Understanding Residential Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
As extreme weather condition events and socio-political unrest end up being more frequent, numerous house owners are thinking about boarding up their homes to secure versus potential damage. Residential boarding up involves covering windows, doors, and other openings with boards to prevent vandalism, theft, or storm damage. This post explores the different elements of residential boarding up, including its significance, techniques, materials, and important factors to consider.
Why is Residential Boarding Up Necessary?
Residential boarding up serves numerous functions, primarily focused on safety and protection. The following are key reasons property owners go with this precautionary procedure:

Protection from Extreme Weather: Hurricanes, storms, and heavy snowfall can trigger considerable damage to vulnerable homes. Boarding up helps avoid broken windows and water intrusion.

Preventing Crime and Vandalism: In areas with high crime rates or during civil unrest, boarding up makes a home less appealing to prospective vandals or burglars.

Insurance Requirements: Some insurer may need a home to be boarded up in specific conditions to prevent claim denials.

Keeping Property Value: A damaged home can significantly reduce property worth. Boarding up assists preserve the structural stability of a property, reducing possible repair expenses in the long run.
Approaches of Residential Boarding Up
Homeowners can pick from numerous approaches to board up their homes. The choice mostly depends on spending plan, ability level, and the kind of protection needed.
Approaches Include:
Plywood Boarding: The most common technique involves using sheets of plywood, generally 5/8-inch thick, that can be cut to fit windows and doors.

Typhoon Shutters: These are irreversible fixtures that can be set up over doors and windows. They provide more robust protection than plywood and can be deployed rapidly.

Lexan or Polycarbonate Panels: Clear, long lasting panels that allow light to go into however prevent items from breaking through. These are typically a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to plywood.

Metal Screens: These screens can offer a long-lasting service for securing windows, particularly in locations prone to break-in.

Expandable Barriers: Some house owners go with expandable barriers that can be adapted to fit various openings. These can be more costly however offer greater benefit.
TechniqueExpense RangeInstallation DifficultyLevel of ProtectionPlywood BoardingLow (₤ 50-₤ 100)ModerateHighHurricane ShuttersModerate (₤ 200-₤ 600)Easy to ModerateVery HighLexan PanelsModerate to High (₤ 300-₤ 800)ModerateHighMetal ScreensModerate (₤ 150-₤ 400)EasyModerateExpandable BarriersHigh (₤ 600+)Moderate to DifficultHighMaterials Used for Boarding Up
When considering residential boarding up, the type of products utilized can considerably influence efficiency and sturdiness. Here are some typically used materials:
Common Materials:
Plywood: Widely readily available and cost-effective