Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can help protect your property from vandalism and theft. A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed from the inside, and will be measured for the door frames. Protection against vandals Properties that are vacant can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed can provide valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially crucial for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. It's possible that the building will be empty for some time, and closing the windows and doors prevents access for criminals until work is completed. A boarding up service will not only protect your property from vandals but also from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window as they are able to see inside. A boarding-up service will ensure that all windows and doors are locked and all entry points are covered to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure. Plywood is typically used to board up windows, however it doesn't offer the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is typically attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to hold the steel screens are extremely difficult to remove without the right tools. In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is not worth the possible damage or loss that could be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property. A professional boarding-up service will also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks keep criminals and squatters out and give homeowners peace of mind when they go away on vacation. It's also a good idea to have a family member or a neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it's being looked after. These simple measures will deter burglars from attacking your business or home. The key is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before the problems begin. Animal protection The boards provide protection against animals that try to gain access to the property for any variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals that get into the house can cause a variety of problems, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can assist in keeping out dangerous animals and keep children and pets safe. Openings on the second and higher floors should not be fenced off if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are accessible only from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes. Protection against the elements The act of boarding up windows and doors shields them from debris and wind damage during a storm. In addition it can help prevent break-ins and vandalism. Depending on the nature of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed, the better the security for the property. Boards can be secured by nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to pass through the plywood and into the door frame. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/weymouth-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ can also use steel security doors that are fixed with friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels with a crowbar and provides the same degree of security as traditional timber boards. Before beginning the process of boarding up, it's crucial to evaluate the situation in order to select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the best level of protection. The assessment must include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems and determining whether or not reinforcement is necessary. To make the process of boarding easier and more secure, it is crucial to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area. When the area is ready to be boarded, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware and making any needed repairs. The area should be sanded in order to ensure a seamless fit and help the boards resist the forces of wind and other forces. It is also an excellent idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are intended for to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification. Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and then placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are inserted every few inches to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards can then be firmly secured with caulking to stop leaks and improve weather resistance. Protection from insects A building that is empty is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels and rats looking for shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to home and pose health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding up windows and doors you can stop pests from getting in and contaminating the structure. While it's essential to fence off access points, you should make sure that any gaps around the perimeter of your structure are sealed. For instance, mice can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of one quarter. For this reason, it's vital to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to minimize the gaps in these areas. It's also recommended to get rid of organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your building, trim branches of trees 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding, and remove any weeds that are growing close to the base of your building. This will help to prevent insects from getting into your property and causing further damage. Another method to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This device can be used to keep flying insects out of the home. It is also useful for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors. It is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor, unless the openings are easy to access and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell, or both. Also, you should avoid boarding up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters as this can create the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure what to do about an empty building seek out a professional boarding company to secure any openings and give the impression that the property is still in use.