Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary The boarding up of windows and doors is a crucial step in securing the structure prior to a storm affecting it This can help safeguard the property from theft, vandalism and damages A vacant building invites thieves, vandals, and squatters A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which can only be removed from the inside, and will be weighed for the door frames Protection against vandals A vacant property can be an ideal location for vandals, thieves and squatters The security offered by boarding up a home which is damaged, destroyed or broken down can be extremely valuable This is especially crucial for homes and businesses which are in the process of renovations or construction It is possible that the building will be empty for a period of time, and closing the doors and windows will prevent access for criminals until work is finished In addition to providing protection from vandals, a boarding up service can help to secure your home from weather damage A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for criminals because it allows them to see inside your home A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are locked and that entry points are screened to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure Plywood is typically used to cover windows, but it doesn't offer the same level of security as steel security screens Plywood is typically anchored to the wall using screws that are easily removed by infractions using the proper tools In contrast, the special anti-tamper fixings used to secure screens made of steel are extremely difficult to get rid of without the proper tools Additionally, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property using steel screens is more affordable than plywood boarding The initial cost is not worth the potential loss or damage that could be caused by vandalism or break-ins on the property that is vacant A professional boarding-up service can also install doors with locking mechanisms These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and will also offer peace of mind for homeowners on vacation It's recommended to have a friend or neighbor check on the property regularly to make sure that it's being cared for These simple steps can keep burglars away from targeting your home or business The key is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property prior to issues begin Animals are protected from The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property for various reasons, including shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity If an animal enters the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, from structural damage to health risks Boarding up the doors and windows helps keep out animals that could otherwise be dangerous, keeping pets and children safe too It should be noted however that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining homes such as stairwells, fire escapes or stairwells Protection from the elements The act of boarding up windows and doors helps to protect them from debris and wind damage during an incoming storm In addition it can help keep vandalism and burglaries out Depending on the severity of the weather, a homeowner or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to seal the doors and windows The sooner the boarding process is completed, the better the security for the property Boards can be secured with screws or nails It is recommended to use nails long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame You can also use steel security door that are firmly anchored using friction and anti-tampering screws This combination makes the panels impossible to remove with a crowbar, and provides the same security as traditional wooden boards Before beginning the process of boarding up, it's important to analyze the situation to choose the appropriate materials and methods This will save time and money while ensuring the highest level of protection that is possible The assessment should include assessing vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcements are required It is also essential to remove obstacles and clear away any furniture from the area to ensure it is safe and easy for the boarder to get in Once the site is ready for boarding, the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, taking off all hardware, and making any required repairs The area should be sanded to ensure a seamless fit and help the boards withstand wind and other forces To avoid confusion, it's a good idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are intended to fit After marking the boards, they are cut to size They are then placed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the building Screws should be placed every few inches to secure the boards securely It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior inserting the screws to avoid splitting and to ease insertion The boards are then solidly secured with caulking to stop leaks and increase the weather resistance Pest protection A building that is vacant is an open invitation to rodents, squirrels, raccoons and rats that are looking for shelter or food These animals can cause a lot of damage to property and pose health risks and spread disease By boarding up doors and windows to stop creatures from entering your home and causing 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 the pests of mice and spiders are able to crawl through cracks that are as small as a quarter Installing door sweeps and weather strips on all doors that are outside will help reduce gaps You should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your home or business For instance, keep mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your home cut tree branches between 12 and 14 inches from the roof and siding and eliminate any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing further damage Another thing that can be done to prevent pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows or doors and entryways This device can be used to keep insects from entering the house It is also helpful for restaurants with drive-thru windows and back shipping doors Remember, though, that it's not necessary board up openings above the first floor unless they're easily accessible without the use of a ladder They could be used as an escape route for fire or a staircase https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/manchester-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters since this can create the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activities If you are unsure what to do with a vacant house get a professional boarding service to cover any openings to create the illusion that it is still being used