The Importance of Boarding Up
The practice of boarding up damaged property is a common method to secure the property following the occurrence of a disaster. It deters theft, reduces pedestrians' access to the fire scene and minimizes the damage caused by smoke to carpeting or upholstery.
Steel or plywood can be used to frame windows. repairmywindowsanddoors is more expensive, but it lasts longer and provides greater security.
Security
In the wake of an natural disaster or another property damage, it can be easy to forget that safeguarding your building is as important as repairing and fixing. The act of boarding up can help protect the structure from further vandalism and damage and will also discourage criminals and squatters looking for an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
By boarding up a building it is possible to prevent further damage caused by flying debris or water. It also provides a safe environment for children and pets. In addition that boarding up protects vacant homes from the dangers of vandalism and burglary. To safeguard your vacant property effectively, you'll have to develop a plan that incorporates physical security with modern technology and professional services.
When you're boarding up a building it is crucial to secure all entryways. Doors and windows are the obvious places to start, but you should be aware of entrances that may not be considered a typical entrance point but could be used by criminals, such as skylights and basements.
Another important aspect of a security strategy for vacant structures is to make use of the right materials. Plywood is a common option, but it could be prone to warping and pulling away from fixtures in time. Steel is a more expensive material, but it will last for a long time and provide more security than plywood.
It is recommended to choose steel security screens which can be positioned externally on windows above ground level. They are easier to install than Sitex security screens and do not require removal of the window, which can cause damage to the glass or frame. Compression security screens are designed to offer a simple-to-install board solution. They are as safe as Perforated Steel screen and less likely to harm the frame or window.
Effective physical security relies upon the concept of defence-in-depth which involves multiple layers of security controls designed to deter those who can be deterred as well as delay those who cannot. In the final analysis, no security measure is 100 100% effective against an adversary who is well-equipped and determined. Combining an effective board-up security method with surveillance and monitoring technology can increase the odds that your vacant property will not be occupied.
Waterproofing
When a building is damaged due to an event, like a natural disaster or fire, it can cause windows, doors and walls exposed to the elements. The boarding up of the area prevents further damage and provides security against trespassers or vandals until the property can be repaired and re-occupied.
A good boarding-up service should include waterproofing as a part of the overall plan. Waterproofing stops moisture from entering the structure, which can cause mold and rot. It also reduces the chance of structural damage and saves on the expense of maintenance. Waterproofing can enhance the value of your property or business.
While securing the building using boards is essential, it should be noted that it's not an all-encompassing security solution. Effective security is based on the concept known as defence in depth. It's therefore a matter of adding layers, not removing them. Nevertheless, a secure boarding-up solution can deter most criminals, as they attempt to gain entry via other routes.
A full survey of all possible access points, including fire escape ladders, and access points near flat roofs, must be carried out. These are difficult to block and are often missed by looters or squatters.
After the boarding up is completed, it's crucial to conduct a final inspection to ensure there aren't any hazards and that the panels are securely secured. This will enable easy installation if needed.
The process of boarding up a structure will also reduce the amount of insurance claims. Many insurers support the proactive approach and are more likely to settle a claim when the insured has taken measures to safeguard the property in advance of any further damage that may occur. This is especially important if damage was caused by storms or another weather-related issue. In these instances it is essential to board up the building as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to avoid costly repairs.
Prevention of Damage
Following a natural disaster property owners should take extra precautions in order to protect their building from further damage. Placing up windows and doors that have been damaged is a good solution. If it's a result of fire or storm damage, this is often required to stop further damage, theft or even squatters entering the building while waiting for the permanent repairs to be made.
Boarding up a building is usually done with OSB or plywood, which is cut to the desired size and then secured using nails. This can be accomplished using basic carpentry skills. It is recommended to leave this task to professionals, who have the right tools and know-how for boarding up a safe structure. Professionals know which kind of plywood is most suited to the climate in the location where the building is located and can even add carriage screws for security. They will also ensure that there aren't any safety hazards such as protruding nails or screws that could cause injuries to anyone who enters the building in the future.
Aside from the obvious safety benefits, boarding your business or home can help save you money in the long term. If you're a business owner, this is particularly important. If your window is damaged by the midst of a hurricane, for example, it's likely your customers will not return. A broken window also makes your store appear unattractive and could lead to theft.
The cost of boarding up may be covered by your insurance policy. Almost every property policy has an option to cover the cost of emergency services, which includes securing properties after they've been damaged by flood, wind or other calamities. Failure to secure your property promptly after the damage could cause the insurance company to deny your claim or at the very least, hold you responsible for any additional/secondary damage that is caused by negligence.
A boarding up will not only shield your home from further damage, but also from animals and squatters. Squatters are attracted to vacant homes because they are easy to break into, and they can cause thousands of dollars in damages in a short period of. A boarding will not only prevent them from gaining entry into your home and causing damage, but it will also help to protect the items you've managed to save after an incident with fire. This could include furniture, drapes and other things that could otherwise be destroyed by ash or soot residues from the fire.
Insurance
The majority of homeowner's insurance policies are designed to cover the cost of repairing and building structures and possessions that are damaged by the covered dangers, but many also include provisions for emergency mitigation which may include boarding windows. However, the exact terms differ. A certified disaster restoration specialist can help navigate the process and ensure that you get adequate coverage.
Boarding up a property offers many benefits to the owner, such as protection from further damage, theft, and external elements. The process is also an effective deterrent for unwanted trespassers and vandalism, which can further damage the property. In addition, it could also reduce the likelihood of a fire that could cause further damage to the structure.
When boarding up trained technicians will examine the property and seal any gaps with plywood or another material to limit outward exposure. They will then seal the property to avoid damage from wind and water and also look for safety hazards like protruding screws or nails. Once the boarding up is completed, the team will take care to clean up any debris and materials to keep the area safe.
Once the board-up service is completed, the owner of the property will be able to relax knowing that their home is secured until it is repaired or replaced. In certain cases, this may even allow them to retain their insurance coverage, since it is likely that any further damage would be considered negligence.
The best way to protect your home or commercial property is to employ a professional boarding up service. These specialized companies will assess the damage, secure any open areas with boards, and provide peace of mind to homeowners during a stressful time. They can also work with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the coverage that you are entitled to.
It is essential to act fast to protect your property if your building has been damaged by fire, storm or other occurrence. A reputable boarding service can provide security, protection from further destruction, and peace of mind for your office or home. Contact a board-up service to learn more about their services and to arrange an inspection.