A vacant commercial building is a magnet for trouble. Without the "eyes on the street" provided by daily activity, these properties attract squatters, vandals, and metal thieves. The degradation is rapid; a single broken window signals neglect, inviting further destruction. For property owners and asset managers, deploying Emergency Services in Philadelphia for proactive security board-up and monitoring is essential to preserving the asset's value during transition periods.
Security is not just about locking the door. It is about creating a hardened perimeter that creates a physical and psychological barrier to entry. The cost of securing a building is a fraction of the cost of repairing water damage from stripped copper pipes or litigating a liability claim from a trespasser injury.
The Science of Board-Up
Standard plywood nailed over a window is easily pried off with a crowbar. Professional security board-up uses the "tension method" or carriage bolts. We sandwich the window opening between two sheets of plywood—one inside, one outside—connected by carriage bolts through the framing. This means there are no screw heads or nails accessible from the exterior. The only way to remove it is from the inside.
We also use specialized security screens that allow light and air into the building (preventing mold) while remaining impenetrable to intruders. This stops the building from looking "blighted" while maintaining high security.
Glass Breakage and Glazing Protection
Storefront glass is the most vulnerable point. If board-up is not desired for aesthetic reasons (e.g., the building is for lease), we apply security window film. This thick, clear laminate holds the glass together even if it is shattered by a brick. It delays entry significantly, often causing the intruder to give up.
For glass doors, we install heavy-duty latch guards and cylinder guards to prevent prying and lock snapping. The goal is to harden the target so that the criminal moves on to an easier opportunity.
Squatter Prevention and Detection
Squatters can establish "tenancy" rights if left undisturbed, leading to months of legal eviction battles. Early detection is key. We inspect the perimeter for signs of forced entry—scuff marks on sills, disturbed dust, or pry marks.
Inside, we can deploy battery-operated video verification alarms. These systems do not require phone lines or power. If motion is detected, they send a video clip to the monitoring center, verifying a human presence and dispatching police immediately for a "crime in progress," which gets a faster response than a standard alarm.
Utility Control and Winterization
Thieves break in to steal copper. To deter this, we shut off water and power at the street if possible. However, the fire suppression system must often remain active. In this case, we maintain the minimum heat required to prevent freezing.
For long-term vacancy, we recommend a complete "drain down" of the plumbing system to remove the risk of freeze breaks. A dry building is a safe building. We also paint gas pipes and electrical conduits with fluorescent paint, making them instantly identifiable as "marked" to scrap dealers, reducing their resale value.
Conclusion
A vacant building requires active management. Neglect is an invitation to disaster. By implementing professional physical security measures and monitoring, owners protect their equity and ensure the property is ready for its next tenant, not a demolition crew.
Call to Action
Protect your vacant commercial assets with our comprehensive security board-up and monitoring solutions.
Visit: https://sharplineinc.com/
Security is not just about locking the door. It is about creating a hardened perimeter that creates a physical and psychological barrier to entry. The cost of securing a building is a fraction of the cost of repairing water damage from stripped copper pipes or litigating a liability claim from a trespasser injury.
The Science of Board-Up
Standard plywood nailed over a window is easily pried off with a crowbar. Professional security board-up uses the "tension method" or carriage bolts. We sandwich the window opening between two sheets of plywood—one inside, one outside—connected by carriage bolts through the framing. This means there are no screw heads or nails accessible from the exterior. The only way to remove it is from the inside.
We also use specialized security screens that allow light and air into the building (preventing mold) while remaining impenetrable to intruders. This stops the building from looking "blighted" while maintaining high security.
Glass Breakage and Glazing Protection
Storefront glass is the most vulnerable point. If board-up is not desired for aesthetic reasons (e.g., the building is for lease), we apply security window film. This thick, clear laminate holds the glass together even if it is shattered by a brick. It delays entry significantly, often causing the intruder to give up.
For glass doors, we install heavy-duty latch guards and cylinder guards to prevent prying and lock snapping. The goal is to harden the target so that the criminal moves on to an easier opportunity.
Squatter Prevention and Detection
Squatters can establish "tenancy" rights if left undisturbed, leading to months of legal eviction battles. Early detection is key. We inspect the perimeter for signs of forced entry—scuff marks on sills, disturbed dust, or pry marks.
Inside, we can deploy battery-operated video verification alarms. These systems do not require phone lines or power. If motion is detected, they send a video clip to the monitoring center, verifying a human presence and dispatching police immediately for a "crime in progress," which gets a faster response than a standard alarm.
Utility Control and Winterization
Thieves break in to steal copper. To deter this, we shut off water and power at the street if possible. However, the fire suppression system must often remain active. In this case, we maintain the minimum heat required to prevent freezing.
For long-term vacancy, we recommend a complete "drain down" of the plumbing system to remove the risk of freeze breaks. A dry building is a safe building. We also paint gas pipes and electrical conduits with fluorescent paint, making them instantly identifiable as "marked" to scrap dealers, reducing their resale value.
Conclusion
A vacant building requires active management. Neglect is an invitation to disaster. By implementing professional physical security measures and monitoring, owners protect their equity and ensure the property is ready for its next tenant, not a demolition crew.
Call to Action
Protect your vacant commercial assets with our comprehensive security board-up and monitoring solutions.
Visit: https://sharplineinc.com/