Understanding Residential Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
As extreme weather events and socio-political discontent become more regular, lots of homeowners are thinking about boarding up their properties to protect versus potential damage. Residential boarding up includes covering windows, doors, and other openings with boards to discourage vandalism, theft, or storm damage. This article explores the various aspects of residential boarding up, including its significance, techniques, materials, and crucial factors to consider.
Why is Residential Boarding Up Necessary?
Residential boarding up serves multiple purposes, mainly concentrated on security and protection. The following are crucial reasons homeowners opt for this precautionary procedure:

Protection from Extreme Weather: Hurricanes, storms, and heavy snowfall can trigger considerable damage to unprotected homes. Boarding up helps avoid broken windows and water intrusion.

Hindering Crime and Vandalism: In areas with high criminal offense rates or during civil discontent, boarding up makes a home less attractive to potential vandals or thieves.

Insurance Requirements: Some insurance companies might need a home to be boarded up in particular conditions to avoid claim denials.

Keeping Property Value: A broken home can considerably reduce property value. Boarding up helps preserve the structural stability of a property, reducing potential repair costs in the long run.
Approaches of Residential Boarding Up
House owners can pick from different techniques to board up their homes. The option largely depends upon spending plan, skill level, and the kind of protection required.
Approaches Include:
Plywood Boarding: The most typical technique involves using sheets of plywood, generally 5/8-inch thick, that can be cut to fit windows and doors.

Hurricane Shutters: These are long-term components that can be installed over doors and windows. They offer more robust protection than plywood and can be deployed rapidly.

Lexan or Polycarbonate Panels: Clear, long lasting panels that allow light to get in however prevent items from breaking through. These are typically a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to plywood.

Metal Screens: These screens can offer a long-term service for securing windows, particularly in locations susceptible to break-in.

Expandable Barriers: Some property owners select expandable barriers that can be adjusted to fit various openings. These can be more expensive but use greater convenience.
MethodCost RangeSetup DifficultyLevel of ProtectionPlywood BoardingLow (₤ 50-₤ 100)ModerateHighCyclone ShuttersModerate (₤ 200-₤ 600)Easy to ModerateVery HighLexan PanelsModerate to High (₤ 300-₤ 800)ModerateHighMetal ScreensModerate (₤ 150-₤ 400)EasyModerateExpandable BarriersHigh (₤ 600+)Moderate to DifficultHighProducts Used for Boarding Up
When thinking about residential boarding up, the kind of products used can greatly influence efficiency and sturdiness. Here are some commonly used materials:
Common Materials:
Plywood: Widely offered and economical