5 Boarding Up Doorway Projects That Work For Any Budget
Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary The boarding up of windows and doors is a necessary step to secure the structure before a storm hits. This can protect your property from vandalism and theft. A building that is unoccupied invites thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will contain carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside, and will be weighed for the door frames. Protection from vandals Vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides valuable protection from such criminals. This is particularly important for businesses and homes that are under renovation or construction. The building might be empty for a while, so boarding up windows and doors will keep criminals out until the work is complete. In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can also secure your home from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding up service will ensure that all windows and doors are closed and all entry points are covered to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure. Plywood is typically used to block windows, but it does not offer the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws that can be easily removed by criminals who have the proper tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings used to hold steel screens into place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the right tool. Steel screen is a more efficient method of securing the entry points of your investment property. The initial cost of the materials is a small amount when compared to the possibility of loss or damage caused by a burglary or act of vandalism in a vacant building. A professional boarding-up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks can keep out squatters as well as criminals, and will also 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 measures will deter burglars from targeting your business or home. It is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your investment property. Protection from animals The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property for different reasons, such as shelter for the night or curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it could cause a myriad of issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. By boarding up windows and doors, you can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping pets and children secure. It is important to note that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining homes, stairwells or fire escapes. Protection against the elements The boards protect the doors and windows from damage by debris and wind during a storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Based on the nature of the weather, a home or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal the doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed and the better protection the property will get. Boards can be secured by nails or screws. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternately, you can opt for steel security doors that are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to take the panels off with crowbars and gives the same degree of security as traditional timber boards. Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation and select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money while providing the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying potential problems and determining whether reinforcement is necessary. To make the boarding process more efficient and safer, it is important to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area. When the area is ready for boarding the team will then prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware, and making any required repairs. The area should be sanded to ensure a seamless fit and aid in helping the boards resist the forces of the force of wind and other forces. It is also recommended to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are designed for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification. After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. The boards are then fitted over the openings or weak areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to keep the boards securely in place. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. house boarding up service can be firmly secured with caulking to stop leaks and enhance weather resistance. Pest protection A building that is vacant is an open invitation for squirrels, raccoons, mice and rats seeking shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a structure and pose health hazards as well as the spread of disease. By boarding up windows and doors you can prevent pests from entering the structure and creating damage. While it is important to secure access points, you should make sure that any gaps around the exterior of your structure are sealed. For example, mouse pests can fit through openings about 1/16 of an inch wide, and spiders can crawl into cracks that are the size of one quarter. It's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas. It is also important to take away organic debris from your business or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at least 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the roof or siding by about 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your building. This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing further damage. Another method to stop pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates a stream of air over doors, windows and entryways. This stops flying insects and other pests from entering, and it can be used in places such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants. Be aware that it isn't necessary to board-up openings above the 1st level unless the openings are accessible and could be used as an escape route or stairwell. Avoid boarding up windows and doors in a building occupied by tenants as it could give an impression of abandonment which could attract criminals. If you're unsure of what to do with an empty property, consult with a professional boarding service to seal any gaps and give the impression the property is still in use.