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Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step to secure the structure before a storm strikes. This can protect your property from theft and vandalism. A vacant structure is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that can only be removed on the inside, and will be weighed for the door frames. Protection against vandals Properties that are vacant can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves and squatters. The security provided by boarding up a house that is damaged, destroyed or broken down can be invaluable. This is especially important for homes and businesses that are undergoing construction or renovations. It's possible that the structure will be empty for a period of time and boarding up the doors and windows will prevent access by criminals until the work is completed. In addition to protecting your home from vandals, a boarding up service can also help secure your home from damage caused by weather. Criminals are attracted by a damaged or broken door or window as they are able to see inside. A boarding service will ensure all windows and doors are sealed, and any entry point is covered to stop cold air, water, and debris from entering the structure. Plywood is commonly used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws, which are easily removed by criminals who have the proper tools. The specialist anti-tampering fixings used to secure the steel screens in place are extremely difficult to remove if you don't have the proper tool. Additionally, securing the entry points to your investment property that is vacant with steel screen is more cost-effective than boarding with plywood. The cost upfront is insignificant compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by vandalism or a break-in on the property that is vacant. Additionally, a professional boarding up service will install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and offer peace of mind for homeowners going to vacation. You can also ask a friend or a neighbor to inspect your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps will stop thieves from targeting your business or home. The key is to take proactive steps to protect your investment property before the problems start. Protection from animals The boards provide protection against animals that might try 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 myriad of issues, from structural damage to health hazards. The act of boarding up windows and doors helps to keep out animals that could be dangerous, keeping pets and children safe too. It should be noted however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjacent properties such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells. Protection from the elements The boards shield doors and windows from damage by debris and wind during a storm. In addition it helps keep vandalism and burglaries out. The owner of a business or home will decide the appropriate time to encase their windows and doors depending on the severity of weather. The sooner the boarding process is done the better the protection for the property. Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security door that are wedged into place by friction and anti-tampering screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove using a crowbar, and provides the same level of security as traditional wooden boards. It is important to assess the situation before embarking on the boarding process to ensure that the correct materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money, while ensuring the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying potential problems, and determining if reinforcement is required. boarding up services is also important to remove obstacles and clear of any furniture that may be in the area to make it safe and easy for the boarding process to take place. The team will prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area will then be sanded to ensure a perfect fit for the boards and to make them more resistant to wind and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are designed for, to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification. After marking the boards, they are cut to size. The boards are then installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws are set every few inches to secure the boards. It is recommended to drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent splitting and to make it easier to insert. The boards are able to be caulked to stop leaks and improve the weather resistance. Protection from insects A building that is not in use is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to buildings and pose health hazards which include the spread of disease. By boarding doors and windows you can prevent insects from entering the structure and cause damage. It's not enough to board up the entry points. It is also necessary to fill in any gaps within your structure. For instance, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks as small as the size of a quarter. For this reason, it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas. It is also important to remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. Keep mulch and pine straw at about 12-14 inches away from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 inches. Remove any weeds that are growing near the foundation of your structure. This will prevent pests from getting into your property and cause damage. Air curtains are another way to prevent pests from entering an unfinished structure. This device is an industrial-sized ceiling fan that blows air over windows, doors, and entryways. This device can be used to keep flying insects out of the house. It is also useful for drive-thru window at restaurants 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 easily accessible and can be used for an escape route or stairwell. You should also avoid boarding up windows and doors in a structure that is occupied by squatters, since this can create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activity. If you're not sure what to do with an empty property you should consult an expert boarding service to secure any openings and give the impression that the property is still being used.