The Importance of Boarding Up
Boarding up is a typical emergency response method that protects the property that has been damaged. It lowers the risk of theft, decreases the amount of foot traffic on the scene, and reduces smoke damage on carpets and upholstery.
Boarding up can be done with plywood or steel sheeting. Steel is more expensive however it lasts longer and provides more security.
Security
It's easy to forget after the occurrence of a natural disaster or property damage, that protecting the building is just as important as repairing and making repairs. The act of boarding up your structure can protect it from further damage or vandalism. It can also discourage criminals or squatters seeking an opportunity.
Boarding up a building will stop further damage from flying debris or water, as well as providing a safe environment for pets and children. In addition the boarding up process can shield vacant properties from the risk of burglary and vandalism. To effectively guard your vacant property, you have to develop a security plan that combines traditional physical protection with the latest technology and expert services.
One of the most important things you can do when you are boarding up your building is to secure all entry points. Doors and windows are obvious first places to start, but you should also consider entrances that might not be considered a typical entry point but could be used by criminals, such as skylights and basements.
Another crucial aspect of a security plan for vacant structures is to make use of the right materials. Plywood will warp over time and then pull away from fixtures. Steel is more expensive but it will last for a long time and offer more security than plywood.
The best option is to select steel security screens that can be fitted externally to windows above the floor. They are easier to install than Sitex security screen panels and they will not require the window to be taken out in order to cause damage to the frame or glass.
boarding up doorway designed for compression are made to provide a simple boarding solution. They are as safe as a Perforated Steel screen, but less likely to harm the frame or window.
Effective physical security relies on the concept of defense in depth, which entails creating multiple layers of security measures that are intended to both stop those who can be stopped and deter those who cannot. In the end, no security control measure can be 100 100% effective against an adversary that is well-equipped and determined. Combining an effective board-up security method with monitoring and surveillance technologies will increase the chances that your vacant property will remain unoccupied.
Waterproofing
If a structure has been damaged due to an accident, fire or other occurrence, windows, doors, and walls may be left open to the elements. The boarding up of the area prevents further damage and offers security against vandals and trespassers until the property is repaired and re-occupied.
Waterproofing is an important component of a quality board up service. Waterproofing stops moisture from entering the structure, leading to mold and rot. It also reduces the risk of structural damage and saves on expensive maintenance costs. Waterproofing can increase the value of your property or business.
While it is essential to secure the building with boards, it is not an effective security measure. Effective security is based on a concept known as defence in depth. It is therefore a matter of adding layers, not removing them. But an effective boarding-up solution that is secure can help deter most criminals as they will try to gain entry through other routes.
A full inspection of all access points, including fire escape ladders and access points next to flat roofs, must be carried out. These are difficult to block and are often ignored or neglected by people who are squatters.
Once the boarding-up has been completed, it's important to conduct a final check to ensure that there aren't any risks to safety and that all panels are secured properly. This will enable easy reinstallation if necessary.
Another benefit of boarding up a building is that it will help to reduce the loss from insurance claims. Many insurance companies support the proactive approach and will be more likely to approve an insurance claim if the insured has taken steps to protect the property prior to further damage occurring. This can be particularly important if the damage has been caused by weather-related storms or other issues. In these situations, it is important to secure the building as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to avoid costly repairs.
Prevention of Damage
Following a natural disaster, property owners must take extra precautions in order to protect their building from further destruction. Placing up windows and doors that have been damaged is an example of this measure. Whether it's because of fire or storm damage this is usually necessary to prevent further damage, theft or even squatters from getting into the building while waiting for the permanent repairs to be completed.
Boarding up a building is usually done with OSB or plywood, which is cut to the desired size and secured using nails. This can be accomplished using basic carpentry skills. It is recommended to leave this job to professionals who have the right tools and know-how for boarding up a safe structure. Professionals know what kind of plywood to choose based on the climate where the structure is located and may also add carriage bolts for security. They will also ensure that there are no safety risks such as protruding nails or screws that could cause injuries to anyone who enters the building in the future.
Apart from the obvious security benefits, boarding up your business or home could help save you money in the long term. If you're a business owner this is crucial. If a window breaks during a hurricane, for instance, it's likely your customers won't come back. A broken window also makes your store look uninviting and can lead to theft.
Your insurance policy may pay for the cost of boarding. Most property policies include an option to cover the cost of emergency services. This includes securing damaged properties following wind or flood catastrophes. Failure to secure your property quickly enough after such damage can cause the insurance company to deny your claim, or at the very least, hold the property owner accountable for any further or subsequent damage caused by neglect.
A boarding up will not only protect your building from further damage, but it also protects your building from squatters and animals. Squatters are attracted to vacant homes because they are easy to break into, and could cause thousands of damage within a short time. A boarding can not only deter 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 a fire. This includes drapes, furniture and other items that could otherwise be destroyed by soot or ash remnants from the fire.
Insurance
Most standard homeowner's insurance policies are designed to cover the cost of repairing and building structures and possessions that are damaged by covered perils however, some policies also provide the provision of emergency mitigation services which may include boarding up windows. The details can differ. A certified disaster restoration contractor can help navigate the process and ensure you are covered in the right way.
Boarding up a property offers many benefits for the owner, including protection against further damage, theft and external elements. The process is also a deterrent against vandalism and trespassers, which can further damage the property. It can also reduce the possibility of an fire, which could cause more damage to the structure.
During the boarding-up process technicians trained to inspect the property to make sure that any openings are sealed by using plywood or other materials. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that the property is exposed to. They will also seal the property to avoid damage caused by wind and water and also look for safety hazards such as protruding screws or nails. After the boarding is done, the team will remove any debris or materials to ensure the security of the area.
After the board-up is completed The property owner can rest sure that their home will be secured until it is repaired or replaced. In certain instances the property owner might be able to keep their insurance coverage since any additional damage will likely be deemed to be negligence.
The best way to safeguard your home or commercial property is to hire a professional boarding up service. These companies are specialized and will evaluate the damage and secure open areas with boards and provide peace of mind to property owners during an uncertain moment. They can also collaborate with your insurance company to ensure that you get the coverage you deserve.
It's important to act quickly to safeguard your property in the event that your building has been damaged by a fire, storm or other event. A reputable boarding service can offer security, protection against further destruction, and peace of mind for your office or home. To find out more about a service called a "board-up" and to schedule an appointment, contact them.