Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is paramount. Whether handling a store, office complex, or storage facility, protecting physical properties is essential, particularly in times of crisis. One major preventive procedure organizations can take is boarding up their premises. This article explores the idea of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, approaches, and best practices for implementation.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of momentarily protecting windows and doors of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is typically utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural catastrophes, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves a facility vacant for an extended duration. The ultimate goal is to avoid unapproved access, hinder theft, and protect property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently develops for several factors:

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

Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can prevent criminal activity and protect important stock and equipment.

Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be needed to restrict access to particular areas, making sure safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and getting in. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be protected or repurposed.
Methods of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous approaches to board up a commercial property effectively. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the duration for which the boards should remain in place.
Common Boarding MaterialsProductFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily availableShort-term boarding, high riskOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, decent strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsVery durable, fire-resistantHigh-security requirements, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementInstallation Techniques
Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.

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

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

Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, building a frame to hold the boards instead of attaching directly to the structure can be advantageous.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While many boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions might be required. It is important to examine the private requirements of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To ensure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, particular best practices ought to be followed:

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

Make use of the right materials: Choose the appropriate boarding products based upon the level of threat and period of boarding up.

Professional installation: For larger or heavily impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can guarantee remarkable security and compliance with local regulations.

Preserve secure access points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if needed.

Routine inspections: Periodically examine the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, particularly after storms or high winds.
FAQs About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal thickness for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to ensure it can hold up against high winds and effect.
How can I remove boards after setup?
Usually, unscrewing the boards or removing bolts ought to enable simple removal. However, it is important to have the appropriate tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, lots of services decide to board up themselves