Boarding Up a Door Or Window

Placing boards over a door or window is a great way to ward off vandalism, theft, and occupation by squatters. Boarding up can protect your property from water damage and pests.

It is a good idea to purchase cut and store plywood panels ahead of time for the time you require them. Ideally they should be labeled and kept in a dry location.

1. Deter crime

Owning or managing a vacant property has its challenges. And when it comes to security one of the primary issues is how to safeguard the building from vandals, thieves, and squatters. Boarding up can be a simple and inexpensive method of preventing criminals from entering your premises by creating a physical barrier and reducing risk of a break-in.

Burglaries pose a significant threat for vacant buildings. The practice of boarding up door s and windows is a great method to deter burglars. Burglars are usually looking for easy-to-access properties. By constructing a barrier by using steel sheets or plywood they will realize that the property isn't accessible, and will move on to a different property.

Apart from preventing entry points, boarding up also helps to minimise damage to the building as well as reduce the risk of water damage and pests. It is important to keep in mind that boarding up isn't the sole method of security for vacant buildings however it's a good starting point, particularly in areas where crime is high.

Almost every property can be boarded up to protect it. From shops, homes and commercial structures to churches or listed buildings, and even stately homes. It is crucial to cover all entrances and exits of the building. This is not just windows and doors as well as skylights, basements and delivery points such as cellar access in pubs and bars.


Boarding up is a great way to promote vacant properties. It demonstrates that the building is being utilized and taken care of. It is also a good way to avoid the negative image of empty buildings which could be viewed as a magnet for vandalism and crime.

There are a variety of ways to secure an empty property, including the installation of concrete barriers and licensed security guards. However it is advisable to board up the property as the most cost-effective and fast solution. A specialist provider can do this in a matter of hours following an emergency. They can also provide advice on other vacant security options like concrete barriers and wireless CCTV which provide a comprehensive approach to security that will help to mitigate the risks of anti-social behaviour, arson fly-tipping, trespassing, and the practice of squatting.

2. Prevent water damage

A board up is an essential step to protect a home after it has been damaged. It helps protect the property from further damage caused by trespassers, the elements and wild animals. It also protects the contents of the home from further destruction. This is particularly important when the building has been rendered uninhabitable following an accident, flood or other disaster.

Although the boarding-up process may be costly, it is far cheaper than replacing windows, roofs, or doors. It is a cost-effective way to protect the contents of the house and prevent vandalism until the home can be fixed. Vacant homes are particularly vulnerable to graffiti and vandalism and graffiti, which can be a huge hassle to remove. Placing plywood boards on walls can deter those who want to make a quick buck and property owners will save time and money.

It's also a good idea to put up a boarding if the property is expected to be left empty for a prolonged period of time. This will stop rainwater from leaking into the structure and creating further damage, mold growth or even structural deterioration. Additionally, a boarding can aid in stopping wildlife from gaining access to the home and causing damage or eating belongings.

A boarding could be a great deterrent for squatters who may be living in the property illegally. They will have a harder time to get into the house and cause further damage because they won't be able to open the door. It's a good idea to employ a professional to provide emergency board up services if you require security for your property.

While the main reason for board up is to safeguard a building from any further damage, it's important to consider the impact it could have on the neighborhood. If a home is boarded up for an indefinite period, it could negatively impact the perception and property values of homes in the area. They might view the property as abandoned or in decline which can impact their property value.

3. Keep out pests from entering

A vacant house is a prime target for vandals, thieves, and homeless squatters who are looking for a spot to take up residence. The act of boarding up windows and doors will stop these unwanted visitors by making it more difficult to gain entry into the building.

Windows that are open can be a way for rodents to enter your home, along with squirrels, raccoons, and other unwanted animals looking for food and shelter. Once they are able to gain access, they could cause extensive damages and create an unintentional mess. The act of boarding windows and doors can stop these creatures from entering the structure and causing further damage to furniture or fixtures inside.

One common method of boardering up investment properties is using plywood sheets. Plywood is easily available in a majority of hardware stores, and is inexpensive and easy to handle. It is a good temporary measure to protect vacant properties from damage caused by weather and intruders. However, it can be damaged by wind or water. It should be replaced with something stronger.

Steel sheeting is an excellent method to enhance the security of a vacant home. It is more robust and resistant to water than plywood. It is also easy to install, and requires less maintenance.

It is essential to look for other entrance points into your business or home, in addition to boarded-up windows and doors. Make sure to secure the attic, basement, and air vents using metal or net covers.

If a property has multiple openings that need to be secured, consider a professional boarding service which offers various options to withstand the elements and insects as well as intruders. These solutions are cost-effective and provide greater security than traditional plywood. A professional with experience will know how to install and maintain these products, making sure that they last and are efficient.

4. Furniture damage prevention

If a house is unoccupied it is essential to take preventive steps to avoid damage to the furniture inside. The practice of boarding up windows and doors is a good method to avoid this. It protects the interior from the elements and makes it difficult for people to break in. This helps reduce the amount of time and money that is lost because of damage to the furniture inside the property.

The most important reason to board up a property is to prevent damage caused by debris resulting from natural disasters or storms. These types of events can be very destructive and often result in an enormous amount of financial loss for both tenants and owners. However, by boarding up properties prior to the incident the damage can be significantly diminished. The boarding up of windows and doors of a house also stops unwanted trespassing and protects against vandalism.

The process of boarding up a home is a cheap and simple procedure that can be completed by anyone with basic carpentry skills. It is important to get the correct supplies before starting with the process, which includes 2x4s, plywood and nails. The most suitable type of plywood to use for board up is exterior grade and must be 5/8-inch thick or less. It should be purchased in sheets of 4x8 feet and can be easily cut to size. It should also be 30% stronger than Oriental strand board (OSB).

It is important to be aware that some local councils may have particular regulations or laws regarding boarding up your home. These rules can differ from one area to one, so it is important to consult your local council to ensure that the correct procedure is followed. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in fines or other legal consequences.

The process of boarding up is not just a great way to shield your home from the elements, but it's also a crucial step for managing agents and landlords who must adhere to their insurer's requirements. The majority of home insurance policies will not cover a property that has been vacant for more than 30 days but the exact restrictions will vary by provider. Boarding up is a crucial security measure that will keep your property safe until it can be reoccupied or sold.