Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary

Before a storm, you should board up all windows and doors. This will protect your home from theft and vandalism.

A building that is unoccupied invites thieves, vandals, and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside and will be weighed for the door frames.

Protection from vandals

Vacant property can be a magnet for vandals, thieves and squatters. Boarding up a property that is damaged, broken down or destroyed offers valuable protection from such criminals. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of construction or renovations. The building might be empty for a period of time, and boarding up windows and doors will stop criminals from entering until the work is completed.

A boarding-up service will not only shield your property against vandals but also from weather-related damage. Criminals are attracted to damaged or broken doors or window since they can see inside. A boarding up service will ensure that all windows and doors are shut and that any entry points are screened to stop water, debris and cold air from getting into the structure.

Plywood is often used to board up windows, but it does not provide the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is usually fixed to the ground using screws that can be easily removed by criminals with the appropriate tools. By contrast, the specialist anti-tamper fixings used to hold steel screens into place are extremely difficult to get rid of without the appropriate tool.

Steel screen is a cost-effective method of securing the entry points of your investment property. The slight upfront cost of the materials is a small amount in comparison to the risk of loss or damage caused by a break-in or vandalism attack on an empty building.

In addition, a professional boarding up service will install doors with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep out squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to look over your property frequently to ensure that it's being maintained. These simple steps can stop burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. The most important thing is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property before the issues begin.

Animals are protected from

The boards offer protection against animals that might try to gain access to the property for any number of reasons, including shelter for the night or out of curiosity. If a pet is allowed inside the house, it could cause a wide variety of issues, ranging from structural damage to health risks. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out, while also keeping pets and children safe. boarding up doorway should be noted that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding if they can only be accessible via ladders or are accessible from adjoining properties or stairwells.

Protection against the elements

The boards protect the windows and doors from damage by debris and wind during a storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and break-ins. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up doors and windows. The sooner the boarding process is completed and secured, the more protection your property will be given.


The boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to go through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are fixed in place with friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes the doors impossible to remove using the crowbar, and also provides the same security as traditional wooden boards.

It is crucial to evaluate the situation prior to taking the time to make sure that the appropriate materials are used and the best approach. This will save time and money while ensuring the highest level of security. The assessment should include assessing the vulnerability as well as identifying any potential problems and determining if reinforcement is needed. To make the boarding process more efficient and safer, it is important to eliminate any obstacles and furniture from the area.

The team will prepare the frame and door for board installation by cleaning the surface and removing any hardware. They will also make any needed repairs. The area must be sanded to ensure a seamless fit and aid in helping the boards stand up to wind and other forces. It is also a good idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the window or door they are meant to be used for to avoid confusion and allow easy identification.

After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. The boards are then installed over the openings or weak areas of the building. Screws should be placed every few inches to keep the boards securely in place. It is recommended to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to avoid splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and improve weather resistance.

Pest protection

A vacant building is a perfect place for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause significant damage to buildings and pose health risks as well as the spread of disease. By boarding up doors and windows, you can prevent pests from getting in and contaminating the structure.

It's not enough just to board up the entry points. You also need to fill in any gaps within your structure. For instance mice and spiders can crawl through cracks that are as small as the size of a quarter. This is why it's important to install door sweeps and weather stripping on all your exterior doors to reduce the gaps between these areas.

You should also remove any organic debris that is a nuisance around your business or home. Keep pine straw and mulch at least 12 to 14 inches away from the building's foundation. Remove tree branches from the roof or siding by approximately 12 to 14 in. Remove any weeds that are growing close to the base of your building. This will prevent insects from getting into your property and causing further damage.

Another option to block pests from entering a vacant structure is to install an air curtain. It is a large industrial ceiling fan that blows air over windows doors, entranceways, and even doors. It can be used to keep flying insects out of the house. It can also be used for drive-thru windows in restaurants and back shipping doors.

Be aware that it isn't required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor unless the openings are accessible and could be used as an escape route or stairwell. Avoid boarding up windows and doors in a property that is occupied by people who are squatters, as this can give the impression of being abandoned, which could attract criminals. If you're not sure how to do with a vacant property, hire a professional board service to cover any gaps to create the illusion that it's still being used.