Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is paramount. Whether dealing with a retail store, office complex, or warehouse, securing physical properties is essential, particularly in times of crisis. One major preventive measure businesses can take is boarding up their premises. This article explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and finest practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of briefly protecting doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for an extended period. The ultimate goal is to prevent unapproved gain access to, discourage theft, and safeguard property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up often arises for numerous factors:
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and serious storms can cause significant damage to structures through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can decrease potential damage to windows and doors.
Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured properties are susceptible to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can prevent criminal activity and protect important inventory and equipment.
Construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be necessary to restrict access to particular areas, guaranteeing safety and security.
Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can end up being targets for crouching or breaking and getting in. Boarding up deals protection till the property can be secured or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous techniques to board up a commercial property effectively. These can vary based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the duration for which the boards should remain in place.
Common Boarding Materials
| Material | Features | Finest Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and readily available | Short-term boarding, high danger |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, good strength | Short to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Incredibly durable, fire-resistant | High-security needs, long-term |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Lightweight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Installation 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 enhance the boards, especially for larger openings.
Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be utilized for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be easily eliminated.
Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards instead of attaching straight to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While most boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions may be required. It is important to examine the individual needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, specific best practices should be followed:
Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and evaluate the weak points that might be made use of during a crisis.
Use the best products: Choose the suitable boarding materials based on the level of risk and period of boarding up.
Professional setup: For larger or greatly affected homes, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local policies.
Preserve secure access points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if necessary.
Regular assessments: Periodically check 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 density of at least 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can withstand high winds and impact.
How can I eliminate boards after setup?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or eliminating bolts need to enable easy elimination. Nevertheless, it is important to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous businesses decide to board up themselves; however, it is often suggested to hire professionals for larger homes or in high-risk circumstances.
For how long can boards keep up?
The time boards can remain in place depends on different aspects, including local ordinances, the security needed, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I safeguard my business from prospective vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, consider installing security video cameras, lighting, and alarm to enhance the overall security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical technique to protecting organizations from numerous prospective threats, including natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By understanding various methods, products, and best practices, entrepreneur can improve the security of their properties, mitigate damage, and make sure the safety of their properties. While the process may appear simple, proactively participating in extensive planning and assessment might yield the finest lead to protecting a business's most vital investments.
