The Importance of Boarding Up
Boarding up damaged property is a common method to secure it after a disaster. It lowers the risk of theft, minimizes foot traffic at the fire site, and reduces the damage caused by smoke to carpets and upholstery.
The process of boarding up can be accomplished using plywood or steel sheeting. Steel is more expensive but is more durable and provides more security.
Security
In the aftermath of an natural disaster or another property damage, it can be easy to forget that securing your building is as important as fixing and restoring. Boarding up your property can help protect the structure from further vandalism and damage and deter squatters and criminals looking for an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
By boarding up a structure it is possible to stop further damage from flying debris or water. It also provides a safe environment for pets and children. Additionally, boarding up can protect vacant homes from the dangers of burglary and vandalism. To safeguard your vacant property effectively, you will need to implement a strategy that integrates physical protection with modern technology and professional services.
emergency boarding up of the most important things you can do when boarding up your building is to secure all entry points. Start with doors and windows however, you should also consider other entry points that may not be obvious but could be used by criminals.
The right materials are also an essential element of a security plan for vacant buildings. Plywood is prone to warping over time and then pull away from fixtures. Steel is more expensive however, it will last for years and offer more security than plywood.
You should opt for steel security screens which can be installed externally on windows above the ground. These are quicker to install than Sitex security screen panels, and they will not require the window to be taken out and can cause serious damage to the frame and glass. Compression security screens are created to offer a rapid deployment boarding solution that is as secure as Perforated Steel screens and is less likely to cause damage to windows or frames.
Effective physical security is built on the concept of defence in depth, which involves creating multiple layers of security controls that are intended to both stop those who can be deterred and delay those that cannot. Ultimately, no single security measure is 100% effective against an adversary that 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 remain unoccupied.
Waterproofing
If a structure has been damaged by fire, natural disaster or another event 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 reoccupied.
A good boarding-up service should include waterproofing as a part of the overall solution. Waterproofing stops moisture from entering the structure, leading to mold and rot. It also lowers the risk of structural damages and saves the cost of maintenance. Waterproofing is a good investment that will boost the value of a home or commercial space.
While securing the building with boards is crucial but it is important to note that it is not a complete security solution. Effective security is based on a principle called defence in depth. It's an issue of adding layers, not removing them. But an effective boarding-up solution that is secure can deter criminals as they will try to gain entry by other routes.
In addition to the obvious openings such as doors and windows, a thorough survey should be conducted and include other potential access points such as a fire escape ladder or access point near the flat roof. These are difficult to block, and are often ignored or neglected by the squatters.
Once the boarding-up has been completed, it is important to conduct a final check to ensure that there aren't any dangers to safety and that all panels are secured correctly. This will allow for easy removal if required.
Another benefit of boarding up a building is that it can to reduce the loss from insurance claims. A lot of insurers will pay claims if the insured has taken proactive measures to safeguard their property before further damage occurs. This is particularly true if damage resulted from storms or another weather-related issue. In these situations it is imperative to ensure that the structure is secured in the earliest time possible to minimize any further damage and to avoid the need for costly repair work.
Damage Prevention
Following a natural disaster, property owners must take extra precautions in order to protect their property from further damage. One such measure is to put up a board on any doors or windows that have been damaged. This is necessary whether it's due to fire damage or storm damage to avoid further destruction and theft.
The board up of a structure is done with plywood or OSB that is cut to the right size and then secured by nails. This can be accomplished with 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 also know the type of plywood to use depending on the climate in which the structure is located and may also add carriage bolts to ensure security. They also ensure there aren't any safety hazards like protruding screws or nails that could cause injury to anyone who comes into the structure in the future.
A good idea to board your office or home will save you money over the course of time. If you're a business owner this is crucial. If, for instance a window breaks in the midst of a hurricane the customers won't be able to come back. A broken window can also make your store appear unattractive, and cause theft.
Your insurance policy could provide boarding. The majority of property policies contain a provision to cover the cost of emergency services. This includes the need to secure damaged structures following storms or flood calamities. If you fail to secure your property as soon as you can after the damage the insurance company may refuse to pay your claim or make the property liable for additional/secondary damages.
In addition to securing your building from further damage, a board up can also protect it from animals and squatters. Squatters are known to attack vacant homes, especially when they are easily accessed and cause thousands of dollars in damages in a short amount of time. A boarding prevents them from breaking in to your home and will also preserve the things you were able to save after an incident of fire. This can include furniture, drapes and other items that might otherwise be destroyed by ash or soot residues from the fire.
Insurance
Standard homeowner's policies cover the repair and reconstruction costs of structures and possessions damaged by covered perils. However, many also contain provisions for emergency mitigation, such as blocking windows. Specifics can vary. A certified disaster restoration contractor can assist you in the process and ensure you get adequate coverage.
The act of boarding up a property can provide many benefits to the owner, such as protection from further damage, theft, and external elements. This process can also be used to deter unwanted vandalism or trespassers that could cause further damage to the property. It can also lower the possibility of a fire, which can cause more damage to the building.
When boarding-up is completed, trained technicians examine the property to ensure that all holes are sealed with plywood or other materials. This will limit the potential exposure of the property. They will apply a sealant to stop wind and water damage, and ensure there are no safety hazards such as nails protruding or screws. After the boarding-up process is complete, the crew will clean up any debris and items to ensure that the area is secure.
After the board-up procedure is completed the property owner will be able to relax knowing that their home is protected until it is repaired or replaced. In certain cases this could allow homeowners to maintain their insurance coverage, as it is likely that any further damage would be considered negligent.
The best method to protect your commercial or residential property is to employ an experienced boarding service. These specialized companies will evaluate the damage and secure any areas that are open by putting up boards, and provide peace of mind for homeowners in a difficult time. They can also work closely with your insurance provider to ensure that you receive the protection you deserve.
It is essential to act fast to safeguard your property if your building has been damaged by a fire, storm or other event. A reputable boarding service can provide security, protection from future damage, and peace-of-mind for your office or home. To learn more about a service called a "board-up" and to set up an appointment, contact them.