Boarding Up a Door Or Window
Placing boards over a door or window is a good way to deter vandalism, theft, and occupation by squatters. Boarding up can protect your property from water damage and pests.
It is recommended to purchase the plywood, cut it and store the panels in advance of when you need them. It is recommended that they be labelled and stored in a location that is dry.
1. Deter crime
When it is managing or residing in a vacant property, there are a myriad of problems. One of the most significant is how to keep the building secure from vandals and thieves. Boarding up is an affordable and fast method of preventing criminals from entering your property. It creates an physical barrier that deters criminals and reduces the risk of the possibility of a burglary.
Burglaries are a major issue for vacant buildings and blocking windows and doors is a great way to discourage burglars from attacking the premises. The majority of burglars seek accessible properties. By constructing a barrier with steel sheets or plywood they will see that the property isn't easy to get to and will move on to another property.
Boarding up helps minimise the risk of damage to buildings, and decreases the chance of water or pests. Be aware that boarding up isn't the only way to protect vacant buildings. However, it is an ideal place to start particularly in areas with high rates of crime.
To secure a property, almost every property can be boarded. You can board up nearly any property, from houses shops, commercial structures, to churches, listed structures, and even stately homes. It's important to consider all the entrances and exits of the property and to be sure that the boarding covers all of them. This includes not only doors and windows, but also basements, skylights, and delivery points like cellar access to pubs and bars.
In addition to the practical advantages of board up, it can also be used as a marketing tool for vacant properties, by demonstrating that the building is being used and well-maintained. It is also an effective method to keep away from the negative image that is associated with vacant buildings, which are often seen as a potential target for crime and vandalism.
While there are other ways to secure vacant properties by putting up concrete barriers and licensed security guards, board up is a fast and cost-effective option that can be handled by a specialist provider within a matter of hours in the event of an emergency. They can also offer advice on other vacant property security solutions such as concrete barriers and wireless CCTV that provide an all-encompassing approach to security that will reduce the risk of arson, anti-social behavior fly-tipping, trespassing, and squatting.
2. Prevent water damage
The act of boarding up damaged property is a vital step to secure it. It protects the property from further damage that is caused by the elements, trespassers, and wild animals. It also shields the contents of the house from further destruction. This is especially important if the property has been declared uninhabitable due to a flood, fire or other disaster.
While the boarding up process is costly but it's a much cheaper alternative to replacing windows, doors or roofs. It's also a cost effective method to deter vandalism and ensure that the contents of your home protected until it can be repaired. Vandalism and graffiti are an issue in empty homes. Placing plywood boards on walls can deter people who are looking for a quick buck, and property owners can save money and time.
If the property is vacant for a prolonged period, it's a good idea to also install a board. This will prevent rainwater seeping into the building and causing further damages and mold growth, or even structural degrading. Additionally, a boarding can aid in stopping animals from entering the home and causing damage or eating items.
A boarding may be used to discourage squatters from living within your home in a shady manner. It makes it more difficult for them to enter and cause further damage since they won't be able to open the door. If you need to secure a property it's a great idea to hire someone who provides emergency board-up services.
While the main reason for boarding up is to protect a building from any further damage, it's important to consider the impact it may have on the neighborhood. It could negatively impact the perception of neighboring properties and their property values if a home is boarded-up indefinitely. They may perceive the property as abandoned or in decline which could affect their property value.
3. Keep out pests from entering
A property that is vacant is a prime target for vandals, thieves and people looking for a home to settle. The act of boarding up windows and doors will help to deter these unwanted guests by making it more difficult to enter the building.
Open windows can be a pathway for rodents into your home, in addition to Raccoons, squirrels, and other unwanted animals seeking shelter and food. Once they gain access, they could cause extensive damage and create a mess. By boarding windows and doors, you can stop pests from entering and damaging furniture and fixtures inside.
One common method of boardering up investment properties is using plywood sheets. Plywood is affordable and readily available at many hardware stores and is easy to work with. It is a great temporary measure to protect vacant property against weather damage and intruders however, it is easily damaged by water or wind. It is recommended that it be replaced with something that is longer-lasting.
Another method of enhancing the security of a property that is vacant is to use steel sheeting, which is more durable and water-resistant than plywood. It's also more simple to install and requires less maintenance.
It is important to search for other ways to enter your home or business and also boarded up windows and doors. Be sure to secure the attic as well as the basement and air vents using metal or net covers.
If your property has many openings that need to be secured, think about a professional boarding service that provides a range of options designed to withstand weather, insects and intruders. These solutions are cost-effective and offer a higher level security than conventional plywood. A professional with experience will know how to install and maintain these products, ensuring that they are durable and effective.
4. Avoid damage to furniture
When a property is vacant It is crucial to take precautionary steps to avoid damage to the furniture inside. Placing boards over windows and doors is a great method to stop this. It shields the interior from elements and makes it more difficult for burglars to get in. This can help to minimize the amount of time and money lost due to damage to the furniture in the home.
The main reason to board up your property is to safeguard it from damage caused by debris which can be caused by natural disasters or storms. These types of incidents can be extremely destructive and often result in many financial losses to owners and tenants. If you secure properties prior to the incident the damage that is caused by these incidents can be significantly reduced. The act of boarding up the windows and doors of a property can also protect against vandalism and unintentional intruders.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of carpentry can easily put up boards on an entire property. It is essential to purchase the correct equipment prior to beginning, including plywood, 2x4s, and nails. The best type of plywood for boarding is exterior grade, and it must be at least 5/8-inch in thickness. It should be purchased in sheets of 4x8 feet that is easily cut to size. It should also be 30% more durable than Oriental Strand Board (OSB).
It is crucial to be aware that local councils might have specific regulations or laws regarding the use of boarding on your property. The regulations may differ between areas and therefore it is essential to check with your local council to ensure you follow the correct procedures. Failure to adhere to these regulations could lead to fines or other legal consequences.
The process of boarding up is not only a great method to protect your home from the elements, but it is also a crucial step for landlords and managing agents who must adhere to the requirements of their insurer. Most typical home insurance policies do not cover a home that is vacant for more than 30 days however the specific restrictions will differ by the provider. Boarding up your property is a vital safeguard that will help ensure its security until you can move in or sell it.