Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is paramount. Whether handling a retail store, office complex, or storage facility, protecting physical possessions is essential, specifically in times of crisis. One major preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their premises. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, methods, and best practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the process of temporarily securing doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically utilized during emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves an establishment unoccupied for a prolonged duration. The ultimate goal is to avoid unapproved access, hinder theft, and secure property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The requirement for commercial boarding up often occurs for numerous factors:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and serious storms can cause substantial damage to buildings through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can minimize prospective damage to windows and doors.

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can prevent criminal activity and safeguard important inventory and devices.

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be needed to restrict access to certain areas, guaranteeing security and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and entering. Boarding up deals protection till the property can be protected or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous techniques to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can vary based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards must stay in place.
Common Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsFinest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily availableShort-term boarding, high dangerOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsExceptionally resilient, fire-resistantHigh-security needs, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLightweight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementSetup Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.

Brackets: Use brackets to strengthen the boards, especially for bigger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk areas, bolts can be used for added security, making sure that boards can not be quickly removed.

Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting straight to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While the majority of boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions may be necessary. It is vital to examine the private requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure 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 exploited during a crisis.

Utilize the best materials: Choose the suitable boarding products based upon the level of hazard and duration of boarding up.

Professional setup: For larger or heavily impacted properties, engaging professional services can guarantee superior security and compliance with local guidelines.

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

Regular evaluations: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and undamaged, specifically after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?
A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and impact.
How can I remove boards after installation?
Usually, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts should permit easy elimination. However, it is important to have the proper tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous services opt to board up themselves