Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is vital. Whether dealing with a retailer, office complex, or warehouse, safeguarding physical assets is vital, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive measure services can take is boarding up their facilities. This post explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, techniques, and best practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of briefly protecting windows and doors of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically used throughout emergencies such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves an establishment empty for a prolonged duration. The supreme objective is to prevent unapproved access, discourage theft, and protect property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up typically emerges for numerous factors:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can trigger significant damage to buildings through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can minimize potential damage to doors and windows.

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

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be required to limit access to particular locations, guaranteeing safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can end up being targets for crouching or breaking and getting in. Boarding up deals protection till the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of approaches to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can differ based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards must stay in location.
Common Boarding MaterialsMaterialFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and readily offeredShort-term boarding, high threatOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsExtremely long lasting, fireproofHigh-security needs, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLightweight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation 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 reinforce the boards, especially for larger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be used for included security, ensuring that boards can not be quickly eliminated.

Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards instead of attaching directly to the structure can be useful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While many boarding up practices are planned to be temporary, there are cases where permanent or semi-permanent solutions might be needed. It is necessary to assess 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 weaknesses that may be made use of throughout a crisis.

Use the right materials: Choose the appropriate boarding materials based upon the level of risk and period of boarding up.

Professional setup: For larger or heavily affected properties, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local policies.

Maintain secure access points: Even while boarding up, guarantee that you have secure access points for emergency services, if necessary.

Regular examinations: Periodically inspect the boarding to ensure it stays secure and intact, particularly after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to ensure it can stand up to high winds and effect.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Generally, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts need to permit for simple removal. Nevertheless, it is important to have the proper tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of organizations choose to board up themselves