A Proactive Rant About Commercial Boarding Up
Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is vital. Whether dealing with a store, office building, or storage facility, safeguarding physical properties is crucial, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive step companies can take is boarding up their premises. This article explores the concept of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, techniques, and best practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of temporarily protecting windows and doors of commercial homes by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically used during emergencies such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for an extended period. The supreme objective is to avoid unauthorized gain access to, hinder theft, and safeguard property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up typically emerges for numerous factors:
- Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and extreme storms can cause substantial damage to structures through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can reduce Emergency Building Repairs to windows and doors.
- Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can hinder criminal activity and secure important inventory and equipment.
- Construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be needed to limit access to specific areas, guaranteeing safety and security.
- Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching or breaking and entering. Boarding up deals protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are several methods to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards should stay in place.
Typical Boarding Materials
| Product | Features | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and readily offered | Short-term boarding, high risk |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, good strength | Brief to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Exceptionally durable, fire-resistant | High-security needs, long-lasting |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Light-weight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Installation Techniques
- Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.
- Brackets: Use brackets to enhance the boards, particularly for bigger openings.
- Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be utilized for included security, ensuring that boards can not be quickly removed.
- Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching straight to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While many boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions might be needed. It is necessary to evaluate the individual needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, specific best practices ought to be followed:
- Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and evaluate the weaknesses that may be exploited throughout a crisis.
- Make use of the right materials: Choose the appropriate boarding products based upon the level of hazard and period of boarding up.
- Professional installation: For bigger or heavily impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can ensure remarkable security and compliance with local policies.
- Preserve secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if essential.
- Regular evaluations: Periodically inspect the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, especially after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the perfect density for plywood boarding?
A thickness of at least 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can withstand high winds and effect.
How can I get rid of boards after installation?
Usually, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts must permit simple removal. Nevertheless, it is crucial to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous services decide to board up themselves; however, it is frequently recommended to hire professionals for larger properties or in high-risk circumstances.
How long can boards keep up?
The time boards can remain in place depends upon different elements, including local ordinances, the security needed, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I secure my business from potential vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, consider installing security electronic cameras, lighting, and alarm systems to enhance the overall security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical technique to securing organizations from various possible dangers, including natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By understanding numerous approaches, materials, and best practices, company owner can improve the security of their properties, alleviate damage, and ensure the security of their assets. While the procedure might seem simple, proactively participating in detailed preparation and assessment may yield the best lead to safeguarding a business's most vital financial investments.
