Five Boarding Up Projects For Any Budget
The Importance of Boarding Up
The practice of boarding up damaged property is a common measure to secure the property following an incident. It lowers the risk of theft, decreases the amount of foot traffic on the scene, and reduces smoke damage on carpets and upholstery.
The process of boarding up can be accomplished with steel sheeting or plywood. Steel is more expensive however it lasts longer and provides more security.
Security
In the aftermath of an natural disaster or another property damage, it can be easy to forget that protecting your property is just as important as repairing and restoring. Boarding up your property can help protect the structure from further vandalism and damage, and it will deter squatters and criminals seeking opportunities to profit from the situation.
The act of boarding up a building can stop further damage from falling debris or rain as well as ensuring a safe environment for children and pets. Boarding up vacant properties will also shield them from vandalism or burglary. To secure your vacant home effectively, you'll have to develop a plan that combines physical protection with the latest technology and expert services.
One of the most important things to do when you are boarding up your home is to secure all entry points. Windows and doors are the obvious places to start however, you should be aware of entrances that may not be a conventional entry point but could be used by criminals such as basements and skylights.
Another crucial aspect of a security strategy for vacant buildings is to choose the appropriate materials. Plywood is a common option, but it could be prone to warping and pulling away from fixtures over time. Steel is a more costly material, but it will last for a long time and offer more security than plywood.
It is recommended to choose steel security screens that can be fitted externally to windows that are above the ground floor. They are much easier to install than Sitex security screens and do not require you to remove the window, which could cause damage to the glass or frame. Security screens made of compression are designed to offer a simple-to-install board solution. They are as secure as a Perforated Steel screen, and are less likely to damage the window or frame.

Effective physical security relies on the concept of defense in depth, which involves creating multiple layers of security measures which are designed to deter those that are deterred and slow those who cannot. In the end, no single security control measure is 100% effective against an adversary that is well-equipped and determined. However, combining an effective board up security strategy with monitoring and surveillance technologies will significantly increase the likelihood of your vacant property remaining unoccupied.
Waterproofing
When a building has been damaged due to fire, natural disaster or another event, windows, doors, and walls may be left open to the elements. A boarded-up area helps prevent further damage and offers protection against vandals or trespassers until the property is repaired and re-occupied.
Waterproofing is an important component of a quality board up service. Waterproofing stops moisture from entering the structure, leading to mold and rot. It also helps reduce the chance of structural damage, and also saves on costly maintenance costs. Waterproofing can increase the value of your home or business.
While the idea of securing buildings with boards is important however, it is important to remember that it is not a complete security solution. Defence in depth is the basis of effective security. It is important to build layers rather than remove them. A secure boarding-up system can deter criminals as they try to gain access via other means.
A full survey of all possible access points including fire escape ladders and access points near flat roofs, should be carried out. These are difficult to block and are often overlooked by looters or squatters.
After the boarding up process is complete, it's important to conduct a final inspection to ensure there aren't any hazards and that the panels are all properly secured. This will also allow for easy reinstallation in the future in the event of a need.
Another advantage of boarding a building is that it can reduce further losses from insurance claims. Many insurance companies favor the proactive approach and will be more likely to settle a claim when the insured has taken measures to safeguard the property prior to further damage occurring. This is particularly true if damage was caused by storms or another weather-related issue. In these situations, it is important to secure the building as soon as you can to prevent further damage and prevent costly repairs.
Damage Prevention
After a natural disaster homeowners must take extra precautions to safeguard their home from further damage. Placing up windows and doors that have been damaged is an example of this measure. This is necessary whether it's due to fire or storm damages to prevent further damage and theft.
The boarding up of a building is done with plywood or OSB that is cut to the right size and then secured by nails. This can be done with basic carpentry skills. It is best to leave this task to professionals, who have the appropriate tools and know-how to board up a secure building. Professionals will also know what kind of plywood to use according to the climate in which the structure is situated, and they can also include carriage bolts to ensure security. They will also ensure there are no safety hazards such as protruding screws or nails which could cause injury to anyone who is able to enter the structure in the future.
In addition to the obvious security advantages, boarding up your home or business can help save you money in the long in the long run. This is particularly important when you run a business. If, for instance, the window is damaged in a hurricane, your customers are unlikely to come back. A damaged window could make your store appear unattractive and can lead to theft.
The cost of boarding up could be covered by your insurance policy. Nearly every property policy includes a clause that covers the cost of emergency services, which includes the need to secure properties after they've been damaged by wind, flood or other calamities. If you fail to secure your property as soon as is possible after such damage, the insurance company may reject your claim or hold you accountable for any additional or secondary damage.
In addition to securing your home from further damage, boarder can also help protect it from animals and squatters. Squatters seek out vacant homes since they are easily smashed into, and can cause thousands in damage within a short time. A boarding will prevent them from breaking in to your home and will also help preserve the items you have managed to save after a fire. This includes furniture, drapes and other items which would otherwise be destroyed by soot or ash resulting from the fire.
Insurance
The homeowner's insurance policies typically cover the cost of repairing and rebuilding structures and belongings damaged by covered hazards. However, many also include provisions for emergency mitigation, for example, boarding up windows. Specifics can vary. A certified disaster restoration professional can guide you through the process and ensure you are covered in the right way.
The act of boarding up a building has many benefits to property owners, including protecting against further damage, theft and other external elements. The process can also be used to deter vandals or trespassers who could cause further damage to the property. In addition, it can reduce the chance of a fire that could cause further damage to the structure.
When boarding-up is completed, trained technicians examine the property to ensure that all holes are sealed by using plywood or other materials. This will limit the exposure of the property. They will use a sealant to prevent wind and water damage, and also ensure there are no safety hazards like protruding nails or screws. After 24 hour boarding up service near me is completed the team will take away any debris or other items to ensure the security of the area.
When the board-up process is completed, the owner of the property can rest easy knowing that their property is secure until it is repaired or replaced. In certain cases this could allow them to retain their insurance coverage, as it is likely that any further damage could be deemed to be negligent.
The best method to protect your commercial or residential property is to hire an experienced boarding service. These specialized companies will assess the damage, secure open areas with boards and offer peace of mind for property owners during an uncertain time. They can also work with your insurance provider to ensure that you get the protection you deserve.
If your building is damaged by a storm, fire, or other incident it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your property. A reputable boarding service will offer security, protection from future damage, and peace-of-mind for your home or office. To find out more about a board-up service and to set up an appointment, contact them.