Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary Boarding up doors and windows is an essential step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it. This will protect your home from vandalism and theft. A vacant building invites thieves, vandals, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed on the inside, and will be measured for the door frames. Protection against vandals Vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The security provided by boarding up a property that is damaged, destroyed, or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. It is possible that the building will be empty for some time, and boarding up the doors and windows blocks access by criminals until the work is finished. In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can also help safeguard 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 service can ensure that all doors and windows are shut, and every entry point is secured to stop cold air, water, and debris from entering the structure. Plywood is often used to block windows, however it doesn't offer the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is often attached with screws, which can be easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to hold the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove without the right tool. Additionally, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is less expensive than boarding made of plywood. The small upfront cost is negligible compared to any possible damage or loss that could be caused by vandalism or break-ins on a vacant property. Additionally an expert boarding up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away and provide homeowners with peace of mind while they are on vacation. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to check on your property regularly to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple measures will deter thieves from targeting your home or business. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect your investment property. Animal protection The boards provide protection from animals that may attempt to gain access to the property for any variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. If an animal enters the home, it could cause a wide variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health risks. The act of boarding up doors and windows can assist in keeping out dangerous animals, while also keeping children and pets secure. It should be noted however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding in the event that they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes. Protection against the elements Boarding up doors and windows protects them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. It also helps to prevent vandalism and burglaries. Based on the nature of the weather, a home or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to board doors and windows. The sooner the boarding is completed and secured, the more protection your property will receive. Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove using the crowbar, and also provides the same security as traditional wooden boards. Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation to choose 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 vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcement is required. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and take away any furniture from the area to make it safe and easy for the boarding process to take place. The team will then prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and getting rid of any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit for the boards as well as to make them more resistant to winds and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is a good idea for the plywood boards to be marked with the name of the door or window they are designed to fit. Once the boards have been identified, they are cut to size and fitted over the openings and weak spots of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to secure the boards securely. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and make insertion easier. The boards can then be securely secured using caulking to prevent leaks and enhance weather resistance. Protection from insects A building that is vacant is an open door for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats who are looking for shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to a building and pose health hazards which include the spread of disease. By boarding windows and doors, you can stop insects from entering the structure and creating damage. It's not enough to just board up the entry points. You must also close any gaps in your structure. For example mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. It's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to minimize the gaps in these areas. It's also a good idea to remove organic debris from the area surrounding your commercial or residential property. Keep pine straw and mulch at minimum 12 to 14 inches away from the foundation of your building. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by approximately 12-14 inches. Remove any weeds that have grown near the foundation of your structure. This will prevent pests from getting into your property and causing damage. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/maidstone-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to use an air curtain. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. This keeps flying insects and other pests out the area, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants. Remember, though, that it's not necessary to cover up any openings above the first floor unless they are accessible by means of a ladder. They could be used as an escape route or an stairwell. Avoid boarding doors and windows in a property that is occupied by tenants as it could give the impression of abandonment, which can attract criminal activity. If you are unsure what to do with a vacant house get a professional boarding service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it's still being used.