Understanding Residential Boarding Up: A Comprehensive Guide
As severe weather occasions and socio-political unrest end up being more regular, lots of house owners are considering boarding up their homes to safeguard against prospective damage. Residential boarding up includes covering windows, doors, and other openings with boards to prevent vandalism, theft, or storm damage. This short article explores the different aspects of residential boarding up, including its significance, methods, materials, and essential considerations.
Why is Residential Boarding Up Necessary?
Residential boarding up serves numerous purposes, mainly concentrated on security and protection. The following are essential factors homeowners choose this preventive measure:

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

Deterring Crime and Vandalism: In areas with high crime rates or throughout civil unrest, boarding up makes a home less attractive to potential vandals or burglars.

Insurance Requirements: Some insurer may need a home to be boarded up in particular conditions to prevent claim rejections.

Preserving Property Value: A broken home can considerably reduce property worth. Boarding up helps keep the structural integrity of a property, reducing prospective repair expenses in the long run.
Methods of Residential Boarding Up
Homeowners can pick from different methods to board up their homes. The option largely depends on budget, ability level, and the kind of protection needed.
Techniques Include:
Plywood Boarding: The most typical method involves utilizing sheets of plywood, typically 5/8-inch thick, that can be cut to fit doors and windows.

Cyclone Shutters: These are permanent fixtures 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, durable panels that enable light to go into but avoid objects from breaking through. These are often a more visually pleasing alternative to plywood.

Metal Screens: These screens can provide a long-lasting service for protecting windows, especially in areas susceptible to theft.

Expandable Barriers: Some property owners opt for expandable barriers that can be adapted to fit different openings. These can be more costly however offer greater benefit.
MethodCost RangeInstallation DifficultyLevel of ProtectionPlywood BoardingLow (₤ 50-₤ 100)ModerateHighHurricane ShuttersModerate (₤ 200-₤ 600)Easy to ModerateExtremely HighLexan PanelsModerate to High (₤ 300-₤ 800)ModerateHighMetal ScreensModerate (₤ 150-₤ 400)EasyModerateExpandable BarriersHigh (₤ 600+)Moderate to DifficultHighProducts Used for Boarding Up
When considering residential boarding up, the type of materials utilized can greatly influence efficiency and durability. Here are some typically used materials:
Common Materials:
Plywood: Widely available and economical