Five People You Need To Know In The Commercial Boarding Up Industry
Author : Adamsen Pate | Published On : 27 Oct 2025
Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
In the business world, security is paramount. Whether dealing with a retail shop, office building, or warehouse, safeguarding physical possessions is crucial, especially in times of crisis. One significant preventive measure companies can take is boarding up their facilities. This article explores the concept of commercial boarding up, including its benefits, approaches, and finest practices for application.
What is Commercial Boarding Up?
Commercial boarding up refers to the process of momentarily protecting windows and doors of commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is often made use of during emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves an establishment vacant for an extended duration. The supreme aim is to avoid unauthorized access, hinder theft, and secure property against damage.
Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?
The need for commercial boarding up frequently occurs for numerous factors:
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and serious storms can cause significant damage to structures through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can minimize prospective damage to doors and windows.
Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured premises are susceptible to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and protect important stock and devices.
Construction and Renovations: During repair, it may be needed to limit access to specific locations, ensuring safety and security.
Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for crouching or breaking and entering. Boarding up offers protection until the property can be secured or repurposed.
Approaches of Commercial Boarding Up
There are a number of approaches to board up a commercial property effectively. Emergency Property Protection can vary based upon the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the duration for which the boards must stay in location.
Common Boarding Materials
| Material | Features | Finest Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Strong and easily offered | Short-term boarding, high danger |
| OSB (Oriented Strand Board) | Cost-effective, good strength | Brief to medium-term boarding |
| Metal Sheets | Incredibly resilient, fireproof | High-security requirements, long-term |
| Lexan or Polycarbonate | Lightweight, 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 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 extended exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting directly to the structure can be beneficial.
Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up
While a lot of boarding up practices are planned to be temporary, there are cases where long-term or semi-permanent solutions may be necessary. It is important to examine the specific requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.
Finest Practices for Boarding Up
To make sure the efficiency of commercial boarding up, particular finest practices ought to be followed:
Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weaknesses that might be exploited during a crisis.
Use the best products: Choose the suitable boarding materials based upon the level of risk and period of boarding up.
Professional setup: For larger or heavily affected residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can ensure superior security and compliance with local regulations.
Maintain secure gain access to points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure gain access to points for emergency services, if necessary.
Regular assessments: Periodically check the boarding to guarantee it stays secure and intact, particularly after storms or high winds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Boarding Up
What is the ideal density for plywood boarding?
A density of a minimum of 1/2 inch is suggested for plywood boarding up to ensure it can hold up against high winds and impact.
How can I eliminate boards after setup?
Typically, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts ought to permit simple removal. Nevertheless, it is vital to have the proper tools on hand.
Can I board up my business myself?
Yes, many businesses choose to board up themselves; however, it is typically recommended to hire specialists for bigger properties or in high-risk situations.
For how long can boards keep up?
The time boards can remain in place depends upon numerous elements, including local ordinances, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.
How do I protect my business from potential vandalism when it is closed?
In addition to boarding up, consider installing security video cameras, lighting, and alarm to boost the total security of your property when closed.
Commercial boarding up is a strategic approach to safeguarding services from different possible risks, consisting of natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By comprehending numerous methods, materials, and finest practices, company owner can boost the security of their residential or commercial properties, reduce damage, and guarantee the safety of their assets. While the process might appear straightforward, proactively engaging in comprehensive preparation and assessment might yield the very best results in safeguarding a business's most vital financial investments.
