Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary Before a storm, 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 will include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames. Protection from vandals Vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed provides an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially important for homes and businesses that are undergoing renovations or construction. It's possible that the building will be vacant for a certain time and boarding up the windows and doors prevents access for criminals until the work is complete. In addition to offering protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to safeguard your home from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for burglars since they can see inside your home. A boarding service will make sure all windows and doors are closed, and that any entry point is protected to stop cold air, water and other debris from getting into the structure. Plywood is typically used to board up windows, but it does not provide the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the wall using screws that can be removed by criminals with 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. In addition, securing entry points to your vacant investment property using steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The small upfront cost is insignificant compared to the potential loss or damage that might be caused by vandalism or break-ins on an empty property. 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. It is important to have a friend or neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it is still being cared for. These simple steps will deter burglars from attacking your home or business. It is essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property. Animal protection The boards offer protection against 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 a pet is allowed inside the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, from damage to the structure to health hazards. The act of boarding up doors and windows can assist in keeping out dangerous animals, while also keeping pets and children safe. Openings on the second and higher floors should not be boarded up in the event that they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are accessible only from adjacent properties, stairwells, or fire escapes. Protection from the elements The boards protect the windows and doors from wind and debris damage during an event of storm. Additionally it helps stop vandalism and break-ins. Based on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding is completed, the better protection for the property. Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is best to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to remove the panels with crowbars and gives the same level of security as traditional timber boards. Before boarding up, it is essential to assess the situation and select the appropriate materials and method. This will help you save time and money, while also providing the highest degree of protection that is possible. The assessment should include assessing the area's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues, and determining whether or not reinforcement is required. It is also crucial to remove obstacles and clear away any furniture from the area to make it safe and convenient for the boarding process to take place. The team will then prepare the door and frame for installation of the boards by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a perfect fit and aid in helping the boards stand up to 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 permit easy identification. Once the boards are identified, they are cut to size and then placed over the gaps and vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are inserted every few inches to ensure the boards' security. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes before inserting screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be firmly secured with caulking to prevent leaks and enhance the weather resistance. Protection from pests A building that is vacant is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats who are looking for shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your property and create health hazards, including spreading disease. By boarding up windows and doors you can stop insects from entering and infesting the structure. It's not enough just to board up the entry points. It is also necessary to close any gaps in your structure. For example, mouse pests can squeeze through holes that are about 1/16 of an inch in width and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are about the size of one quarter. For this reason, it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all doors to the outside to close the gaps between these areas. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ 's also a good idea to remove organic debris from the area around your commercial or residential property. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your building cut tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds that grow in or close to your building's foundation. This will prevent pests from getting into your property and creating damage. Air curtains are another method to stop pests from entering an empty structure. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows or doors and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas like 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 can be used for an escape route, stairwell, or both. You should also avoid boarding windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters, because this could give the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant property get a professional boarding service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is still being used.