This Is The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Boarding Up
Boarding Up a Door
Boarding up doors is a proactive step that can help property owners protect their buildings and homes from being damaged. It's a common practice during the time of storms.
It's not the best option for vacant property. Homes that are boarded-up and vacant lose value in the surrounding area. There are alternatives to plywood that are more visually appealing, while providing the same protection.
Preparation
The process of boarding a door offers security against damage in the event of a severe weather or natural disaster. This process can be complex and time-consuming depending on how many windows and doors you have to cover. It is important to prepare beforehand so that the boarding process can be accomplished efficiently. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards are secure to ensure maximum security and protection.
Begin by assessing the property's needs and choosing the appropriate equipment and materials. It is recommended to choose plywood. It is readily available at most hardware stores and is more durable than Oriental strand board (OSB). It is also essential to choose a thicker and more durable material that is able to endure strong winds. A thickness of 5/8 inches is a great choice. Cut the plywood boards to size with a circular saw. If possible mark the boards using the appropriate window or door openings, so that they can be easily identified and stored until needed.
After the plywood has been cut and measured, it can be positioned around the frame of the door or window and secured using screws. Braces can be used to strengthen and increase the strength of the frame, if needed. It is also important to drill holes in advance for the screws to avoid splitting and make it easier to insert. Once the boards have been secured, weatherstripping or caulk can be applied to close any gaps and improve protection.
It is recommended to board up all glass doors and windows that are located on the ground floor of a home or business. This will shield the glass from debris and wind in severe storms. It also decreases the chance of vandals or squatters breaking into your property.
Materials
If a building is vacant, it is often necessary to board up the windows and doors to protect against intruders and weather. Steel security screens are a more secure alternative to plywood. These are wedged into place and secured with anti-tamper screws, and are not removed using crowbars or any other tools commonly used in the home.
The first step is to prepare the space for boarding. Get rid of any broken glass and debris before placing a piece of plywood on the floor to act as the foundation plate. Utilize screws compatible with concrete fasteners, preferably Torx to secure a 2"x4" frame along the floor of the door opening. Then using either metal or wood shimming, raise the frame and the lintel up to the height of the wall. Repeat this process at least three times and then use the lowest measurement for the door's height.
Security against burglars: A vacant structure is an open invitation for thieves, vandals and squatters to break in and cause damage. A quick and effective fencing can stop them and keep the property secure until it is repaired.
Protection from wildlife: An open building is also a big invite for squirrels, rats, raccoons and other unwanted animals to get inside and cause further damage. A simple boarding up can keep the pests away until they can be dealt with in a more permanent fashion.
It is essential to secure a storefront during storms that are strong and hurricane-like. This is also the case in areas where there is tensions between the citizens or a threat of looting. Plywood boards do a good job of protecting the windows from flying debris and also a barrier to criminals. A safer alternative is security screens made of steel that are attached to window frames using special anti-tamper fixings that can only be removed with special tools that criminals do not have access to.
Measurement
The boarding up of doors is an essential step to protect vacant properties from storms as well as preventing burglaries and other security threats. The procedure is simple to follow and requires no carpentry skills. To ensure that the boards are secure and provide adequate protection, it is important to prepare them thoroughly. This includes cleaning the door and frame and examining for any damage, sanding rough areas and drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert screws.
Use a measuring tape to accurately determine the size and width of the window. Remember to make emergency boarding up near me to ensure accuracy, and be sure to include the window framing (but not the surrounding trim or structural framing). This will help you to determine how many sheets of plywood you will need to purchase.
While boarding up doors is typically used to shield properties from the elements however, it's also a vital part of vacant house and business security. Without a secure boardup, doors and windows are at risk of being broken into by vandals, squatters or other intruders. A secure boarding-up system helps deter these intruders by providing an obstacle that requires a lot more force to penetrate.
To properly put up the front door, you will need to remove the existing hardware. Store it in a safe place for later installation. Then clean the frame and door and wipe them down with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt and dust to improve adhesion. Then sand the rough spots to smooth out the surface and dry it using an absorbent towel.
Cutting
The process of boarding a building involves covering doors and windows with plywood sheets to prevent further damage. This is done after a building was damaged by fire, floods or other natural catastrophes. It is also a good idea to protect buildings that are being renovated or being repaired. It can deter unauthorized entry and break-ins and prevent further damage during the cleaning and restoration process.
The first step in the boarding up process is to examine the building and figure out the reason for boarding it up. This will allow you to choose the appropriate materials and methods for the job. For instance, you might require a reinforcement of the boards by adding blocks or a steel frame for increased security and stability. You might also have to add tamper proof screws, anti lift plates, deadbolts, or window films to increase the security of your home.
If you're ready to start, put on your safety gear and begin with the boarding process. If you can you can use a ladder reach the doors and windows you want to secure. Work with a friend. This ensures everyone's safety and helps to move the plywood sheets. Also, it's important to keep in mind that power tools, shattered glasses, and other objects can be dangerous. If you're unsure how to manage these tasks safely, it's always best to call in an expert.
Once the plywood is cut to size then it's time to begin installing it. The first step is to remove the threshold from the door's bottom opening. Then, using the threshold as a guide to mark a line on the plywood. Then, cut the marks using a saw (pictures 6 and 7). Make sure to make use of a power saw with a cutting depth set to the thickness of the steel sheets for security.
Installation
When a property is vacant, it's important to board up the door to safeguard it from vandalism, theft and other threats. It also shields the property from the elements. The boards help to keep wind, water and debris from further destroying the building as well as its contents. it also keeps squatters and other guests who aren't invited out.
When boarding up a door or window, it is important to make sure that the boards are secured in place. Criminals and squatters can easily remove them in the event that they aren't secured. This can be accomplished using a variety of techniques. For instance, you can make use of a sturdy bracket to hold the board. Or, you can make use of a pair 2x4s as well as a carriage bolt to secure the board in the right position. This is especially useful for older homes.
Steel sheets of security are more durable. They come in a variety of sizes to suit most properties and are available as either perforated or solid choices. Installation teams cut the panels on site to ensure that they will fit perfectly into the window frame, or any other opening that requires boarding up. Steel is more expensive than plywood, but provides better protection and can last for many years.
When you are boarding up a door with steel security, it's crucial to use anti-tamper screws. They cost more than standard screws, but they provide a higher level of security. They can only be used with a specific tool, making them harder to remove. This is a major advantage over plywood, which can be easily removed by criminals using typical tools.