Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is vital. Whether dealing with a retailer, workplace building, or storage facility, securing physical assets is essential, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their premises. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, methods, and finest practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the process of briefly securing doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is frequently utilized during emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility empty for a prolonged duration. The ultimate goal is to avoid unauthorized gain access to, hinder theft, and secure property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up frequently emerges for numerous reasons:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and extreme storms can trigger considerable damage to buildings through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can reduce possible damage to doors and windows.

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

Building and construction and Renovations: During repair, it may be necessary to restrict access to particular locations, guaranteeing safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can end up being targets for squatting or breaking and entering. Boarding up offers protection till the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are several methods to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can differ based on 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 MaterialsMaterialFunctionsFinest Used ForPlywoodStrong and readily offeredShort-term boarding, high dangerOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthBrief to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsVery resilient, fireproofHigh-security needs, long-termLexan or PolycarbonateLightweight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that penetrate deeply into the wall for stability.

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

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

Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting straight to the structure can be advantageous.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While most boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions might be required. It is important to assess the specific needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the efficiency of commercial boarding up, certain finest practices need to be followed:

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

Use the ideal products: Choose the suitable boarding products based on the level of threat and period of boarding up.

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

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

Routine examinations: Periodically examine the boarding to ensure it stays secure and intact, especially after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?
A thickness of at least ½ 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?
Normally, loosening the boards or eliminating bolts must permit for simple elimination. Nevertheless, it is important to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous services opt to board up themselves