Commercial Boarding Up: 11 Things You're Forgetting To Do

Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide

In business world, security is vital. Whether handling a store, office building, or storage facility, securing physical assets is vital, specifically in times of crisis. One major preventive step organizations can take is boarding up their properties. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, techniques, and best practices for application.

What is Commercial Boarding Up?

Commercial boarding up describes the process of briefly protecting windows and doors of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized during emergencies such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves an establishment empty for an extended period. The ultimate objective is to avoid unauthorized access, prevent theft, and safeguard property against damage.

Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?

The need for commercial boarding up typically develops for several reasons:

  1. Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and severe storms can cause significant damage to structures through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can decrease Emergency Door Boarding to doors and windows.

  2. Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and safeguard valuable inventory and devices.

  3. Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be essential to limit access to particular areas, making sure safety and security.

  4. Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and entering. Boarding up offers protection up until the property can be protected or repurposed.

Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up

There are several methods to board up a commercial property successfully. These can differ based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards need to stay in place.

Common Boarding Materials

Product

Features

Best Used For

Plywood

Strong and readily available

Short-term boarding, high danger

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Cost-effective, good strength

Brief to medium-term boarding

Metal Sheets

Extremely resilient, fire-resistant

High-security needs, long-lasting

Lexan or Polycarbonate

Lightweight, impact-resistant

High-security glass replacement

Installation Techniques

  1. Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.

  2. Brackets: Use brackets to enhance the boards, especially for larger openings.

  3. Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be used for included security, ensuring that boards can not be easily removed.

  4. Frame Construction: For extended exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting directly to the structure can be helpful.

Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up

While many boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions may be essential. It is necessary to examine the individual requirements of the property and purpose of the boarding up.

Finest Practices for Boarding Up

To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular finest practices need to be followed:

  1. Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weaknesses that might be exploited during a crisis.

  2. Use the best materials: Choose the proper boarding materials based upon the level of risk and duration of boarding up.

  3. Professional installation: For larger or heavily impacted properties, engaging professional services can ensure remarkable security and compliance with local policies.

  4. Preserve secure access points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if necessary.

  5. Regular assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and intact, especially after storms or high winds.

FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up

What is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?

A density of at least ½ inch is suggested for plywood boarding up to guarantee it can endure high winds and impact.

How can I get rid of boards after installation?

Typically, loosening the boards or getting rid of bolts ought to permit for easy elimination. Nevertheless, it is essential to have the appropriate tools on hand.

Can I board up my business myself?

Yes, lots of businesses choose to board up themselves; however, it is frequently advised to work with specialists for bigger residential or commercial properties or in high-risk scenarios.

How long can boards remain up?

The time boards can remain in place depends on different factors, including local regulations, the security required, and physical conditions affecting the property.

How do I protect my business from prospective vandalism when it is closed?

In addition to boarding up, consider setting up security cameras, lighting, and alarm to enhance the general security of your property when closed.

Commercial boarding up is a strategic technique to protecting companies from numerous potential threats, consisting of natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By comprehending different approaches, materials, and finest practices, business owners can boost the security of their residential or commercial properties, reduce damage, and guarantee the safety of their assets. While the procedure may appear straightforward, proactively engaging in thorough preparation and consultation may yield the best outcomes in protecting a business's most essential financial investments.