Imagine owning a house that has been damaged by fire, every homeowner’s worst fear. In the aftermath, the primary focus should be on ensuring your home is safe. The process of how to board up abandoned houses is vital in safeguarding them against further damage, theft, or vandalism.
This article is aimed at motivating home owners on the procedures required for adequately boarding up their premises, especially those experiencing challenges with fire-damaged houses. It will outline reasons why boarding up is important and offer a step-by-step guide as well as discussing how one can guarantee his or her possession safety.
Understanding the Need for Boarding Up
Immediate Risks of Not Boarding Up
After a fire, your home could face so many issues. When unprotected, they can be visited by robbers, squatters and even animals seeking shelter. This makes it easy for accidents to occur and so one should board them up until repairs can begin.
Insurance Implications
Were you aware that after a fire most insurance contracts require that homeowners take sensible steps that can help prevent more loss or destruction? One of such prevention methods is boarding up the house. In case one fails doing this then the implications might be worse especially if it relates to making claims which could result in you paying more money than what was provided within the policy for repairs. it’s about financial prudence.
Steps to Boarding Up a House
- Assessing the Damage
Before you begin boarding up, conduct a thorough investigation on the destruction. Make sure that the place is safe to enter. Look for any signs of weakness in the building such as sagging ceilings or falling walls. As evidence when claiming your insurance, document everything with photos and videos.
2. Securing Windows
Windows are the most vulnerable entry points. Use plywood boards that are at least 1/2-inch thick. Measure each window and cut the plywood to fit. Using 3-inch screws, attach the plywood securely around the window frame. For added security, consider using metal brackets.
3. Securing Doors
Doors should be secured in much the same way as windows. Nevertheless, extra locks or door braces can be necessary in some cases. To ensure a tight fit for the plywood, clean up any broken glass or debris around door frames. Make this more difficult for anyone to force their way in by fixing screws or bolts in position of the plywood.
4. Other Entry Points
Remember to cover other entryways such as vents, skylights, or the basement windows, so that no unauthorized person will have any access to the house, as well as to prevent any more damage.
Materials and Tools Required
To board up your house effectively, you’ll need:
- Plywood sheets (at least 1/2-inch thick)
- 3-inch screws or bolts
- Metal brackets (optional for added security)
- Tape measure
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Cordless drill
- Hammer
- Utility knife
Boarding Up Considerations
To board up abandoned houses, hiring professionals offers numerous advantages. Professionals can quickly and efficiently secure your property, alleviating the need to uncover hidden dangers and ensuring essential insurance documentation. However, this option may be considered costly, potentially requiring significant financial investment, especially for additional repairs. Moreover, engaging with multiple contractors can lead to further time consumption, ultimately causing delays in the process. For information on how to board up abandoned houses, proper techniques and steps should be followed to safeguard the property effectively.
Alternatively, a do-it-yourself approach can save money and give you more control over the process. After securing the property, do not hesitate involving insurance agencies through completion and submission of related documents. Prepare for comprehensive repair works to expedite the restoration process effectively. Again, it is important to think about future security approaches like installation of security systems to alarm owners in case of some threat.
Conclusion
In order to protect your property and facilitate a faster recovery process, it is vital that you board up your house after the fire damage. You can follow these steps in order to ensure the security of your home minimizing any other danger. Do not forget; timing is important no matter whether to do it yourself or engage an expert.
If you’re still unsure about boarding up your home or need expert advice, consider consulting professionals who specialize in this area. By taking these steps, you can protect your home and begin the process of rebuilding with confidence. For more information and expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Your home’s safety and your peace of mind are our top priorities.