5 Boarding Up Doorway Projects For Every Budget
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can help protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A building that is unoccupied invites vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside. They will be sized to fit door frames.
Protection against vandals
A vacant property is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The security offered by boarding up a home which is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is especially important for homes and businesses which are in the process of renovations or construction. It's possible that the building will be vacant for a certain time, and closing the doors and windows blocks access by criminals until the work is completed.
In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding up service can also secure your home from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for burglars since they can see inside your home. A boarding service will make sure all windows and doors are shut, and every entry point is secured to block cold air, water and debris from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used to cover windows, however it doesn't provide the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws that can be easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings used to hold steel screens in place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the appropriate tool.
Steel screen is a more cost-effective method of securing the entry points of your investment property. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by a break in or vandalism on a vacant property.
Additionally an expert boarding up service will install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks keep squatters and criminals away, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they are away on vacation. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property regularly to ensure that it is maintained. These simple measures will deter burglars from targeting your business or home. It is essential to take proactive steps to protect your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards protect you from animals that may attempt to gain access to your property for different reasons, including shelter for the night or curiosity. Animals that get into the home could cause issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows helps keep out animals which could be a danger while also keeping children and pets safe too. The openings on the second and higher floor should not be boarded up in the event that they are only accessible via a ladder, or they are accessible only from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards shield windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during an event of storm. In addition it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. 24 hour boarding up service near me or home owners will determine the best time to secure their windows and doors depending on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed and the better protection the property will be given.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are firmly anchored using friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove with a crowbar, and provides the same level of security as traditional wooden boards.
Before taking the time to board up, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and select the appropriate materials and methods. This will save you time and money while ensuring the best level of protection. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems, and determining if reinforcement is necessary. To make the boarding process more efficient and more secure, it is crucial to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the area is ready to be boarding the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a seamless fit and aid in helping the boards stand up to the force of wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's a good idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the door or window they are intended to fit.
Once the boards have been identified, they are cut to size and placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws are set every few inches in order to ensure the boards' security. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to make it easier to insert. The boards are then securely secured using caulking to stop leaks and increase the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is basically an open invitation to rodents, squirrels and rats that are seeking shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a building and pose health risks which include the spread of disease. By boarding windows and doors you can prevent pests from entering the structure and causing damage.
While it is important to board up entry points, you should make sure that any gaps around the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance the pests of mice and spiders can crawl through cracks even as small as the size of a quarter. Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all exterior doors will help reduce gaps.
Also, you should take away organic debris from your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your building, trim tree branches 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 insects from getting into your property and causing damage.
Air curtains are another way to keep pests out of an empty structure. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air across windows or doors and entryways. This device can be used to keep flying insects out of the home. It can also be used for drive-thru window at restaurants and back shipping doors.
Be aware, however, that it's not necessary cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder and can be used as an escape route or a staircase. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters since this can create a perception of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're unsure of how to do with a vacant house get a professional boarding service to cover any gaps to give the impression that it is still being used.