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Boarding Up a Door
Boarding up a door is a preventative step that can help property owners protect their buildings and homes from being damaged. During the stormy season it is a typical procedure.
But, it's not a great idea for vacant properties. Homes that are boarded up can cause them to be less attractive in the area. There are alternatives to plywood boards that can be more attractive and still provide the same protection.
Preparation
The boarding up of the door is a good method of protecting it from damage during a natural disaster or severe weather. However, this procedure can be time consuming and complex depending on the number of doors and windows to protect. It is crucial to prepare beforehand so that the boarding procedure is completed quickly. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards are securely attached to maximize security and protection.
Start by assessing the property's requirements and selecting the right materials and equipment. It is recommended that you pick plywood. It is readily available at many hardware stores and is more durable than Oriental Strand board (OSB). Also, it is important to choose a stronger material that can withstand high winds. 5/8-inch thickness is a good choice. Cut the plywood using circular blades. Mark the boards with the openings for doors or windows, if possible so they can be identified and stored until needed.
Once the plywood is measured and cut into pieces, it can be placed on the frame of the door or window and fastened using screws. Braces can be used to strengthen and improve the strength of the frame, if needed. The drilling of holes prior to screw installation is important to avoid splitting and to make the insertion easier. After the boards have been secured with caulk or weatherstripping in order to close any gaps. This can also increase the protection.
It is recommended to put up a board up all windows and doors with glass that are on the ground floor of a home or business. This will shield the glass from wind and debris in storms that are severe. It also decreases the likelihood of vandals or burglars breaking into your home.
Materials
When a building becomes empty, it is usually necessary to board the doors and windows to protect against intruders and weather. While the most common option is to use plywood but a safer option is security screens made of steel. They are wedged in place and secured by anti-tamper screws, and are not removed using crowbars or any other tools commonly used in the home.
The first step in boarding is to prepare the area. Get rid of any broken glass and debris prior to laying a piece plywood on the floor, which will act as a foundation plate. Create a 2"x4" frame from lumber and attach it to the floor at the door's opening, using screws that work with concrete fasteners (ideally Torx). After shimming the frame with wood or metal lift the frame and lintel up to the height of the zero level on the wall. Repeat the process at least three times and then use the lowest measure for the door's height.
Security from burglars: A structure that is not secured is a perfect opportunity for thieves, vandals and squatters who want to gain entry and cause damage. A quick and effective boardering up can deter them and keep the property secure until it can be fixed.
Protection against wildlife: A poorly secured building can invite squirrels, rats and raccoons into the building and cause damage. A simple boarding-up can keep these creatures out until they can be taken care of permanently.
It is crucial to board up a storefront during storms that are strong and hurricane-like. This is also the case in areas where there is civil disturbance or the risk of looting. Plywood boards do a decent job of protecting the windows from debris that is flying and defending against criminals. A more secure alternative is security screens made of steel that are attached to window frames using special anti-tamper fixings and can only be removed using special tools that criminals do not have access to.
Measurement
The boarding up of doors is a critical step to protect a vacant property from storms and prevents burglaries and other security threats. The process is easy to follow and requires little-to-no carpentry skills. It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly for ensuring the boards fit securely and provide effective protection. This includes cleaning the door and frame, inspecting for damages, sanding rough spots and drilling pilot holes to stop splitting and ease screw insertion.
Use measuring tapes to precisely determine the size and width of the window. Be sure to take multiple measurements, and include the window frame (but not the trim or structural framing). house boarding up service will help you to calculate how many sheets of plywood you will need to purchase.
While boarding up doors is usually used to protect properties from the elements however, it's also a vital part of vacant house and security for businesses. Without a secure boarding up of windows and doors, vandals, squatters, and other criminals could easily get into the doors. A secure boarding up system helps deter these intruders by presenting a barrier that requires more force to break through.
To secure an entrance properly you'll have to remove the hardware you have already installed and store it in a secure place to be reinstalled later. Clean the frame and door and wipe them clean with a damp cloth to get rid of dust and debris to ensure better adhesion. Then sand rough areas to smooth out the surface and dry it using an absorbent towel.
Cutting
Boarding up a building is the process of covering windows and doors with plywood sheets in order to protect them from further damage. This is done after a building has been damaged by fire, floods or other natural catastrophes. It is also a good idea to protect properties that are being renovated or being repaired. It can stop unauthorized access as well as break-ins. It can deter further damage during the cleaning and restoration process.
Examining the building and determining why it requires the boarding up step. This will help you select the appropriate materials and methods to complete the task. For example, you may require a reinforcement of the boards by adding blocks or a steel frame to provide greater security and stability. You may also need to add tamper-proof screws, anti lift plates deadbolts, deadbolts, or window films to improve the security of your home.
Put on your safety gear when you're ready to begin the boarding process. If you are able you can use a ladder reach the doors and windows you'd like to secure. Begin with a partner. This helps keep everyone safe and helps to move the sheets of plywood. Also, it's important to keep in mind that power tools, shattered glasses and other debris can be hazardous. If you're not sure how to handle these tasks safely, it's best to call in a professional.
After the plywood has been cut to size, it's time to start installing it. First, you'll need remove the threshold from the door's bottom opening. Then, using the threshold as a guide to mark a line on the plywood. Then cut the marks with a saw (pictures 6 and 7). Make use of a powersaw with the cut depth that is the same as the thickness the steel security sheets.
Installation
When a property is vacant, it's important to secure the door in order to protect it from theft, vandalism and other threats. It also protects the property from weather damage. Boarding up your property will stop debris, water and wind from causing damage to the building. It also deters squatters, and other uninvited visitors.
It is crucial to keep the boards secure when you board up a window or door. Criminals and squatters can easily remove them in the event that they aren't secured. This can be done by using a few different methods. You can, for example make use of a sturdy bracket in order to hold the board. You can also make use of a pair 2x4s as well as a carriage bolt to hold the board in the right position. This is especially useful for older homes.
A more sturdy option is steel security sheets. These come in a range of sizes to fit the majority of properties and are available as either perforated or solid choices. They are delivered in large sheets that are cut at the site by installation teams to ensure they accurately fit the window frame, or any other openings that require boarding up. Steel is more expensive than plywood, but provides better protection and can last for an extended period of time.
When boarding a door with steel security, it's important to use anti-tamper fixings. They are more expensive than standard screws, yet they offer more security. They can only be used using a specific tool, making them difficult to remove. This is a major advantage over plywood, which can be quickly removed by criminals using common tools.