Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is critical. Whether handling a retailer, office building, or storage facility, protecting physical possessions is crucial, specifically in times of crisis. One significant preventive step companies can take is boarding up their properties. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, techniques, and best practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the procedure of briefly protecting windows and doors of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for a prolonged period. The ultimate goal is to prevent unauthorized gain access to, discourage theft, and protect property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up often develops for a number of reasons:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can trigger significant damage to buildings through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can decrease potential damage to windows and doors.

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and protect important stock and devices.

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be essential to restrict access to particular locations, ensuring security and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and going into. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be protected or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of methods to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can differ based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards need to remain in place.
Common Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily availableShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsExtremely durable, fireproofHigh-security requirements, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLightweight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementSetup 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 enhance the boards, especially 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 eliminated.

Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching directly to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While most boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions might be required. It is vital to examine the individual needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices need to be followed:

Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weaknesses that may be made use of during a crisis.

Utilize the ideal materials: Choose the appropriate boarding products based on 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 superior security and compliance with local guidelines.

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

Routine examinations: Periodically examine the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and undamaged, especially after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the perfect thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of at least 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and impact.
How can I eliminate boards after installation?
Generally, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts should permit easy elimination. However, it is essential to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of companies choose to board up themselves