Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is vital. Whether handling a store, office complex, or storage facility, securing physical possessions is important, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive measure businesses can take is boarding up their properties. This article checks out the principle of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, approaches, and finest practices for execution.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up describes the process of temporarily protecting doors and windows of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility unoccupied for an extended duration. The ultimate aim is to prevent unapproved gain access to, deter theft, and safeguard property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently emerges for numerous factors:

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

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are susceptible to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can discourage criminal activity and protect valuable inventory and equipment.

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be needed to restrict access to particular areas, ensuring safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for crouching or breaking and going into. 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 needed, and the duration for which the boards need to stay in location.
Common Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily offeredShort-term boarding, high dangerOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthBrief to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsVery resilient, fireproofHigh-security requirements, long-termLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementSetup Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing screws that penetrate deeply into the wall for stability.

Brackets: Use brackets to strengthen the boards, particularly for larger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for added security, ensuring that boards can not be quickly gotten rid of.

Frame Construction: For extended exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting directly to the structure can be advantageous.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While most boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions may be essential. It is necessary to assess the private requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, particular best practices must be followed:

Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weak points that may be made use of throughout a crisis.

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

Professional setup: For bigger or greatly impacted homes, engaging professional services can guarantee superior security and compliance with local regulations.

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

Regular assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and intact, specifically after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal density for plywood boarding?
A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can endure high winds and impact.
How can I get rid of boards after setup?
Typically, unscrewing the boards or eliminating bolts need to allow for simple removal. However, it is important to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, numerous organizations opt to board up themselves