Understanding Residential Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
As severe weather events and socio-political unrest end up being more frequent, numerous house owners are thinking about boarding up their properties to protect against potential damage. Residential boarding up involves covering windows, doors, and other openings with boards to prevent vandalism, theft, or storm damage. This article checks out the different elements of residential boarding up, including its significance, approaches, materials, and important considerations.
Why is Residential Boarding Up Necessary?
Residential boarding up serves numerous functions, primarily concentrated on safety and protection. The following are crucial factors homeowners select this precautionary step:

Protection from Extreme Weather: Hurricanes, storms, and heavy snowfall can cause considerable damage to unguarded homes. Boarding up helps prevent broken windows and water invasion.

Preventing Crime and Vandalism: In areas with high criminal offense rates or throughout civil unrest, boarding up makes a home less appealing to potential vandals or thieves.

Insurance Requirements: Some insurance provider may need a home to be boarded up in specific conditions to prevent claim rejections.

Maintaining Property Value: A damaged home can considerably decrease property value. Boarding up helps preserve the structural integrity of a property, minimizing potential repair costs in the long run.
Methods of Residential Boarding Up
Homeowners can pick from numerous techniques to board up their homes. The option largely depends upon budget, skill level, and the kind of protection needed.
Techniques Include:
Plywood Boarding: The most common technique involves using sheets of plywood, normally 5/8-inch thick, that can be cut to fit windows and doors.

Hurricane Shutters: These are permanent components that can be installed over windows and doors. They supply more robust protection than plywood and can be released rapidly.

Lexan or Polycarbonate Panels: Clear, long lasting panels that allow light to enter but avoid items from breaking through. These are often a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to plywood.

Metal Screens: These screens can provide a long-term option for protecting windows, especially in areas prone to theft.

Expandable Barriers: Some house owners go with expandable barriers that can be adjusted to fit various openings. These can be more costly however use higher benefit.
MethodCost RangeSetup DifficultyLevel of ProtectionPlywood BoardingLow (₤ 50-₤ 100)ModerateHighCyclone ShuttersModerate (₤ 200-₤ 600)Easy to ModerateReally HighLexan PanelsModerate to High (₤ 300-₤ 800)ModerateHighMetal ScreensModerate (₤ 150-₤ 400)EasyModerateExpandable BarriersHigh (₤ 600+)Moderate to DifficultHighMaterials Used for Boarding Up
When thinking about residential boarding up, the type of materials utilized can significantly influence efficiency and sturdiness. Here are some frequently utilized materials:
Common Materials:
Plywood: Widely readily available and economical