Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a retailer, workplace building, or storage facility, securing physical assets is vital, particularly in times of crisis. One major preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their properties. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, methods, and best practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of temporarily securing doors and windows of commercial residential or commercial properties 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 empty for a prolonged period. The supreme objective is to prevent unauthorized gain access to, hinder theft, and secure property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up often develops for a number of factors:
- Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can trigger substantial damage to structures through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can lessen potential damage to doors and windows.
- Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and protect valuable inventory and devices.
- Building and Renovations: During repair, it might be needed to limit access to particular areas, guaranteeing safety and security.
- Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and going into. Boarding up offers Window Protection until the property can be protected or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property effectively. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards should remain in place.
Common Boarding Materials
| Product | Features | Finest Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and easily available | Short-term boarding, high threat |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, decent strength | Short to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Incredibly resilient, fire-resistant | High-security requirements, long-term |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Light-weight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Setup Techniques
- Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.
- Brackets: Use brackets to reinforce the boards, especially for larger openings.
- Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be utilized for included security, ensuring that boards can not be quickly eliminated.
- Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards instead of connecting directly to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While a lot of boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions may be required. It is necessary to evaluate the specific needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices need to be followed:
- Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and evaluate the weak points that might be exploited during a crisis.
- Make use of the best materials: Choose the suitable boarding materials based upon the level of hazard and duration of boarding up.
- Professional setup: For larger or greatly impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can ensure exceptional security and compliance with local regulations.
- Preserve secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if necessary.
- Regular examinations: Periodically check the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, specifically after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the ideal density for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and impact.
How can I eliminate boards after setup?
Generally, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts need to enable for simple removal. Nevertheless, it is essential to have the proper tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, many companies decide to board up themselves; however, it is often suggested to hire professionals for bigger properties or in high-risk scenarios.
For how long can boards stay up?
The time boards can remain in place depends upon different factors, including local regulations, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I secure my business from prospective vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, think about setting up security electronic cameras, lighting, and alarm to boost the general security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical approach to safeguarding organizations from numerous possible dangers, including natural disasters and criminal activity. By comprehending different techniques, materials, and best practices, entrepreneur can enhance the security of their homes, alleviate damage, and make sure the security of their possessions. While the process may appear simple, proactively taking part in detailed preparation and consultation might yield the very best lead to securing a business's most crucial investments.
