The 10 Scariest Things About Boarding Up

Boarding Up a Door Protecting your home or business from damage is possible by boarding up a door. During the stormy season it is a typical procedure. However it's not a good idea for vacant properties. Boarded-up vacant houses tend to lose their value in the area around them. There are alternatives to plywood boards that can be more attractive and provide the same protection. Preparation The act of boarding up a door can provide an effective way to protect your home from damage in the event of severe weather or natural disaster. This process can be complex and time-consuming based on how many windows and doors you have to cover. The preparation is the key to a successful board process. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards can be secured, maximizing protection and security. Start by assessing your property's needs and choosing the appropriate materials and equipment. It is recommended to select plywood. This is available at many hardware stores and is more durable than Oriental strand board (OSB). It is also essential to use a thicker material that can withstand high winds. A thickness of 5/8 inches is a great choice. Cut the plywood boards with a circular blade. Mark the boards using the doors or windows as much as possible to allow them to be identified and stored until needed. After the plywood has been cut and measured, it can then be placed on the window or doors frame and secured with screws. If necessary, braces can be added to strengthen the frame and improve stability. It is also important to drill holes prior to the screws to prevent them from splitting and make it easier to insert. After the boards have been secured and glued, you can apply caulk or weatherstripping to fill in any gaps. This will also improve the protection. It is recommended to put up a board up all windows and doors with glass that are located on the first floor of a home or business. This will shield them from the elements and debris in severe storms, as well as reducing the chance of a burglary by vandals or squatters. Materials It is typical to board up windows and doors when a house is empty to protect it from intruders and weather. While the most common solution is plywood, a more secure option is security screens made of steel. These are wedged into place, secured with screws that are anti-tamper and cannot be removed by crowbars or other common domestic tools. The first step to boarding is to prepare the area. Take away all debris and broken glass before placing a piece of plywood on the floor to serve as the foundation plate. Create a 2”x4” frame from lumber and affix to the floor along the door's opening, using screws that work with concrete fasteners (ideally Torx). Then by using metal or wood shmming, raise the frame and lintel up to the height of zero on the wall. Repeat the process at least three times, and then use the lowest measurement for the door's height. Security against burglars: An empty structure is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters who could enter and cause damage. A quick and effective boarding up helps to stop burglars from entering and keeps the property secure until the property can be fixed. Protection against wildlife: An unprotected building invites rats, squirrels, and raccoons to enter the structure and cause damage. A simple boarding-up will keep the pests out until they are removed in a permanent manner. It is essential to cover a storefront with plywood during hurricanes and strong storms. This is especially true in areas where there is civil unrest or a risk of looting. Plywood boards are an excellent way to protect windows from debris that could fly over and act as a barrier for criminals. Steel security screens are a safer option. They are fixed to the window frames with special fixings that are resistant to tampering, and can only removed with specialist tools. Measurement The boarding up of doors is a critical step in securing an empty property from the elements and prevents burglaries and other security threats. The process is simple to follow and requires only a few carpentry expertise. It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly for making sure the boards fit properly and provide a secure protection. This includes cleaning the door and frame, inspecting for any damage, sanding rough areas and drilling pilot holes to stop splitting and ease screw insertion. Use tape measure to precisely determine the width and height of the window or door. Remember to make multiple measurements to ensure accuracy, and be sure to include the window framing (but not the trim or structural framing). This information will help you decide how many plywood sheets to purchase. It's crucial to keep these measurements handy when buying and installing the plywood. The importance of boarding up doors isn't just important to protect buildings from extreme weather conditions, but also for vacant homes and security of businesses. Without a secure boardup, doors and windows are susceptible to burglaries by vandals, squatters and other intruders. A secure boarding system can help to deter burglars as it creates an obstacle that takes more force to overcome. To board up a door properly it is necessary to first remove the existing hardware and put it in a secure place for reinstallation later. To ensure better adhesion, clean the door and frame using a damp rag. Then sand rough areas to smooth the surface and dry it using the help of a towel. Cutting The process of boarding up a building is the process of covering windows and doors with plywood sheets to protect them from further damage. This is done after a building was damaged by floods, fires or other natural catastrophes. It is also used to safeguard property that is being repaired or renovated. It can prevent burglary and entry by unauthorized persons and deter further damages during the cleaning and restoration process. Examining the building and determining why it requires boarding up is the first step. This will help you choose the appropriate materials and methods for the job. For instance, you may need to reinforce the boards with additional blocks or a steel frame for more security and stability. It is also possible to add tamper proof screws, anti lift plates deadbolts or window films to improve the security of your home. When you're ready to begin with the safety gear and get started with the boarding process. Use a ladder to access the windows and doors that you're locking, and work with a friend whenever possible. This will ensure everyone is safe and allows you to move the plywood sheets. It is also crucial to remember that power tools, shattered glasses, and other debris could be hazardous. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of how to manage these tasks safely, it's always best to call in an expert. Install the plywood after it has been cut to size. You'll first have to remove the threshold from the bottom opening of the door. The next step is to trace a line of marks on the plywood using the threshold as a template. Then, cut the marks using a saw (pictures 6 and 7). Be sure to use a power saw that has the cutting depth set to the thickness of the steel sheets for security. Installation If a property is empty, it's important to secure the door to safeguard it from theft, vandalism and other dangers. It also protects against the elements. Boarding up the property helps to stop wind, water and debris from further damaging the structure and its contents, and it also keeps squatters and other guests who aren't invited out. It's important that you ensure that the boards are secured when you are boarding up a window or door. If they're not secured, they'll easily be smashed by squatters or other criminals. This can be done by using various methods. You could, for instance make use of a sturdy bracket to anchor the board. Or, you can make use of a pair of 2x4s and a bolt to hold the board in place. This method is especially useful for older homes. Steel sheets for security are more durable. They come in a variety of sizes to suit most homes and are available as either perforated or solid options. Installation teams cut them on the spot to ensure that they will fit perfectly into the window frame or any other opening that needs the boarding up. Steel is typically more expensive than plywood however, it provides higher levels of security and can last for a long time. When boarding up a door with steel security, it is important to use anti-tamper fixings. They are more expensive than standard screws, however they provide a higher level of security. They can only be used with a specific tool making them difficult to remove. This is an advantage over plywood, which can be easily removed by criminals using typical tools.