10 Healthy Boarding Up Habits

The Importance of Boarding Up Boarding up is a typical disaster response measure that secures the property that has been damaged. It reduces 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 offers more security. Security It's easy to forget after a natural disaster or damage to property, that protecting the structure is just as important as repairing and making repairs. The act of boarding up your structure will help protect it from further vandalism or damage. It can also discourage criminals or squatters seeking an opportunity. A building that is boarded up will prevent further damage from falling debris or rain and also provide an environment that is safe for children and pets. Boarding up vacant buildings can also protect them from burglary or vandalism. To protect your vacant property effectively, you'll need to implement a strategy that combines physical protection with the latest technology and professional services. When boarding up a building it is essential to secure all entryways. Windows and doors are the obvious first places to start but you must also consider entrances that might not be a conventional entry point but could be used as such by criminals such as basements and skylights. The right materials are also an important part of a security plan for vacant buildings. Plywood is a common option, but it could be prone to warping and pulling away from fixtures as time passes. Steel is more expensive but will last forever and provide more security than plywood. The best option is to select security screens made of steel that can be affixed externally to windows above the floor. They are easier to install than Sitex security screens and do not require removal of the window, which can cause damage to the frame or glass. Security screens made of compression are designed to provide an easy-to-install board solution. They are as safe as Perforated Steel screen, but less likely to harm the frame or window. Effective physical security relies upon the concept of defence-in-depth which entails multiple layers of security measures designed to stop those who can be deterred and also delay those who can't. Ultimately, no single security measure is 100% effective against a well-equipped and determined adversary. Combining a successful board-up security plan with surveillance and monitoring technology can improve the odds that your vacant property will remain unoccupied. Waterproofing If a structure is damaged by a natural disaster, fire or other occurrence windows, doors, and walls can be open to the elements. A boarded-up area helps prevent further damage and provides protection against vandals or trespassers until the property is repaired and re-occupied. Waterproofing is a crucial component of a quality boarding up service. Waterproofing stops moisture from entering the structure, causing mold and rot. It also helps reduce the chance of structural damage and saves on the expense of maintenance. Waterproofing can boost the value of your property or business. While the idea of securing buildings with boards is essential, it should be noted that it is not a complete security solution. Effective security is based on the concept known as defence in depth. It's therefore a matter of adding layers rather than taking them away. A secure boarding-up can deter criminals as they try to gain access via other routes. A complete inspection of all access points including fire escape ladders and access points next to flat roofs, must be carried out. These can be difficult to block and are often overlooked by looters or squatters. After the boarding up is complete, it's important to perform a final check to ensure there aren't any hazards and that the panels are properly secured. This will also permit an easy reinstallation later on if required. The act of boarding up a building can also reduce the amount of insurance claims. A lot of insurers will pay claims if the insured has taken proactive measures to protect their property prior to further damage occurs. This is especially important when the damage was caused by storms or other weather-related issues. In these cases it is imperative to ensure that the structure has been boarded up as soon as possible to prevent further damage and avoid the need for costly repair work. Prevention of Damage In the aftermath of an natural catastrophe, property owners have to take extra precautions to protect their buildings from further damage. One of the measures is to board up any windows or doors that have been impacted. Whether it's because of fire or storm damage, this is often required to stop further damage, theft, and even squatters from getting into the building while waiting for permanent repairs to be completed. The process of building a board is usually done with plywood or OSB, which is cut to the desired size and secured with nails. This can be done with basic carpentry skills. It is best to leave this task to professionals who have the right tools and know-how for boarding up a safe building. Professionals know which kind of plywood is most suited to the climate in the region where the building is located and can add carriage screws to ensure security. They will also ensure that there aren't any dangers to safety, such as protruding nails or screws that could cause injury to anyone who enters the structure in the future. In boarding up doors colchester to the obvious security advantages, boarding up your business or home can help you save money in the long run. If you're a business owner, this is especially important. If, for example, windows break during a hurricane the customers won't be able to come back. A damaged window can make your store look uninviting and could lead to theft. The cost of boarding up may be covered by your insurance policy. Most property policies have a provision that covers the expense of emergency services, which includes the need to secure properties after they've been damaged by flood, wind or other natural disasters. Failure to secure your property in time 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. In addition to protecting your home from further damage, a boarding up can also protect it from squatters and animals. Squatters are known to target empty homes, particularly when they are easily accessed and can cause thousands of dollars in damages in a short amount of time. A boarding will not only prevent them from gaining entry into your home and causing damage, but it will also help to protect the items you've rescued from an incident with fire. This includes furniture, drapes and other things that would otherwise be destroyed due to smoke or ash from the fire. Insurance Standard homeowner's policies cover the repair and reconstruction costs of structures and personal possessions that are damaged by covered hazards. However, many also provide emergency mitigation, for example, the boarding of windows. The details can differ. A certified disaster restoration contractor can guide you through the process and ensure that you get adequate coverage. Boarding up a property offers many benefits for the owner, including protection from further damage, theft, and external elements. It also serves as an effective deterrent for unwanted trespassers and vandalism, which can further damage the property. In addition, it could reduce the chance of a fire, which could cause further damage to the structure. When boarding-up is completed trained technicians will inspect the property to ensure that all holes are sealed with plywood or other materials. This will reduce the potential exposure of the property. They will also seal the property to protect it from damage from wind and water, and check for safety hazards such as protruding nails or screws. After the boarding up process is completed, the team will take care to clean up any debris and items to ensure the area is safe. Once the board-up service is complete, the owner of the property will be able to relax knowing that their home is protected until it can be fixed or replaced. In some instances the property owner might be able to keep their insurance coverage as any additional damage could be considered negligent. Hiring a professional boarding service is the best way to secure any residential or commercial property. These companies can assess damage, secure open areas with boards, and provide peace of mind for property owners during an uncertain time. They can also collaborate with your insurance company to ensure that you get the coverage you deserve. It is crucial to act swiftly to safeguard your property if your property was damaged by a storm, fire, or any other incident. A reputable boarding service will provide security, protection from future damage, and peace of mind for your office or home. Contact a board up service to find out more about their offerings and to set up an inspection.