Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a retailer, office building, or warehouse, securing physical possessions is vital, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive measure services can take is boarding up their properties. This article explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, techniques, and best practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of temporarily securing doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or restorations, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for an extended duration. The ultimate aim is to prevent unauthorized gain access to, prevent theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up often develops for several reasons:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and extreme storms can cause significant damage to structures through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can reduce possible damage to windows and doors.

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and safeguard valuable stock and devices.

Construction and Renovations: During repair, it may be essential to restrict access to particular areas, guaranteeing safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can end up being targets for squatting or breaking and entering. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property successfully. These can differ based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards must remain in location.
Typical Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsFinest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily offeredShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthBrief to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsExtremely resilient, fire-resistantHigh-security needs, long-termLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation 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 strengthen the boards, especially for bigger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be used for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be quickly removed.

Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching straight to the structure can be advantageous.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While the majority of boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where permanent or semi-permanent solutions may be needed. It is vital to assess the specific needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, certain best practices need to be followed:

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

Utilize the best products: Choose the appropriate boarding products based on the level of threat and period of boarding up.

Professional setup: For bigger or heavily affected properties, engaging professional services can guarantee remarkable security and compliance with local guidelines.

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

Regular examinations: Periodically examine the boarding to guarantee it stays secure and undamaged, particularly after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the perfect thickness for plywood boarding?
A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is suggested for plywood boarding up to ensure it can hold up against high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts ought to enable simple elimination. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, many businesses opt to board up themselves