Boarding Up a Door
Protecting your business or home from damage can be done by boarding up the door. It's a standard practice during the storm season.
It's not the best option for vacant properties. Vacant houses that are boarded up can cause them to be less attractive in the area. There are alternatives to plywood boards that can be more appealing and still provide the same protection.
Preparation
The board-up of a door is an effective way to protect it from damage in the event of an event of natural disaster or extreme weather. However, the process can be time consuming and complicated based on the number of windows and doors you want to be covered. It is important to prepare ahead so that the boarding process can be accomplished efficiently. Thorough preparation will also ensure that the boards are secure, maximizing protection and security.
Begin by assessing the property's needs and choosing the appropriate equipment and materials. It is recommended to choose plywood. This is available at most hardware stores and is more durable than Oriental strand board (OSB). It is also important to select a stronger and more durable material that is able to withstand strong winds. A thickness of 5/8-inch is the ideal. Cut the plywood boards with a circular blade. If possible mark the boards using the window or door openings so that they can be easily identified and stored until they are needed.
After the plywood is cut and measured, it can then be placed around the window or doors frame and secured by screws. Braces can be used to strengthen and improve the strength of the frame if necessary. Pre-drilling holes for screws is essential to prevent splitting and to make insertion easier. Once the boards have been secured, weatherstripping or caulk can be used to fill in any gaps and enhance protection.
Put up a board around all glass windows and doors on the ground floor. This will shield the glass from the elements and debris during severe storms. It will also reduce the possibility of vandals and burglars breaking into your home.
Materials
It is typical to board up doors and windows when a building is vacant to shield it from intruders and weather. While the standard solution is plywood, a more secure option is steel security screens. These are wedged into place, secured with anti-tamper screws, and are not removed with crowbars and other tools commonly used in the home.
The first step to boarding is to prepare the area. Get rid of any broken glass and debris prior to placing a piece of plywood on the floor to serve as a foundation plate. Build a 2"x4" frame from lumber and affix to the floor at the door's opening, using screws that are compatible with concrete fasteners (ideally Torx). After shimming the frame with metal or wood to raise the frame and lintel to the height of the zero point on the wall. Repeat boarding up a doorway at least three times, and then use the lowest measure for the door's height.
Security from burglars: A structure that is not secured is a prime opportunity for vandals, thieves and squatters to enter and cause damage. A quick and efficient boarding-up can deter burglars and keep the property secure until it is repaired.
Protection against wildlife: An unprotected structure invites squirrels, rats and raccoons to get into the building and cause damage. A simple boarding up keeps these creatures away until they can be removed in a more permanent fashion.
It is important to board up a storefront during storms that are strong and hurricane-like. This is especially true in areas where there is civil disturbance or the risk of looting. Plywood boards do a decent job of protecting windows from flying debris and also a barrier to criminals. A safer alternative is steel security screens, that are attached to window frames with special anti-tamper screws and 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, preventing break-ins, and other security threats. The process is easy to follow and doesn't require any prior knowledge of carpentry. To ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection, it is essential to prepare them properly. This involves cleaning the door and frame, inspecting for damages, sanding rough spots and drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting and make it easier to insert screws.
Use tape measure to precisely determine the height and width of the window or door. Make sure to take several measurements, and include the window frame (but not the frame or the trim). This will help you decide the number of sheets of plywood to purchase. It's important to keep these measurements handy when you purchase and install the plywood.
Boarding up doors is not only important for protecting properties from extreme weather but also for vacant house and business security. Without a secure boarding up of windows and doors, vandals, squatters, and other criminals could easily break into them. A secure boarding system can help keep out intruders from entering because it creates an obstacle that requires more force to overcome.
To board up the door correctly, you'll need to first remove the hardware you have already installed and store it in a secure place for reinstallation later. To improve adhesion, clean the frame and door using a damp rag. Then smooth any rough areas to smooth them out, and dry the area with a towel.
Cutting
Boarding up a building is the process of covering doors and windows with plywood sheets in order to protect them from further damage. This is done after a structure has suffered damage from floods, fires, or other natural catastrophes. It can be used to protect the property being repaired or renovated. It can deter access by unauthorized persons and break-ins, and can prevent further damage during the restoration and cleaning process.
Assessing the building and determining why it requires boarding up is the first step. This will allow you to choose the appropriate materials and methods for the job. For instance, you may require strengthening the boards by adding blocks or a steel frame for greater security and stability. You may also have to add tamper-proof screws, deadbolts, plates that prevent lifting, or window films to further enhance the security of your property.
Put on your safety gear when you are ready to begin the process of boarding. Use a ladder to access the windows and doors that you're locking, and work with a friend if feasible. This will keep everyone secure and will make it easier for you to move the plywood sheets. It is also crucial to remember that power tools, broken glasses, and other objects can be hazardous. If you're not sure how to handle these tasks safely, it's always recommended to consult an expert.
After the plywood has been cut to size It's time to begin installing it. You'll first have to remove the threshold from the bottom of the door. Then, you'll need to trace an outline of the marks on the plywood using the threshold as a template. Then, you'll have to cut the marks using the aid of a saw (pictures 6, 7, and 8). Use a powersaw with the cut depth that is equal to the thickness the steel sheets for security.
Installation
If a property is empty it is essential to secure the door in order to protect it from theft, vandalism and other risks. It also shields against the elements. The boards on your property will stop water, debris and wind from damaging the building. It also helps keep out squatters, and other uninvited visitors.
When you are boarding up a door or window, it's essential to ensure that the boards are secured in place. Squatters and other criminals can easily remove them in the event that they aren't secured. This can be accomplished using a few different methods. You can, for example, use a strong bracket to hold the board. You can also make use of a pair of 2x4s as well as a carriage bolt to hold the board in the right position. This method is particularly useful for older homes.
Steel security sheets are a more durable choice. They are available in a variety of sizes to suit most properties and are available as either solid or perforated options. They are delivered in large sheets that are cut at the site by installation teams to ensure that they fit precisely the window frame, or any other openings that require boarding up. Steel is typically more expensive than plywood, however it offers higher levels of protection and can last for years.
It is important to use antitamper fixings when boarding up the security door made of steel. They cost more than standard screws but offer an increased level of security. They can only be installed with a specific tool, which makes them harder to remove. This is a major benefit over plywood which can be easily removed by criminals with ordinary tools.