Don't Believe In These "Trends" Concerning Commercial Boarding Up

Author : Thestrup Ziegler | Published On : 19 Oct 2025

Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide

In the business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a store, office complex, or storage facility, safeguarding physical possessions is crucial, specifically in times of crisis. One major preventive procedure services can take is boarding up their premises. This post explores the principle of commercial boarding up, including its advantages, approaches, and finest practices for implementation.

What is Commercial Boarding Up?

Commercial boarding up refers to the procedure of briefly protecting windows and doors of commercial residential or commercial properties by covering them with panels or boards. Repair My Windows And Doors is frequently used during emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or remodellings, or when a business leaves an establishment vacant for an extended duration. The supreme goal is to prevent unapproved gain access to, hinder theft, and secure property versus damage.

Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?

The need for commercial boarding up frequently occurs for numerous reasons:

  1. Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme storms can cause significant damage to structures through high winds and flying particles. Boarding up can minimize prospective damage to doors and windows.

  2. Vandalism and Theft: Unsecured facilities are vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism. Boarding up can deter criminal activity and safeguard valuable inventory and equipment.

  3. Building and Renovations: During refurbishment, it might be required to restrict access to particular areas, ensuring security and security.

  4. Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied buildings can become targets for squatting or breaking and entering. Boarding up deals protection up until the property can be secured or repurposed.

Methods of Commercial Boarding Up

There are numerous techniques to board up a commercial property effectively. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards need to stay in place.

Common Boarding Materials

MaterialFeaturesFinest Used For
PlywoodStrong and readily offeredShort-term boarding, high risk
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthBrief to medium-term boarding
Metal SheetsVery long lasting, fireproofHigh-security requirements, long-term
Lexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacement

Installation Techniques

  1. Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames using screws that permeate deeply into the wall for stability.

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

  3. Secure with Bolts: In high-risk locations, bolts can be utilized for included security, ensuring that boards can not be quickly eliminated.

  4. Frame Construction: For extended direct exposure, constructing a frame to hold the boards rather of connecting straight to the structure can be useful.

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 necessary to assess the individual 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 must be followed:

  1. Assess vulnerabilities: Identify all points of entry and examine the weak points that may be exploited during a crisis.

  2. Make use of the right materials: Choose the proper boarding materials based on the level of risk and period of boarding up.

  3. Professional setup: For larger or greatly impacted residential or commercial properties, engaging professional services can guarantee exceptional security and compliance with local regulations.

  4. Preserve secure access points: Even while boarding up, ensure that you have secure access points for emergency services, if essential.

  5. Regular assessments: Periodically examine the boarding to ensure it remains secure and undamaged, specifically after storms or high winds.

FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up

What is the ideal density for plywood boarding?

A density of at least 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to guarantee it can withstand high winds and impact.

How can I get rid of boards after installation?

Typically, unscrewing the boards or getting rid of bolts should permit easy elimination. Nevertheless, it is crucial to have the appropriate tools on hand.

Can I board up my business myself?

Yes, lots of services choose to board up themselves; nevertheless, it is typically suggested to work with specialists for bigger properties or in high-risk circumstances.

How long can boards stay up?

The time boards can remain in place depends upon various aspects, including local ordinances, the security required, and physical conditions impacting the property.

How do I safeguard my business from potential vandalism when it is closed?

In addition to boarding up, think about setting up security video cameras, lighting, and alarm systems to enhance the general security of your property when closed.

Commercial boarding up is a strategic technique to protecting businesses from different possible risks, consisting of natural catastrophes and criminal activity. By comprehending numerous approaches, materials, and best practices, company owner can boost the security of their residential or commercial properties, alleviate damage, and guarantee the safety of their properties. While the procedure might appear uncomplicated, proactively engaging in thorough planning and consultation might yield the very best lead to protecting a business's most vital financial investments.