Why Boarding Up a Doorway Is a Good Idea Placing boards on your doors and windows will help to shield them from the harsh weather. It also keeps out animals and vandals that may be looking for shelter or to satisfy their curiosity. Start at the top of your window when taking it off. You can use gravity to your favor. Protection against vandals When a property becomes vacant, it offers an open for vandals, thieves and squatters looking for easy access. The first step in reducing this threat is to board up the doors and windows of the building. Boarding up the building will not only shield it from burglars, but also from weather damage and curious passersby. It is essential to cover all entrance points when you are boarding up an empty property even ones that aren't typical entry points like skylights and basements. These spaces can be used to hide or escape during a break in. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bristol-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ can be boarded up to ensure the security and safety of all occupants, including pets and children. Nails are the most commonly used method of attaching plywood boards to vacant homes. While this is a viable option in the short term but it's not ideal if you want to offer the highest level of security for your property. Plywood is easy to take away using a basic tool, which makes it a poor deterrent against criminals. Security screens made of steel are available, which are secured with anti-tampering fixings. They are designed to be difficult to remove and require special tools that even the most petty criminals will not have. In addition to being more resistant to damage, steel security screens are a much more appealing option than typical timber or uPVC board that is commonly used. They can be put in various commercial and residential structures, such as retail shops, showrooms, and glazed areas within offices. Steel is also available in a variety of finishes so it can be used to complement the existing aesthetic of the building and increase its curb appeal. If you are in a situation where you need to secure the door or window, call on an emergency boarding service that is professional. They can provide a rapid response and secure your property while it is undergoing repairs. They will assess your property to create a plan to protect it against any further damage. Animal protection In some cases the reason why the property that is vacant needs to be fenced off is not to stop vandalism, but for the protection of people and animals. The vacant properties attract animals for a variety of reasons including shelter, food and curiosity. If animals are allowed to enter a house or workplace, they can cause a lot of damage and create an hazard to the people living inside. This can be avoided by boarding up entrances to the ground floor, and at least one window on higher floors. If the windows are located above the first floor and don't pass this test the openings should be secured rather than boarded. Protection from fire The act of boarding up a doorway can provide protection from fire, particularly when there is lots of soot and smoke accumulation. It can also prevent the spread of a fire to other parts of the house or business. The act of boarding up a doorway or window can also stop rain and other elements harming the structure. After a fire, or any other disaster an area is left unoccupied and vulnerable. The process is not always straightforward, but it is necessary in order to protect the building and minimize further damage. Emergency boarding can be provided by professional companies or homeowners can perform it themselves. However, it is important to follow the proper steps and procedures to ensure that the job is done correctly. It is crucial to be prepared for a storm before it hits, but not all home and business owners have the time to do so. The act of boarding up windows and doors can minimize the damage caused by the wind and flying debris during severe storms. Specialized solutions for boarding, like hurricane shutters or storm panels can be used to provide additional protection. These boards are designed to withstand high winds and are secured to windows or doors with carriage bolts. If the building is constructed of masonry, the bolts can be secured using an anchor for masonry or screw. The boarding should be carefully installed to ensure that it does not move or become loose over time. Once the boarding has been installed, it should be checked on a regular basis to make sure it is solid. Keep the boards secured on your property to keep vermin and pests away. A bare and damaged structure could be a perfect place to welcome mice, rats, squirrels, possums, and other unwanted visitors. By boarding up, you can deter the unwanted creatures from entering your property, and protect the residents against the health risks they can pose. The process of boarding up a house is a labor intensive and time-consuming process. It is best to have the necessary items in advance, so they are ready for when the time comes. This will save valuable time and effort, and it will ensure that the job is completed correctly. It is also a good idea to label each piece of plywood and store them in a secure location until they're needed. Protection from pests Windows and doors on a vacant home can be a magnet for all sorts of unwanted organisms. Windows that are damaged can give the possibility of burglars to use the building as a hideout, scavengers who will cause additional damage and cause liabilities or even squatters that are looking for shelter or food, or even an area to live. Boarding up windows and doors can keep these people away and protect the property from further damage. The act of boarding up doors and windows can help shield a building from the elements as well as keeping pests out. This can reduce the amount of water that can enter a building. This could damage the interior finish and increase the risk of a fire. Insulation can also be protection against sounds that could originate from outside. In the end, a boarding-up service can help prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms that can result from a long-term empty building. These microorganisms could include bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi. These microorganisms can damage or cause harm to materials like wood, concrete and even metal. These microorganisms can also infect animal and human bodies which can cause illness or even death. One of the best ways to safeguard a vacant investment property from such threats is to secure all windows and doors. In certain situations, it could be necessary to block other entryways, such as the windows in the basement of commercial properties or the skylights of residential buildings. It is essential that any wood used for boarding is clearly labeled so that it can be identified and stored. In many instances, a boarding up service can be accomplished using plywood bought from any hardware store. However, it is recommended that you buy the highest quality plywood to ensure that it lasts for as long as is possible and won't require to be replaced. Select a clear caulking to the the frame of the door. This will also safeguard the integrity of the door and keep insects from slipping under the door. It is also a good idea to install a door sweep which is a low-cost and simple way to fill in the gap between the threshold and the floor. This can be done best with a nylon brush, as it is more efficient than vinyl or neoprene.