Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is vital. Whether handling a store, office complex, or warehouse, securing physical assets is important, particularly in times of crisis. One major preventive measure companies can take is boarding up their facilities. This article explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and finest practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of briefly securing doors and windows of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically utilized during emergency situations such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility empty for an extended duration. The ultimate goal is to prevent unauthorized gain access to, deter theft, and protect property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up often arises for several factors:
- Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can trigger substantial damage to buildings through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can reduce potential damage to windows and doors.
- Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and secure important inventory and devices.
- Construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be needed to restrict access to certain locations, ensuring safety and security.
- Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for squatting or breaking and getting in. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of approaches to board up a commercial property successfully. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards should stay in place.
Common Boarding Materials
| Material | Features | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and readily offered | Short-term boarding, high danger |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, good strength | Short to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Extremely long lasting, fire-resistant | High-security needs, long-lasting |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Lightweight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Setup Techniques
- Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.
- Brackets: Use brackets to reinforce the boards, especially for bigger openings.
- Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be used for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be easily gotten rid of.
- Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching 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 long-term or semi-permanent solutions might be necessary. It is important to examine the specific requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices ought to be followed:
- Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weaknesses that might be exploited throughout a crisis.
- Make use of the best products: Choose the suitable boarding products based upon the level of danger and duration of boarding up.
- Professional installation: For bigger or heavily affected homes, engaging professional services can ensure exceptional security and compliance with local regulations.
- Maintain secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if required.
- Routine examinations: Periodically inspect the boarding to ensure it stays secure and undamaged, especially after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up
What 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 stand up to high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after installation?
Typically, loosening the boards or eliminating bolts must allow for easy removal. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of services choose to board up themselves; nevertheless, it is often advised to employ professionals for larger properties or in high-risk circumstances.
For how long can boards stay up?
The time boards can remain in place depends on different factors, consisting of local ordinances, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I protect my business from potential vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, think about setting up security video cameras, lighting, and alarm systems to boost the general security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical approach to securing services from numerous prospective threats, including natural disasters and criminal activity. By comprehending different approaches, products, and best practices, company owner can enhance the security of their residential or commercial properties, mitigate damage, and guarantee the safety of their properties. While the advantage may seem straightforward, proactively participating in comprehensive preparation and consultation might yield the very best lead to protecting a business's most essential financial investments.
