Boarding Up Windows and Doors
The practice of boarding up doors and windows is a good way to deter vandalism, theft and squatting by constructing a physical barrier that makes it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to. Boarding up also helps protect vacant property from damage from snow, rain and other debris.
Plywood boards are a popular option because they are readily available and are affordable. For more durable and long-lasting options, consider steel door and window security screens.
Preparation
Whether you are in the middle of an natural disaster or are dealing with a burglary, it's essential to secure your home or commercial property as soon as possible. Boarding up windows and doors will protect your home or commercial property from further damage. It also prevents trespassers from entering the premises, and could reduce insurance costs. To ensure that your boards fit tightly and offer security that is effective, you need to use the appropriate materials and construct them in a proper manner.
Remove all hardware from the frame and door, including hinges, and place it in a safe location to be used in the future. Cover the area with drop cloths and plastic sheeting to keep dust and debris out. You will also want to ensure that the door and frame are dry and clean in order to avoid adhesion issues.
Once you've prepared the area you can begin to encase your doors and windows. If you're not comfortable about this process, it is best to consult a London emergency glazier to make sure the boarding you choose to use is compliant with HUD standards and is put in place correctly. You will need to cover doors and windows in the basement and on the first floor with plywood panels that are secured with carriage bolts. Then, you will need to apply caulk or weatherstripping to the edges of the plywood to provide added protection from wind and water.
There are a variety of boarding materials that are available for vacant properties. They vary from OSB (oriented-strand board) to solid and perforated steel sheets for security. It's important to discuss your needs with your security provider to ensure you understand how each material will work. It's important to think about the aesthetics of boarding up, particularly in a well-maintained neighbourhood. Windows that are boarded up can give a home an unattractive, neglected look. It is crucial to select a solution that complements the surrounding landscape and architecture. If you're considering metal security sheets, be sure to use solid and perforated sheets at a ratio of 2:1 to maximize light transmission and reduce the visual impact.
emergency boarding up is the preferred material of choice when it comes to boarding up doors and windows. It is cheap, easy to handle and readily available. However, plywood isn't always the best option since criminals are able to make use of it to rob properties. Steel security screens are the most effective material for boarding up. They can be used in isolation or in conjunction to plywood for total boarding-up of vacant buildings. Steel security screens are installed using anti-tampering fixations that are not able to be removed using an ordinary tool like a Crowbar. This serves as a deterrent to criminals who are looking to gain entry to vacant buildings. It also reduces the chance of squatters, or other illegal occupations of void spaces.
It is simple to safeguard your property from theft and vandalism by putting up boards on doors and windows. It also protects a building from damage caused by storms or other natural events. Boarding up can be particularly useful in severe weather conditions since it stops debris and water damage from entering the building. Additionally, boarding up can aid in keeping pets and children secure from injuries on the premises.
Typically, owners of vacant properties are likely to hire a professional boarding service to assist with the process of securing their properties. They will be equipped with all the boarding up material and will be ready to deploy in case an emergency arises. They will be able to provide a swift response, which is vital during times of civil war.
If you are choosing a business to provide boarding up services, make sure to verify that they are insured and have the relevant expertise in protecting commercial and residential properties. It is also essential to know what the boarding materials they employ - some companies will make use of plywood, while others will employ more durable solutions like steel security screens.
A property that is unoccupied for a prolonged period will be at risk of arsonists and burglars. By taking precautions and boarding the property, you can minimize the risks and ensure your investment property that is vacant is safe until it is returned to use.
Installation
When a property becomes vacant for reasons of any kind, it's crucial to safeguard the property from criminals who might attempt to gain access. By constructing a physical barrier, boarding up windows doors, skylights, and other openings can deter trespassers and vandals. A structure that is boarded up shields it from natural elements such as rain, wind and snow which can cause damage to the interior of the building or create an hazard of fire.
To board up windows, you must first determine the opening of the door or window and then select a plywood that is appropriate for the space. It is recommended to choose more substantial plywood, like 5/8 or 7/8 inches. This will allow you to withstand the force of forced entry.
After the plywood has been cut to size and is ready to be put in place, it's time to mount it. Remove the hinges from the old frame, and then the nails. Then nail the frame to the plywood at the corner. Make sure that the reveal gap is flush with the edge of the stud, and examine it for a smooth closure. If the gaps are too wide, shim them up until they're completely flush.
It is recommended that the holes left by the original hardware be filled and caulked. This will stop the possibility of a dangerous accumulation of water in the walls. Consider putting an impervious sealant on the plywood to protect it from moisture. It's important to look for any risks to safety or protruding screws and nails which could cause injury to people who are near or hinder the door from closing correctly.
If you're looking to add a little extra security to your boarding, you could consider installing steel sheets on the windows. They are available in different sizes and can be affixed to the structure using anti-tampering screws. These screws are specifically designed to be difficult to remove and make it impossible for criminals to get into the building with the crowbar or other common tools.
Airtasker will connect you with experienced Taskers that can board up your vacant property quickly and efficiently. They'll have the necessary tools and know how to set up high-quality boarding that is secure at every entry point.
Maintenance
Protecting your home from the damage caused by natural disasters, fires and other disasters is easy by putting up a board-up. In addition to protecting your property from smashed windows, doors and glass, it can also aid in preventing mold growth and structural damage. It is also a crucial step in the process of recovering after an event as it will make your home more stable and secure until repairs can be done.
A professional emergency boarding service will be equipped with all the equipment and materials to secure your property quickly. They also offer additional services, such as taking away debris, water, and sand from the property. The company will also inspect the property for indications of damage and repair them as needed. This service will save you time and money, as well as ensure that your home or business is secured from any further damage in the future.
Vacant properties are vulnerable to a myriad of problems that include vandalism that can cause costly repairs and the loss of personal belongings. A boarding-up of your property can prevent this problem, as it makes it more challenging for vandals to gain access and ruin the building with graffiti. It can also save you the expense of hiring a security staff to protect your property from vandals.
The benefits of boarding up your business or home are numerous, but it is important to plan ahead in case of a hurricane or other extreme weather event. The right plywood boards will save you from expensive repairs after a storm. Installing protective shutters is another good idea.
Use marked panels to cover the equivalent openings when boarding up your home. This will help you keep the track of exactly where each piece is going to be used. After that, make sure to screw them in with care and ensure that they are secure. You can also consider coating the plywood with sealant or paint to make it waterproof. This can be done at any time of the year, but it is best done before the onset of a storm.