An Guide To Boarding Up Doorway In 2024
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, board up all doors and windows. This can help protect the property from vandalism, theft and damages.
A vacant property is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside and will be measured for the door frames.
Protection from vandals
Vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters. The protection provided by boarding up a property that has been damaged, destroyed or broken down can be a huge benefit. This is especially important for homes and businesses that are under renovation or construction. It's possible that the building will be empty for some time and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is completed.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can also secure your home from damage caused by weather. A damaged or damaged door or window can be a target for burglars since it allows them to see inside your home. A boarding up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and that entry points are screened to stop water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to board up windows, but it does not provide the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws that can be easily removed by criminals using the proper tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens into place are very difficult to remove without the proper tools.
In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property using steel screens is more affordable than plywood boarding. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the potential loss or damage that may result from vandalism or a break-in on the property that is vacant.
A professional boarding-up service can also install doors that have locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners going to vacation. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property on a regular basis to ensure that it is maintained. These simple steps will deter burglars from targeting your home or business. The key is to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property before the problems begin.
Animals are protected from
The boards offer protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to the property due to a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. Animals who enter the house can cause a variety of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The practice of boarding up doors and windows can help keep out animals that could be dangerous, keeping pets and children safe as well. It should be noted, however, that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarded in the event that they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjacent properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells.
Protection against the elements
Boarding up doors and windows shields them from wind and debris damage during the storm. In addition it helps prevent break-ins and vandalism. The owner of a business or home will decide the appropriate time to encase their doors and windows based on the severity of the weather. The sooner the boarding process is completed, the more protection the property will get.
The 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. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors that are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same security level as traditional timber boards.
It is crucial to evaluate the situation prior to boarding up to ensure that the right materials are used and to determine the best approach. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcements are needed. To make the boarding process easier and more secure, it is crucial to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area.
The team will prepare the frame and door to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a seamless fit and allow the boards to stand up to wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it's recommended that the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the door or window they are designed to fit.
After marking the boards then they are cut to size. The boards are then installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. boarding up service near me should be placed every few inches to hold the boards in place. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be solidly secured with caulking to reduce leaks and improve the weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can do considerable damage to a home and pose health hazards which include spreading diseases. By boarding doors and windows, you can prevent insects from entering and infesting the structure.
It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also seal any gaps around your structure. For instance, rodents can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get through cracks that are the size of quarters. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to reduce the gaps between these areas.

It's also an excellent idea to eliminate organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your house, trim tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof, and remove any weeds that are growing near your building's base. This will keep pests out of getting into your property and cause damage.
Another method to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This keeps flying insects and other pests from getting in the area, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Be aware that it isn't required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st level unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell, or both. Avoid boarding up windows and doors in a building occupied by people who are squatters, as this can give the impression of being abandoned, which could attract criminals. If you're unsure of what to do with an empty building seek out an expert boarding service to seal any gaps and give the impression that the property is still in use.