Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a retail store, office complex, or warehouse, protecting physical assets is vital, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive measure organizations can take is boarding up their facilities. This article explores the concept of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, methods, and best practices for implementation.
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 made use of during emergencies such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves an establishment vacant for an extended duration. The ultimate goal is to prevent unapproved gain access to, deter theft, and safeguard property versus damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up typically occurs for a number of factors:

Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms can trigger 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 deter criminal activity and safeguard valuable stock and devices.

Building and construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be needed to limit access to certain locations, making sure safety and security.

Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can end up being targets for crouching or breaking and entering. Boarding up deals protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are numerous techniques to board up a commercial property successfully. These can differ based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security needed, and the period for which the boards must stay in place.
Typical Boarding MaterialsMaterialFunctionsBest Used ForPlywoodStrong and easily offeredShort-term boarding, high threatOSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthShort to medium-term boardingMetal SheetsVery long lasting, fire-resistantHigh-security requirements, long-lastingLexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacementSetup 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 enhance the boards, especially for bigger openings.

Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be used for added security, guaranteeing that boards can not be easily removed.

Frame Construction: For prolonged exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting straight to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While a lot of boarding up practices are intended to be temporary, there are cases where irreversible or semi-permanent solutions may be necessary. It is vital to evaluate the specific requirements of the property and purpose of the boarding up.
Best Practices for Boarding Up
To guarantee the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, certain best practices must be followed:

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

Make use of the ideal products: Choose the appropriate boarding materials based upon the level of hazard and duration of boarding up.

Professional setup: For bigger or greatly impacted properties, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local policies.

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

Regular assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and intact, specifically after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding UpWhat is the ideal density for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended for plywood boarding up to guarantee it can hold up against high winds and impact.
How can I remove boards after installation?
Normally, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts need to permit easy removal. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the correct tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, many organizations opt to board up themselves