Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a retail shop, office building, or warehouse, protecting physical properties is important, particularly in times of crisis. One major preventive step companies can take is boarding up their premises. This short article explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, approaches, and finest practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of temporarily protecting doors and windows of commercial homes by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is frequently used during emergencies such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or restorations, or when a business leaves a facility empty for a prolonged period. The ultimate goal is to avoid unauthorized access, prevent theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up frequently arises for numerous factors:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and severe storms can trigger considerable damage to buildings through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can decrease prospective damage to doors and windows.

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are susceptible to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and protect important stock and equipment.

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

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for squatting or breaking and getting in. Boarding up offers protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous methods to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the period for which the boards need to stay in location.
Typical Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily offeredShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsExceptionally resilient, fire-resistantHigh-security requirements, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that penetrate deeply into the wall for stability.

Brackets: Use brackets to reinforce the boards, particularly for larger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for included security, guaranteeing that boards can not be easily eliminated.

Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching directly to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While the majority of boarding up practices are planned to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions might be necessary. It is important to evaluate the specific needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, specific best practices should be followed:

Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and evaluate the weak points that might be made use of throughout a crisis.

Use the best products: Choose the appropriate boarding materials based on the level of risk and duration of boarding up.

Professional installation: For bigger or heavily impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can guarantee superior security and compliance with local regulations.

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

Regular assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it stays secure and undamaged, particularly after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of at least 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can hold up against high winds and impact.
How can I eliminate boards after installation?
Usually, loosening the boards or getting rid of bolts need to permit simple elimination. However, it is important to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of companies opt to board up themselves