Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is paramount. Whether dealing with a retailer, office complex, or storage facility, protecting physical properties is vital, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive measure companies can take is boarding up their premises. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, techniques, and best practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the process of momentarily protecting doors and windows of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often used during emergency situations such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or restorations, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for an extended duration. The ultimate goal is to prevent unapproved access, hinder theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up often arises for numerous reasons:
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme storms can cause substantial damage to buildings through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can decrease potential damage to doors and windows.
Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can prevent criminal activity and protect valuable stock and equipment.
Construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be needed to restrict access to certain areas, guaranteeing security and security.
Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and going into. Boarding up offers protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are several methods to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can differ based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards should stay in place.
Common Boarding MaterialsMaterialFeaturesBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and readily availableShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthBrief to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsIncredibly long lasting, fire-resistantHigh-security requirements, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLightweight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementSetup 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 reinforce the boards, particularly for bigger openings.
Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be used for included security, making sure that boards can not be easily gotten rid of.
Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards instead of attaching straight to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While a lot of boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions might be essential. It is important to evaluate the individual requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices should be followed:
Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weak points that may be exploited throughout a crisis.
Use the ideal products: Choose the proper boarding materials based upon the level of risk and period of boarding up.
Professional installation: For larger or greatly impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can ensure remarkable security and compliance with local regulations.
Preserve secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if needed.
Regular inspections: Periodically check the boarding to ensure it remains secure and intact, especially after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal density for plywood boarding?
A thickness of at least 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to guarantee it can stand up to high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or eliminating bolts must permit for easy removal. However, it is essential to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of companies opt to board up themselves
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Willard Whitesides edited this page 3 months ago