Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is critical. Whether handling a store, office building, or storage facility, protecting physical assets is essential, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive procedure businesses can take is boarding up their properties. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and best practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of briefly securing doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often made use of during emergencies such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for a prolonged duration. The ultimate aim is to avoid unapproved gain access to, discourage theft, and protect property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently occurs for several factors:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme storms can cause significant 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 susceptible to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and secure important stock and devices.

Building and construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be essential to limit access to certain areas, ensuring security and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching or breaking and getting in. Boarding up offers protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous approaches to board up a commercial property successfully. These can differ 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.
Typical Boarding MaterialsMaterialFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and readily offeredShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthBrief to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsIncredibly resilient, fireproofHigh-security needs, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation 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 strengthen the boards, especially for larger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be easily removed.

Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of attaching straight to the structure can be helpful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While the majority of boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where permanent or semi-permanent solutions may be necessary. It is vital to evaluate the specific needs of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices ought to be followed:

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

Make use of the right materials: Choose the appropriate boarding products based on the level of danger and duration of boarding up.

Professional setup: For bigger or greatly impacted properties, engaging professional services can ensure superior security and compliance with local guidelines.

Maintain secure access points: Even while boarding up, make sure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if required.

Routine assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it stays secure and intact, especially after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the perfect thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of at least 1/2 inch is suggested for plywood boarding up to ensure it can stand up to high winds and impact.
How can I remove boards after installation?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts should permit easy removal. However, it is important to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous businesses opt to board up themselves