Boarding Up a Door
Boarding up doors is a proactive step that can help property owners protect their homes and businesses from damage. In the time of storms it is a typical procedure.
But, it's not a great idea for vacant properties. The houses that are boarded up lose value in the surrounding area. There are alternatives to plywood boards that could be more attractive and offer the same level of protection.
Preparation
The boarding up of the door is a good method to shield it from damage during an event of natural disaster or extreme weather. However, the process can be time-consuming and complicated based on the number of doors and windows to be covered. It is important to prepare beforehand so that the boarding process is completed quickly. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards are securely attached, maximizing protection and security.
Begin by assessing your property's needs and choosing the appropriate equipment and materials. It is recommended to use plywood, which can be purchased at most hardware stores, and is more durable than oriental strand boards (OSB). It is also essential to use a thicker and more durable material that can endure powerful winds. A thickness of 5/8-inch is the ideal. Measure and cut the plywood boards to size with a circular saw. If you can mark the boards using the window or door openings, so that they can be easily identified and stored until required.
After the plywood is cut and measured, it is then able to be placed on the window or doors frame and secured with screws. If needed, braces can be put in place to strengthen the frame and improve the stability. Making holes prior to drilling for screws is essential to prevent splitting and to make the insertion simpler. After the boards have been secured with caulk or weatherstripping to fill in any gaps. This can also increase security.
It is recommended to board up all glass doors and windows that are located on the first floor of a home or business. This will shield them from debris and wind during severe storms and will also decrease the likelihood of a break-in by vandals or squatters.
Materials
It is common to board up doors and windows when a building is not in use to protect it from weather and intruders. While the standard solution is plywood, a more secure option is steel security screens. They are inserted into the ground, secured with anti-tamper screws, and are not removed by crowbars or other tools commonly used in the home.
The first step in boarding is to prepare the area. Remove all debris and broken glass before placing a piece of plywood on the floor to act as the foundation plate. Build a 2"x4" frame from lumber and affix to the floor at the door 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 until the height of the zero level on the wall. Repeat the process three times and then use the lowest measurement for the height of your door.
Security against burglars: A property that is vacant is a prime opportunity for vandals, thieves and squatters to enter and cause damage. A quick and effective boarding-up can stop burglars from entering and keeps the property safe until it can be repaired.
Protection against wildlife: An unprotected building can invite squirrels, rats and raccoons into the building and cause further damage. A simple boarding-up keeps these creatures out until they can be taken care of in a permanent way.
The practice of boarding up the storefront is particularly important during hurricanes or strong storms and in areas of civil disorder where there is a chance of looting. Plywood boards are a great way to protect windows from debris flying around and act as a security measure for criminals. A safer alternative is steel security screens, which are affixed to the windows with anti-tamper fixings and can only be removed using special tools that criminals do not have access to.
Measurement
Boarding up doors is a critical step in securing a vacant property from the elements and stopping burglaries and other security hazards. The procedure is easy to follow and doesn't require any prior knowledge of carpentry. Thorough preparation is key to making sure that the boards are securely fitted and offer effective protection. Cleaning the door and frame is important as is checking for any damage by sanding rough spots or drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting.
Use an measuring tape to precisely determine the length and width of the window. Be sure to take multiple measurements, and include the window frame (but not the trim or structural framing). This will help you determine the number of sheets of plywood to buy, and it's important to keep these measurements handy when buying and installing the plywood.
Boarding up doors is not just important to protect homes from extreme weather, but also for vacant home and security of businesses. If there isn't a secure boardup for doors and windows, vandals, squatters, and other intruders are able to penetrate them. A secure boarding system can deter intruders because it creates a barrier that requires more force to overcome.
To board up an entrance properly you'll have to take off the hardware that is in place and put it in a secure location to be reinstalled in the future. Then, clean the frame and door and wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris to ensure better adhesion. Then sand the rough patches to smooth out the surface and dry it with the help of a towel.
Cutting
The process of boarding up an entire building is to cover windows and doors in plywood sheets to avoid further damage. This is typically done when the building has been damaged by flood, fire or other natural disasters. It can also be used to protect the property being renovated or repaired. It can prevent burglary and entry by unauthorized persons and prevent further damage during the cleaning and restore process.
Analyzing the structure and determining the reasons for the boarding up step. This will help you select the right materials and techniques to complete the task. For example, you may require strengthening the boards with extra blocks or a steel frame to provide increased security and stability. You might also need to add tamper-proof screws anti-lift plates, deadbolts or window films to further increase the security of your home.
Put on your safety gear once you are ready to start the process of boarding. Use a ladder to reach the windows and doors you're securing and work with a partner whenever feasible. This will ensure everyone is safe and helps to move the plywood sheets. It is also important to remember that working using power tools, shattered glass, or other debris is risky. It's best to hire a professional if you are not sure how to handle these tasks.
Install the plywood after it has been cut to size. You'll first have to remove the threshold from the bottom opening of the door. Next, you'll want to trace an outline of the marks on the plywood using the threshold as template. Then, cut the marks using the saw (pictures 6 and 7). Make use of a powersaw with the cut depth equal to the thickness the steel security sheets.
Installation
The procedure of boarding up a door an essential procedure when a property is vacant and needs to be secured against vandalism, theft or other threats. It also protects against the elements. The boards help to prevent water, wind and debris from further damaging the building and its contents, and it keeps squatters as well as other guests who aren't invited out.
It is crucial to secure the boards in place when you are boarding up a door or window. Otherwise, they can easily be taken away by squatters or other criminals. This can be accomplished using various methods. You could, for instance, use a strong bracket to hold the board. You can also use a pair of 2x4s and an anchor bolt to secure the board. This method is particularly useful for older homes.
Steel security sheets are a more durable option. They are available in a variety of sizes that will fit most properties and are available in either perforated or solid options. Installation teams cut them on the spot to ensure that they will fit perfectly into the window frame or other opening that needs boarding up. boarding up windows and doors is typically more expensive than plywood, however, it provides higher levels of security and can last for a long time.
When you are boarding up doors with steel security, it's important to use anti-tamper fixings. They are more expensive than standard screws, yet they offer more security. They can only be used using a specific tool, making them difficult to remove. This is an advantage over plywood, which can be quickly removed by criminals using normal tools.