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Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary Boarding up doors and windows is a necessary step in securing the structure before a storm hits. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism and damages. A vacant building invites vandals, thieves and squatters. A professional board up will have carriage bolts that are able to be removed from the inside and will be sized to fit door frames. Protection from vandals A vacant property is a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed offers an excellent defense against criminals. This is especially crucial for businesses and homes that are undergoing renovations or construction. The building could be empty for a period of time, and boarding up windows and doors will stop criminals from entering until the work is finished. A boarding up service will not only protect your property against vandals but also from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for criminals because they can see inside your home. A boarding service will make sure that all windows and doors are closed, and that every entry point is secured to prevent cold air, water and debris from entering the structure. Plywood is often used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually attached using screws that can be easily removed by criminals using the right tools. The special anti-tampering fixings that are used to secure the screens of steel are extremely hard to remove without the correct tool. In addition, securing entry points of your investment property that is vacant with steel screens is more affordable than boarding made of plywood. The initial cost is insignificant compared to the possible damage or loss that may result from vandalism or break-ins on the property that is vacant. A boarding-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and provide peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. It is also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend visit the property on a regular basis to make sure that it is still being cared for. These simple measures can keep burglars away from targeting your home or business. It is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your investment property. Animal protection The boards provide protection against animals that might try to gain access to the property due to a reason, such as shelter for the night or out of curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the home, it can cause a variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health risks. The practice of boarding up doors and windows can help keep out animals which could be a danger while also keeping children and pets safe as well. It is important to note however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjacent properties or stairwells. Protection against the elements Boarding up windows and doors shields them from debris and wind damage during the 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 sooner the boarding process is completed, the better protection for the property. Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is best to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternately, boarding up a doorway can opt for steel security doors that are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to remove the panels using a crowbar and provides the same degree of security as traditional timber boards. Before taking the time to board up, it is crucial to evaluate the situation to choose the right materials and approach. This will save you time and money while ensuring the most effective level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability, identifying possible problems, and determining whether reinforcements are required. To make the process of boarding more efficient and safer, it is important to remove any obstacles and furniture from the area. Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will prepare the frame and door by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware, and making any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to ensure a seamless fit and help the boards stand up 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 allow easy identification. Once the boards have been marked, they will be cut to size and placed over the openings and vulnerable areas of the building. Screws are placed every few inches in order to secure the boards. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to avoid splitting and makes insertion simpler. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and increase the weather resistance. Pest protection A building that is not in use is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to find shelter or food. These animals can cause serious damage to a building and pose health hazards, including the spread of disease. By boarding doors and windows you can stop pests from entering and infesting the structure. While it's important to board up access points, you need to ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your building are sealed. For instance, mice can fit through openings about 1/16 inch wide and spiders can get into cracks that are about the size of a quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all exterior doors will reduce gaps. You should also take away organic debris from your business or home. For instance, keep the mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your home and trim tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof, and remove any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building. This will prevent pests from finding their way into your property and causing more damage. Another thing that can be done to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to employ an air curtain. It is an industrial-sized fan affixed to the ceiling, and it creates the air over the windows, doors and entryways. This prevents flying insects and other pests out, and it is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows in restaurants. Be aware that it isn't required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor unless the openings are easy to access and can be used for an escape route or stairwell. You should also avoid boarding up windows and doors in a property that is occupied by squatters, because this could create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're not sure how to do with a property that is vacant get a professional boarding service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it's still being used.