Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is paramount. Whether handling a retailer, office complex, or storage facility, protecting physical assets is important, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive measure businesses can take is boarding up their premises. This short article explores the concept of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, approaches, and best practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of briefly securing windows and doors of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for a prolonged period. The ultimate aim is to avoid unauthorized access, discourage theft, and secure property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently emerges for a number of reasons:
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can trigger significant damage to structures through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can lessen possible damage to doors and windows.
Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are susceptible to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and safeguard important stock and equipment.
Construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be essential to restrict access to particular locations, making sure security and security.
Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching or breaking and entering. Boarding up offers protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property successfully. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the duration for which the boards must stay in place.
Common Boarding Materials
| Material | Functions | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and easily offered | Short-term boarding, high risk |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, decent strength | Short to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Very resilient, fire-resistant | High-security needs, long-term |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Lightweight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Setup 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 locations, bolts can be used for included security, ensuring that boards can not be easily removed.
Frame Construction: For prolonged direct 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 permanent or semi-permanent solutions may be needed. It is vital to evaluate the private requirements of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, certain best practices ought to be followed:
Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weak points that might be exploited throughout a crisis.
Use the ideal materials: Choose the appropriate boarding materials based upon the level of danger and duration of boarding up.
Professional installation: For bigger or heavily impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local policies.
Maintain secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, guarantee that you have secure access points for emergency services, if essential.
Regular examinations: Periodically check the boarding to ensure it stays secure and intact, especially after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the perfect density for plywood boarding?
A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to ensure it can hold up against high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Generally, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts should permit easy elimination. Nevertheless, it is important to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous services decide to board up themselves; nevertheless, it is frequently recommended to employ experts for bigger properties or in high-risk situations.
How long can boards stay up?
The time boards can remain in place depends on numerous factors, consisting of local ordinances, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I protect my business from possible vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, think about setting up security electronic cameras, lighting, and alarm to improve the total security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical technique to protecting services from different potential threats, including natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By comprehending different methods, products, and finest practices, business owners can enhance the security of their homes, alleviate damage, and guarantee the security of their properties. While the process may appear uncomplicated, proactively taking part in detailed planning and assessment may yield the very best outcomes in protecting a business's most crucial investments.
