Boarding Up Windows and Doors
The practice of boarding up doors and windows is a great method to stop vandalism, theft and squatting by constructing physical barriers that make it difficult for unauthorised individuals to gain access to. Boarding up your windows and doors can protect the property from damage caused by snow, rain and other debris.
Plywood boards are a favorite because they are cheap and readily available. However, for more robust and longer-lasting options, think about steel window and door security screens.
Preparation
If you're dealing with a natural disaster, or a break-in on your property, it's crucial to put up doors and windows as soon as possible. The act of boarding up windows and doors will protect your property from further damage, prevents trespassers and squatters from taking shelter on the premises, and can even lower insurance premiums. The right materials and preparation are crucial to the boarding up process making sure that your boards fit securely and provide effective protection.
Remove all hardware from the door and frame including hinges, and put it in a safe location to be used in the future. Also, ensure that you cover the surrounding areas with plastic sheeting to avoid dust and debris. Also, you'll need to ensure that the door and frame are clean and dry to avoid issues with adhesion.
Once you've completed the preparations, you can begin to encase your doors and windows. If you're not sure about the process, it's best to consult an emergency glazier in London to ensure that the boarding has been installed correctly and is in compliance with HUD guidelines. Typically, you will need to cover all doors and windows on the first floor and in the basement with plywood panels secured with carriage bolts. Then, you will need to apply caulk or weatherstripping to the edges of the plywood to provide additional protection from water and wind.
There are a variety of boarding materials that are available for vacant properties, ranging from OSB (oriented Strand board) to perforated and solid steel security sheets. It is important to discuss your requirements with your security company so that you know how each material will work. It's important to think about the aesthetics of boarding up windows, particularly in a well-maintained neighborhood. The windows that are boarding up can give a home an unappealing, shabby appearance. It is crucial to choose a solution which complements the surrounding landscape and architecture. Use perforated and solid metal sheets in an 2:1 ratio to maximize light transmission. This will minimize the visual impact.
Materials
Plywood is the material of choice when it comes to boarding up windows and doors. It is easily accessible affordable and easy to handle. Plywood is not always the best option, as criminals can easily gain entry into homes by using it. Steel security screens are the most effective boarding-up materials. They can be used in isolation or in conjunction to plywood for total boarding-up of empty buildings. Steel security screens are fitted with special anti-tamper fixings which cannot be removed with an ordinary tool, such as a Crowbar. This is a deterrent for criminals looking to gain entry to empty buildings. It also reduces the chance of squatters or other illegal occupations of vacant spaces.
It is simple to secure your property from theft and vandalism by board up doors and windows. It also protects a building from damage caused to it by storms or other natural disasters. Boarding up is particularly beneficial during severe weather conditions, because it helps keep debris and water from getting into a building. Boarding up can also keep animals and children secure on the premises.
Typically, property owners who are vacant will employ a professional boarding service to help with the process of protecting their properties. These companies will be equipped with all the boarding up material and will be ready to deploy when an emergency arises. They can provide a quick response, which is crucial in times of civil unrest.
When choosing commercial boarding up service to provide boarding up services, ensure that they are insured and have experience in securing residential and commercial properties. Check the type of materials they'll be using. Some will only use plywood while others will use more durable solutions such as steel screens.
A property that is unoccupied for a long time will be vulnerable to burglars and arsonists. By taking precautions and boarding the property, you can minimize the risk and ensure that your vacant investment property is secure until it is returned to use.
Installation
It's important to protect the property from burglars. The act of boarding up windows, doors and skylights can deter vandals, trespassers and squatters, by creating an obstacle to entry. Boarding up a structure also shields it from natural elements such as rain, wind and snow, which could cause damage to the interior of the building or cause an hazard of fire.
The first step to boarding up windows is to measure the size of the opening for the window or door and then purchase the appropriate plywood to be able to fit the space. It is recommended to choose the thicker plywood, for example 5/8 or 7/8 inches. This will be able to withstand the impact of an forced entry.
Once the plywood is cut to size, it's time to install it. Start on the hinge side of the window by removing old hinges and nails, and then nail the ply to the frame in the corner. Make sure that the reveal gap is in line with the edge of the stud, and make sure it has a perfect closure. If the gaps are too large, shim them up until they're flush.
It is recommended that all holes left by the original hardware are caulked and filled. This will prevent the risk of a build-up of water within the walls. Also, consider applying a waterproof sealant to keep the plywood safe from moisture. It's also a good idea to look for any dangers to safety or nails that protrude from the wall which could cause injury to visitors or prevent the door from closing correctly.
If you're looking to add a little extra security to the board, consider installing steel sheets on the windows. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be attached to the structure with screws that prevent the tampering of the structure. These screws are designed to be difficult to remove, making it difficult for criminals with an crowbar to gain access to the structure.
If you need help building a boarding system for your vacant property, Airtasker can connect you with experienced Taskers who can complete the task quickly and efficiently. They'll be equipped with the right tools and know how to set up heavy-duty boarding securely on all entry points.
Maintenance
Protecting your property from damage caused by fires, natural disasters and other calamities is simple with a board-up. It can protect your property against broken glass, cracked windows and doors. It also helps to prevent the deterioration of your structure and the growth of mold. It is also an essential part of the recovery process after a disaster as it will make your home more stable and safe until repairs are made.
A professional emergency boarding company will have the necessary equipment and materials to secure a property quickly. They also offer additional services, such as cleaning up debris as well as water and sand from the property. The company will also inspect the property and repair any damage if necessary. This service can save you time and money, and ensure that your home or business is protected from further damage in the future.
The possibility of vandalism and other problems occur when vacant properties are not properly maintained. This can result in costly repairs or the loss of personal belongings. This problem can be avoided by board up your property. It makes it more difficult for vandals and graffiti artists to enter the building. It also can save you the expense of hiring a security team to guard your property against vandals.
The benefits of boarding up your home or business are numerous, but it is essential to prepare in case of a hurricane or other extreme weather event. The right plywood boards will help you avoid costly repairs following the storm. Installing protective shutters is another good idea.
When boarding up your property ensure that you make sure you use marked panels to cover the equivalent openings. This will allow you to keep the track of the location of each piece to be used. After that, make sure to screw them in carefully and check that they are secure. You can also consider coating the plywood with sealant or paint to waterproof it. You can do this at any time of the year, but it's an ideal idea to do it prior to an event.