Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a store, office building, or storage facility, securing physical properties is essential, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive measure services can take is boarding up their facilities. This short article explores the concept of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, methods, and finest practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of momentarily protecting doors and windows of commercial homes by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for an extended period. The ultimate goal is to avoid unauthorized gain access to, hinder theft, and secure property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently occurs for a number of reasons:

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

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and safeguard important inventory and devices.

Construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be required to limit access to certain areas, making sure safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for crouching or breaking and entering. Boarding up offers protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property successfully. These can differ based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the duration for which the boards must remain in location.
Typical Boarding MaterialsMaterialFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and readily availableShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsVery long lasting, fireproofHigh-security requirements, 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 easily gotten rid of.

Frame Construction: For extended exposure, building a frame to hold the boards instead of connecting directly to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While a lot of boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where permanent or semi-permanent solutions might be required. It is necessary to evaluate the specific needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular finest practices should be followed:

Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weak points that might be exploited during a crisis.

Utilize the right materials: Choose the appropriate boarding products based upon the level of threat and period of boarding up.

Professional setup: For bigger or heavily affected homes, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local policies.

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

Routine examinations: Periodically check the boarding to guarantee it stays secure and undamaged, especially after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the perfect density for plywood boarding?
A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can stand up to high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Usually, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts must allow for simple removal. However, it is vital to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of services opt to board up themselves