When your home or business incurs storm or fire damage, it can result in a breach of your building. This opening leaves the structure and contents within exposed to vandalism, theft, and the outside elements. These openings in the structure will need to be properly boarded up. Luckily for you, Mission Restorations offers an emergency board up service.
Your insurance policy also requires you to be proactive in protecting your home or business following damages. Any additional damage done to your building or contents is deemed as negligence.
Depending on the extent of damage done will determine the amount of board up service is required. Each emergency board up service is different but we’re going to take a look at how to properly board up a structure after fire damage has caused an opening in the building.
Determining the Necessary Protection
Openings that directly correlate to building entry will require additional security measures. These openings should be barricaded with plywood, 2x4s, bolts, and nails.
Openings that are at least 10′ from ground level that does not directly correlate to building entry can be secured with nails in each brace, and every 12″ around the perimeter. The plywood should be fitted so that it rests snugly against the exterior frame. Have it butting up to the siding on wood frame buildings and up to the brickwork on brick buildings.
The Board Up Service DIY
You’ll want to cut the plywood to fit over the window and door openings. Ensure that they are flush with the outside of the molding.
Cut each 2×4 to fit the horizontal dimension of the plywood. You will need two 2×4 for the exterior and two for the interior. You’ll need to cut two braces for each window and three sets for each door.
Pre drill 3/8th inch holes in the plywood and the braces. The holes will be placed approximately 1/3 of the length of the brace from each outside edge of the door and window jam.
The two window braces will be placed 1/3 of the distance from the top and the bottom of the window.
The three door braces will be placed; one in the center of the doorway, and one half the distance from the center to the top and to the bottom of the doorway.
Place the plywood over the exterior opening and nail to the frame. Secure the 2×4 braces over the interior and exterior of the door or window. Place the large washer over the carriage bolt and place the bolt through the holes. Securely tighten the washer and nut inside. Torque the nut so that it slightly compresses the interior 2×4.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
