Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Commercial Boarding Up
Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a store, office complex, or warehouse, safeguarding physical assets is essential, specifically in times of crisis. One major preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their facilities. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, approaches, and finest practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the process of temporarily securing windows and doors of commercial homes by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically used throughout emergencies such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves an establishment unoccupied for an extended duration. The supreme aim is to avoid unauthorized gain access to, discourage theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently emerges for numerous factors:
- Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can trigger significant damage to structures through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can minimize prospective damage to doors and windows.
- Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can deter Vandalism Prevention and protect valuable inventory and devices.
- Building and construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be necessary to restrict access to certain areas, making sure safety and security.
- Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can end up being targets for squatting or breaking and getting in. Boarding up offers protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous methods to board up a commercial property effectively. These can differ based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the period for which the boards should remain in place.
Common Boarding Materials
| Product | Features | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and readily available | Short-term boarding, high risk |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, decent strength | Short to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Extremely resilient, fire-resistant | High-security needs, long-lasting |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Lightweight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Installation 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 strengthen the boards, especially for bigger openings.
- Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be used for added security, ensuring that boards can not be easily removed.
- Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting directly to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While the majority of boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions may be essential. It is necessary to assess the individual needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, certain best practices need to be followed:
- Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and evaluate the weaknesses that might be exploited throughout a crisis.
- Make use of the best materials: Choose the suitable boarding products based on the level of danger and period of boarding up.
- Professional installation: For larger or heavily impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can guarantee remarkable security and compliance with local policies.
- Preserve secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if needed.
- Regular assessments: Periodically check the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, particularly after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the perfect 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 remove boards after installation?
Usually, loosening the boards or removing bolts should enable simple removal. Nevertheless, 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; however, it is typically recommended to hire specialists for larger residential or commercial properties or in high-risk circumstances.
The length of time can boards stay up?
The time boards can remain in location depends on different elements, including local ordinances, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I secure my business from possible vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, consider setting up security cameras, lighting, and alarm to enhance the total security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical method to securing businesses from numerous prospective risks, consisting of natural disasters and criminal activity. By comprehending numerous approaches, products, and best practices, entrepreneur can boost the security of their homes, reduce damage, and ensure the security of their assets. While the process may seem simple, proactively engaging in comprehensive planning and assessment may yield the very best results in protecting a business's most vital financial investments.
