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, specifically in times of crisis. One significant preventive step companies can take is boarding up their facilities. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, techniques, and finest practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the procedure of briefly securing doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically made use of throughout emergencies such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for an extended period. The supreme aim is to avoid unapproved gain access to, prevent theft, and protect property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up typically emerges for numerous reasons:

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

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and safeguard valuable inventory and devices.

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be necessary to limit access to specific locations, ensuring safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching or breaking and going into. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be protected or repurposed.
Techniques of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards need to stay in location.
Common Boarding MaterialsMaterialFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily availableShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsIncredibly resilient, fire-resistantHigh-security requirements, long-termLexan 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, particularly for larger openings.

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

Frame Construction: For prolonged direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting straight 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 permanent or semi-permanent solutions may be necessary. It is important to evaluate the specific needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, certain finest practices need to be followed:

Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weak points that may be exploited throughout a crisis.

Make use of the best products: Choose the proper boarding products based upon the level of danger and period of boarding up.

Professional installation: For larger or greatly affected residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can ensure remarkable security and compliance with local guidelines.

Keep secure access points: Even while boarding up, guarantee that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if essential.

Routine inspections: Periodically check the boarding to ensure it remains secure and intact, particularly after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the perfect thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can withstand high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or eliminating bolts must enable easy removal. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous companies decide to board up themselves