Whether they’re natural disasters or unexpected accidents, emergencies can strike at any time and potentially leave your business vulnerable to damage. In situations like these, it’s crucial for business owners to take proactive steps to protect their property. One of the most effective safety measures is boarding up windows and doors.
As disaster response experts, Action Restoration has had its fair share of boarding-up experiences. We’re going to explore the property boarding-up process, benefits, and more.
Why Should You Board Up Your Business?
Boarding up a property’s doors and windows is a smart protective measure against several events. In the event of hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe storms, it defends your business from flying debris or strong winds. In the event of riots or frequent break-ins, it defends your business from forced entry, vandalism, and theft.
When To Board Up
Boarding up a property only works when it’s thought out and planned in advance. Otherwise, you’ll be too late in the face of disaster. These are common situations to be aware of and prepare for:
• Severe weather warnings: Monitor your city’s weather for any hurricane or tornado warnings.
• Civil unrest or riots: Stay aware of current news and any implications it can have for riots.
• Property under repair: During renovations or repairs, boarding up can prevent unauthorized access and protect against theft or damage, especially if windows or doors are temporarily removed as a result of construction.
• Upcoming vacancy: Additionally, if your business space will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, don’t be afraid to board it up to deter any trespassers.
Property Boarding Up Benefits
While boarding up any property can feel like a lot of work, it comes with numerous benefits. Some advantages of proactively boarding up any commercial property include:
• Protection against damage
• Enhanced safety and security
• Prevention of further losses
• Preservation of business operations
• Insurance compliance
• Cost savings
• Peace of mind
Don’t take a chance if your area is soon to be facing some tough situations. The extra hour or two of boarding up can cause meaningful results.
The Boarding Up Process
If you’re planning or gearing up to board your property’s windows and doors, these are the ideal steps to follow to ensure you’re covered:
• Assessment: Inspect your property to identify any weak points and prioritize those spots.
• Secure supplies: The appropriate materials for boarding up a property are plywood sheets, nails or screws, and a hammer or power drill. It’s best practice to have these supplies on hand all the time so you’re always ready for a speedy installation in the face of an unexpected emergency.
• Measure and cut: Measure the openings and cut your plywood so it’ll precisely fit spaces.
• Installation: Secure the cut plywood over doors and windows with nails or screws.
• Reinforcement: Reinforce your plywood boards with additional materials, such as extra blocks, security bars, deadbolts, tamper-proof nails, metal strips, or window films.
• Professional assistance: If you don’t have the time or want to ensure you’re getting the best results possible, consider hiring disaster relief professionals for a quick, efficient boarding-up service.
How Action Restoration Can Help You
If you need emergency response experts, look no further than the team at Action Restoration. We’ve been providing compassionate and quality water and fire damage restoration throughout the Gulf Coast since 1998. With experienced staff and state-of-the-art equipment, we’re confident nobody does more to get businesses back in business after an interruption.
Learn more about Action Restoration’s customer-focused restoration and disaster response by calling (800) 218-9556 or contacting us online.
