Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is paramount. Whether dealing with a store, office building, or warehouse, protecting physical assets is important, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their premises. This short article explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and finest practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of momentarily protecting doors and windows of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically used throughout emergencies such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves an establishment vacant for an extended duration. The ultimate goal is to prevent unauthorized gain access to, hinder theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up typically arises for several reasons:
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can cause considerable damage to structures through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can reduce potential damage to windows and doors.
Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are susceptible to break-ins and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and secure valuable inventory and equipment.
Building and construction and Renovations: During repair, it might be necessary to restrict access to specific areas, ensuring safety and security.
Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for squatting or breaking and getting in. Boarding up offers protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of techniques to board up a commercial property successfully. These can vary based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the period for which the boards must remain in location.
Common Boarding Materials
| Material | Features | Finest Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and readily offered | Short-term boarding, high risk |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, good strength | Brief to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Exceptionally long lasting, fireproof | High-security requirements, long-lasting |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Light-weight, impact-resistant | High-security glass replacement |
Installation Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that penetrate deeply into the wall for stability.
Brackets: Use brackets to reinforce the boards, particularly for bigger openings.
Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be quickly eliminated.
Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, building a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting directly to the structure can be helpful.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While many boarding up practices are planned to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions may be essential. It is necessary to examine the specific needs of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices must be followed:
Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and assess the weaknesses that might be made use of during a crisis.
Make use of the best products: Choose the suitable boarding materials based upon the level of threat and duration of boarding up.
Professional setup: For larger or heavily impacted homes, engaging professional services can guarantee remarkable security and compliance with local policies.
Maintain secure access points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if necessary.
Regular examinations: Periodically inspect the boarding to ensure it remains secure and intact, specifically after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the perfect density for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and effect.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Generally, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts ought to allow for simple removal. However, it is important to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of companies opt to board up themselves; however, it is often suggested to work with specialists for larger properties or in high-risk scenarios.
The length of time can boards keep up?
The time boards can remain in location depends on numerous factors, including local regulations, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I safeguard my business from possible vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, consider installing security video cameras, lighting, and alarm to enhance the general security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a tactical method to safeguarding organizations from various potential threats, including natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By understanding various approaches, products, and finest practices, business owners can improve the security of their properties, mitigate damage, and make sure the safety of their properties. While the procedure may seem straightforward, proactively taking part in comprehensive preparation and assessment might yield the very best lead to safeguarding a business's most essential investments.
