increase weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels and mice to find shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health hazards, including the spread of diseases. By boarding up windows and doors to stop creatures from entering your home and creating damage.
It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also seal any gaps around your structure. For example, mouse pests can squeeze through holes that are about 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of a quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors to the outside can help to reduce gaps.
It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the area around your commercial or residential property. Keep pine straw and mulch at about 12-14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by approximately 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your structure. This will keep pests out of entering your property and causing damage.
Another thing that can be done to stop insects from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it blows an air stream over windows, doors and entranceways. This device can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It is also helpful for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary board up openings above the first floor unless they're easily accessible without the use of a ladder. They could be used as a fire escape or an staircase. Do not encase doors and windows in a building occupied by tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a property that is vacant, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it is being used.