Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary It is important to board up windows and doors. is an essential step in securing the structure before a storm hits. This will protect your home from vandalism and theft. A building that is unoccupied is an invitation to vandals, thieves, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts that can only be removed from the inside, and will be measured for the door frames. Protection from vandals Vacant properties can be a big draw for thieves, vandals and squatters. The security offered by boarding up a home that has been damaged, destroyed or broken down can be extremely valuable. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building might be empty for a while, so the boarding of doors and windows will stop criminals from entering until the work is complete. In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding-up service can help to secure your home from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window because they can see inside. A boarding service will make sure that all doors and windows are shut, and any entry point is protected to stop cold air, water, and debris from getting into the structure. Plywood is often employed as a boarding-up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually fixed to the ground using screws that can be easily removed by infractions using the appropriate tools. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ -tampering fixings that are used to secure the steel screens are extremely difficult to remove without the right tools. In addition, securing entry points of your investment property that is vacant with steel screens is more affordable than boarding with plywood. The slight upfront cost of the materials is a small amount compared to the potential damage or loss that could be caused by a burglary or act of vandalism in a vacant building. In addition an expert board 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 on vacation. It's also a good idea to have a friend or neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it's being looked after. These simple steps will deter thieves from targeting your home or business. It is essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment property. Animal protection The boards provide protection against animals that might try to gain access to the property for any number of reasons, including shelter for the night or out of curiosity. Animals who enter the home can cause many issues, from damage to the structure to health risks. Boarding up the doors and windows helps keep out animals that could otherwise be dangerous, keeping pets and children safe too. Openings on the second or higher floors should not be fenced off if they are only accessible via ladders, or if they are only accessible from nearby properties, stairwells or fire escapes. Protection from the elements Boarding up windows and doors helps to protect them from debris and wind damage during a storm. It also helps in preventing vandalism and break-ins. Depending on the severity of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to seal the doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is done and secured, the more protection your property will receive. Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also choose to use steel security door that are wedged into place by friction and anti-tampering screws. This combination makes it impossible to remove the panels using crowbars and gives the same level of security as traditional timber boards. Before boarding up, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and select the appropriate materials and methods. This will help you save time and money while providing the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying any potential issues and determining whether or not reinforcement is needed. To make the boarding process easier and more secure, it is crucial to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area. The team will then prepare the door and frame for board installation by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a perfect fit and allow the boards to stand up to wind and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are meant to be used for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification. Once the boards are 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 hold the boards securely. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards are able to be caulked to stop leaks and increase the weather resistance. Protection from pests A building that is unoccupied is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your property and pose health risks, including spreading disease. By boarding windows and doors, you can stop insects from entering the structure and cause damage. It's not enough to board up the entry points. You must also seal any gaps around your structure. For example, spiders and mouse pests can crawl through cracks that are as small as a quarter. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors to close the gaps in these areas. It is also important to remove organic debris around your business or home. Keep pine straw and mulch at least 12 to 14 inches from the building's foundation. Cut tree branches off the siding or roof by 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds growing near the foundation of your structure. This will stop pests from getting into your property and creating damage. Another option to stop insects from entering a structure is to employ an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan mounted to the ceiling, and it creates the air over windows, doors and entranceways. It can be used to keep insects from entering the house. It can also be used for drive-thru windows in restaurants and back shipping doors. Be aware, however, that it's not necessary board up openings above the first floor unless they are accessible with the aid of a ladder. They can be used as an escape route for fire or a staircase. Do not encase windows and doors in a property that is occupied by tenants as it could give the impression of being abandoned, which could attract criminals. If you're unsure of what to do about an empty building you should consult an expert boarding service to seal any gaps and give the impression that the property is still being used.