Why All The Fuss Over Boarding Up?
The Importance of Boarding Up
The practice of boarding up damaged property is a common method to protect it following the occurrence of a disaster. It stops theft, restricts pedestrians' access to the fire scene and minimizes smoke damage to carpeting and upholstery.
Boarding up can be done with plywood or steel sheeting. Steel is more expensive but lasts longer and offers higher levels of security.
Security
It's easy to forget after an event of natural catastrophe or property damage, that securing the structure is just as important as repairing and restoration. Boarding up the structure can help prevent further vandalism or damage. It will also deter squatters or criminals seeking an opportunity.
A building that is boarded up will stop further damage from flying debris or water as well as ensuring an environment that is safe for children and pets. The act of boarding up vacant homes will also shield the property from burglary or vandalism. To safeguard your vacant property effectively, you'll need to devise a plan that incorporates physical security with modern technology and professional services.
One of the most important things to do when you are boarding up your home is to secure all entry points. Start with doors and windows however, you should also consider other entry points that might not be obvious, but could be used by criminals.
The proper materials are an important part of a security plan for vacant buildings. Plywood is prone to warping over time and then pull away from fixtures. Steel is a more expensive material, but it will last indefinitely and offers far more security than plywood.
It is recommended to choose steel security screens that can be positioned externally on windows above ground level. They are easier to install than Sitex security screens and will not require the removal of the window, which could cause damage to the glass or frame. Compression security screens are designed to offer a quick-deployment boarding solutions that are as secure as Perforated Steel screens and is less likely to cause damage to frames or windows.
Effective physical security relies upon the concept of defence-in-depth, which involves multiple layers of security measures designed to deter those who can be dissuaded and delay those who cannot. In the end, no security measure is 100 100% effective against a well-equipped and determined adversary. However, combining a successful board up security plan with surveillance and monitoring technology can significantly improve the odds of your vacant property remaining unoccupied.
Waterproofing
When a building is damaged through an incident, like a natural disaster or fire, it can open doors, windows and walls exposed to the elements. By boarding up the area, you can avoid further damage and also provides protection from vandals and trespassers while the property is being repaired and rebuilt.
A good boarding-up service should include waterproofing as part of the overall plan. Waterproofing keeps moisture from leaking into the structure and result in mold or rot. It also lowers the risk of structural damage and helps save costs on maintenance. Waterproofing is a good investment that will boost the value of a home or commercial space.
While securing the building using boards is essential, it should be noted that it isn't an all-encompassing security solution. Defence in depth is the basis of a secure security. It is important to build layers instead of removing them. A secure boarding-up can deter criminals since they would attempt to gain access via other means.
In addition to the obvious openings like windows and doors, a full survey should be completed and include possible access points, such as a fire escape ladder or access point near an open roof. These are difficult to block, and are often ignored or ignored by the squatters.
Once the boarding-up is completed, it's important to perform a final inspection to ensure there are no dangers to safety and that all panels have been secured properly. This will allow for an easy reinstallation later on if required.
Another advantage of boarding the building is that it can help reduce further losses from insurance claims. Many insurance companies support the proactive approach and are more likely to approve a claim when the insured has taken precautions to safeguard the property from any further damage that may occur. This is particularly crucial if the damage has been caused by weather-related storms or other issues. In these cases it is essential to put up a temporary fence as soon as possible to prevent further damage and prevent costly repairs.
Prevention of Damage
Following an natural catastrophe, property owners must to take extra precautions to protect their buildings from further damage. One way to do this is to put up a board on any windows or doors that have been impacted. This is essential regardless of the cause, whether it's fire damage or storm damage to prevent further destruction and theft.
Buildings are usually done with OSB or plywood. It is cut to the desired size and secured using nails. Basic carpentry skills are needed to do this. It's best to leave this task to professionals, with the right tools and know-how to board up a safe structure. Professionals also know the kind of plywood to choose according to the climate in which the structure is located and may also add carriage bolts for security. They will also make sure there are no safety hazards like protruding nails or screws that could cause injuries to anyone who enters the building in the future.
The act of boarding up your home or office can help you save money over time. If you're a business owner, this is crucial. If a window is damaged during a hurricane, for instance, it's likely your customers won't return. A damaged window can make your store appear unattractive, and cause theft.
Your insurance policy may pay for the cost of boarding. The majority of property policies contain an option to cover cost of emergency services. This includes securing damaged property after wind, flood, or other disasters. If you fail to secure your property as soon as you can after such damage, the insurance company may refuse to pay your claim or make you responsible for additional/secondary damages.
In addition to protecting your building from further damage, board up can also protect it from squatters and animals. Squatters are known for their petty attacks on vacant homes, especially when they're easily accessed and can cause thousands of dollars of damage in a short amount of time. A boarding can not only stop them from gaining entry into your home but also helps to preserve the belongings you've managed to save after a fire. This can include drapes, furniture and other items that might otherwise be destroyed by soot or ash residue from the fire.
Insurance
Standard homeowner's insurance covers the cost of repairing and reconstructing structures and personal possessions that are damaged by covered dangers. However, many also contain provisions for emergency mitigation, for example, the boarding of windows. However, the specifics can vary. A certified disaster restoration contractor can help navigate the process and ensure you get adequate coverage.
Boarding up a building offers several benefits for property owners, such as protecting against further damage, theft and external elements. The process is also an effective deterrent to vandalism and trespassers, which can further damage the property. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of a fire that could cause further damage to the structure.
When boarding up, trained technicians inspect the property to ensure that any openings are sealed with plywood or other materials. This will limit the amount of sunlight that the property is exposed to. They will then seal the property to protect it from damage from water and wind and look for safety hazards such as protruding screws or nails. Once the boarding up is completed, the team will clean up any debris and other materials to ensure the area is safe.
When the board-up process is complete, the homeowner can be sure that their home will be secured until it is repaired or replaced. In property boarding up , the property owner may be able to keep their insurance coverage as any additional damage will likely be considered negligence.
The best way to protect your commercial or residential property is to hire a professional boarding up service. These companies are specialized and will evaluate damage and secure areas with boards and provide peace of mind for property owners during an uncertain moment. They will also work closely with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the coverage you deserve.
If your home or business is damaged due to a fire, storm, or other incident it is crucial to take action immediately to safeguard your property. A reputable boarding-up service can offer security, protection against future damage and peace of assurance for your home or business. Contact a boarding up service to find out more about their offerings and to arrange an inspection.