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Boarding Up a Door
The act of boarding up doors is a proactive measure that allows property owners to protect their properties and homes from being damaged. It's a common service during the storm season.
But, it's not a great idea for vacant properties. Houses that are boarded up can cause them to lose value in the surrounding neighborhood. There are other alternatives to plywood that are more visually pleasing while still providing the same security.
Preparation
Boarding up a door provides security against damage in the event of natural or severe weather event. This process can be complex and time-consuming depending on the number of windows and doors you have to cover. It is essential to prepare for an efficient board-boarding process. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards are secure to maximize security and protection.
Begin by assessing the property's requirements before selecting the appropriate equipment and materials. It is recommended to use plywood that can be bought at a variety of hardware stores and is more durable than oriental strand board (OSB). It is also important to use a thicker material that can withstand strong winds. 5/8-inch thickness is a good choice. Cut the plywood boards using circular blades. Mark the boards using openings for doors or windows, as much as possible to allow them to be identified and stored until required.
Once the plywood is cut and measured, it can be positioned on the window or door frame and fastened using screws. If necessary, braces can be added to strengthen the frame and improve stability. Pre-drilling holes for screws is crucial to avoid splitting and make the insertion easier. After the boards are secured, weatherstripping or caulk can be applied to close any gaps and increase protection.
Put up a board around all doors and windows made of glass on the ground floor. This will protect them from wind and debris during severe storms and also reduce the possibility of a break-in by vandals or squatters.
Materials
If a building is vacant, it's usually required to encase the doors and windows to guard against weather and intruders. While the standard solution is to use plywood, a more secure option is steel security screens. These screens are secured with screws that are anti-tampering and cannot be removed with crowbars or other tools used in the home.
The first step to boarding is to prepare the area. Take away all broken glass and debris before placing a piece of plywood on the floor to act as a foundation plate. Use screws compatible with concrete fasteners, particularly Torx to secure a 2"x4" frame along the floor of the door opening. Then by using metal or wood shmming, lift the frame and lintel up to the height of the wall. Repeat the process at least three times and use your lowest measurement for the door's height.
Security against burglars: An empty structure is an invitation to vandals, thieves and squatters to enter and cause damage. A quick and efficient boarding up helps to stop them from entering and keeps the property secure until it can be fixed.
Wildlife protection: An open building is also a major invitation for rats, squirrels or raccoons, among other unwelcome animals to get inside and cause further damage. A simple boarding-up keeps these creatures away until they can be removed in a more permanent fashion.
It is crucial to board up a storefront in the event of hurricanes or strong storms. This is especially true in areas of tensions between the citizens or a threat of looting. Plywood boards are an excellent option to shield windows from debris flying around and act as a security measure to criminals. Steel security screens are more secure. They are attached to the window frames using special anti-tampering fixings, and are only removed with special tools.
Measurement
The process of boarding up doors is an essential step to protect vacant homes from storms and preventing break-ins as well as other security risks. The process is easy to follow and requires no knowledge of carpentry. To ensure that the boards are secure and provide adequate protection, it is essential to prepare them properly. boarding up doorway involves cleaning the door and frame in the event of damage, inspecting the frame for damages, sanding rough spots and drilling pilot holes to stop splitting and facilitate screw insertion.
Use measuring tapes to precisely determine the size and width of the window. Make sure to take several measurements and include the window frame (but not the trim or structural framing). This will help you to calculate the number of sheets of plywood you will need to purchase.
While boarding doors is typically employed to shield homes from extreme weather however, it's also a vital element of vacant home and business security. If there isn't a secure boardup for doors and windows, vandals, squatters, and other criminals could easily get into them. A secure boarding-up system can deter intruders by providing an obstacle that requires more force to break through.
To put up a door properly, you'll need to first remove the hardware you have already installed and store it in a secure place to be reinstalled in the future. To increase adhesion, wash the frame and door using a damp rag. Then sand rough areas to smooth out the surface and dry it with an absorbent towel.
Cutting
The process of board up an entire building is to cover windows and doors in plywood sheets to avoid further damage. This is typically done when a building has been damaged by fire, flood or other natural catastrophes. It can also be used to safeguard properties that are being renovated or being repaired. It can prevent unauthorized access as well as break-ins. It can deter further damage during the cleaning and restoration process.
The first step in the boarding up process is to evaluate the building and decide why it needs boarding up. This will allow you to choose the right materials and approach to complete the task. For instance, you might require strengthening the boards with extra blocks or a steel frame for greater security and stability. You may also need to install tamper-proof screws, anti-lift plates deadbolts or window films to increase the security of your home.
Once you're ready, put on your safety gear and begin with the boarding process. Use a ladder to access the windows and doors you're securing and work with a friend when feasible. This will ensure everyone is secure and make it easier to move the sheets of plywood. Also, it's important to remember that power tools, shattered glasses, and other debris could be hazardous. It's best to hire an expert if uncertain about how to safely tackle these tasks.
Once the plywood has been cut to size, it's time to start installing it. You'll first need to remove threshold from the bottom of the door. Then, using the threshold as a guide to mark a line on the plywood. Then, you'll need to cut the marks using the aid of a saw (pictures 6, 7, and 8). Be sure to use a power saw that has the cutting depth adjusted to the thickness of the steel security sheets.
Installation
If a property is empty it is essential to cover the door with a board in order to protect it from vandalism, theft and other dangers. It also shields the property from weather damage. The boards on your property can help stop water, debris, and wind from damaging the building. It also keeps out the squatters and other unwanted visitors.
It's important that you secure the boards in place when you board up a door or window. Squatters and other criminals can easily remove them when they're not secured. This can be done by using various methods. For instance, you could use a sturdy bracket to hold the board. Also, you can make use of a pair of 2x4s as well as a carriage bolt to secure the board in the right position. This method is especially useful for older homes.
A more robust alternative is steel security sheets. They come in a variety of sizes to suit most properties and are available as either perforated or solid options. Installation teams cut them on the spot to ensure they are perfectly incorporated into the window frame or any other opening that requires board-up. Steel is more expensive than plywood but offers greater protection and can last for a long time.
When you are boarding up a door with steel security, it's crucial to use anti-tamper screws. They cost more than standard screws, yet they offer more security. They can only be put in using a specific tool, making them more difficult to remove. This is a major advantage over plywood which can be easily removed by criminals using standard tools.