11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Commercial Boarding Up

Author : Borch Barry | Published On : 27 Oct 2025

Commercial Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide

In business world, security is critical. Whether dealing with a retailer, office complex, or storage facility, protecting physical assets is vital, especially in times of crisis. One major preventive step companies can take is boarding up their premises. 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 describes the process of momentarily securing doors and windows of commercial homes by covering them with panels or boards. This practice is frequently utilized throughout emergency situations such as natural disasters, vandalism, or renovations, or when a business leaves an establishment vacant for an extended period. The ultimate goal is to prevent unapproved access, deter theft, and safeguard property against damage.

Why is Commercial Boarding Up Necessary?

The requirement for commercial boarding up frequently emerges for a number of reasons:

  1. Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, twisters, and serious storms can cause substantial damage to buildings through high winds and flying debris. Boarding up can decrease possible damage to doors and windows.

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

  3. Construction and Renovations: During refurbishment, it may be essential to restrict access to specific areas, ensuring safety and security.

  4. Long-Term Vacancies: Unoccupied structures can become targets for crouching 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 several techniques to board up a commercial property efficiently. These can vary based on the size and structure of the building, the level of security required, and the period for which the boards must stay in place.

Typical Boarding Materials

ProductFunctionsFinest Used For
PlywoodStrong and readily offeredShort-term boarding, high threat
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)Cost-effective, good strengthShort to medium-term boarding
Metal SheetsVery durable, fire-resistantHigh-security needs, long-term
Lexan or PolycarbonateLight-weight, impact-resistantHigh-security glass replacement

Setup Techniques

  1. Screw and Anchor: Secure the boards to the window or door frames utilizing 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 areas, bolts can be utilized for included security, making sure that boards can not be quickly eliminated.

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

Temporary vs. Permanent Boarding Up

While many boarding up practices are meant to be temporary, there are cases where permanent or semi-permanent solutions may be essential. It is important to assess the individual requirements of the property and function of the boarding up.

Best Practices for Boarding Up

To ensure the effectiveness of commercial boarding up, particular best practices should be followed:

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

  2. Make use of the best products: Choose the appropriate boarding materials based upon the level of threat and duration 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 guidelines.

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

  5. Routine assessments: Periodically inspect the boarding to guarantee it remains secure and undamaged, specifically after storms or high winds.

FAQs About Commercial Boarding Up

What is the perfect density for plywood boarding?

A thickness of a minimum of 1/2 inch is advised for plywood boarding up to guarantee it can endure high winds and impact.

How can I eliminate boards after setup?

Normally, unscrewing the boards or eliminating bolts ought to enable easy removal. Nevertheless, it is essential to have the correct tools on hand.

Can I board up my business myself?

Yes, numerous businesses decide to board up themselves; nevertheless, it is typically advised to employ experts for bigger properties or in high-risk situations.

How long can boards remain up?

The time boards can stay in place depends on different elements, consisting of local regulations, the security needed, and physical conditions impacting the property.

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

In addition to boarding up, consider installing security cams, lighting, and alarm to enhance the general security of your property when closed.

Commercial boarding up is a strategic approach to protecting businesses from numerous prospective dangers, consisting of natural disasters and criminal activity. By comprehending numerous methods, products, and finest practices, business owners can enhance the security of their residential or commercial properties, reduce damage, and guarantee the safety of their properties. While Door Security may appear uncomplicated, proactively taking part in thorough planning and consultation might yield the very best lead to protecting a business's most crucial financial investments.