There are many things you might need to take care of when it comes to managing a vacant property, but securing it is one of the most important responsibilities you have. But it’s not just beneficial—it’s a government requirement. 1.2mm galvanised steel sheets are a requirement for boarding up vacant properties, and as you’ll see there’s plenty of reason to follow this regulation closely.
Why Use Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel is the best material for boarding up a vacant property. Steel, of course, is strong and durable, and this alone makes it far better than something like wooden boards that can be broken or burned. Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective coating of zinc to the steel which prevents the sheets from rusting. Where wood will quickly degrade, galvanised steel sheets will stay strong for many years.
Steel is recognised by the government as the most effective means of securing a vacant property. Galvanised steel is proven and predictable in its effectiveness, and properties all over the world have been using steel sheets for this purpose for decades. The main benefits of such steel sheets can be broken down into five categories…
- Weatherproof and rust resistant
The most important distinction about galvanised steel sheets is that they are not going to show wear and tear from weather conditions, even over a very long period of time. The zinc coating prevents the build-up of rust which would otherwise degrade the quality of the metal.
Galvanised steel sheets are also resistant to the weather, enduring the unpredictable weather patterns here in the UK. Rain, wind, storms—galvanised steel can endure it all without compromising the security of your property. With galvanised steel, you ensure the long-term durability of the security measures on your property.
- Versatility
Another common question around the process of boarding up a vacant property is how any single material could possibly fit over every door and window. Galvanised steel sheets, in addition to its resistance to the elements, is also highly versatile. It can be custom-cut to order to fit any window or door size you might need it for, with every sheet fitting flush to the edges of the entry. With something like plywood, you would have to take the time to measure and cut the pieces yourself, making steel sheets a much more convenient and far less time consuming choice.
This makes galvanised steel sheets much more cost effective for those specialising in vacant properties, as it can be customised to fit any needs you might have.
- Strength and Durability
Galvanised steel sheets are highly versatile and will resist the weather—but no doubt the biggest, immediate concern anyone faces with a vacant property is potential break-ins and vandalism. The steel material is strong and durable, able to withstand a great deal of punishment from potential vandals or those trying to get inside. The strength of the material means any brute force attempt to get past the sheet will certainly fail. Tamper proof bolts make them essentially impervious to subtler approaches.
Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material like it, and so there’s no better choice. The zinc coating will never crack as it is bonded to the steel, and so any damaged areas are automatically protected and you don’t need to worry about small scratches.
- Affordability
Despite all these benefits, another key point about galvanised steel sheets is that they are still a highly affordable option. Manufacturers such as Buy Metal Online offer a free service for cutting the sheets to the size you need, and so the sheets will arrive ready to use—no need for preparation or inspection. There’s no solution that’s easier to use.
- Environmentally friendly
Finally, on top of everything else, galvanised steel sheets are one of the most environmentally friendly choices for a vacant property. Firstly, the maintenance is a lot less intensive, and it doesn’t need to be painted or treated. Because the material has such a long lifespan, longer than many other commonly used materials, it would be many, many years before it ever needed to be replaced.
Steel can be infinitely recycled, too, without losing any of its strength or other beneficial properties. Compared to the likes of wood, which is a single-use material in most cases, steel is the most recycled material in the world and over 90% of steel products are recycled. While wood is renewable, this isn’t the same as being sustainable. Newly planted trees can take decades to mature, while you can recycle steel endlessly without the need to restore the materials. Further to this, removing trees will always have an impact on local wildlife, regardless of how quickly you plant new trees.
Above all else is the fact is that you are legally required by the UK government to use 1.2mm galvanised steel sheets to secure a vacant property. It’s easy to see why, given all its numerous benefits. With 1.2mm steel sheets, you can rest assured that both your property is safe and that you are adhering to legal requirements. Galvanised steel is both affordable and convenient while not sacrificing environmental sustainability; it is arguably the strongest and most weather-resistant material you could reasonably use for the purpose and despite its great strength remains an incredibly versatile material.
Prioritising this government-recommended solution will give you the best possible and most enhanced property security you could ask for, and it’s worth every penny.
Working as a cyber security solutions architect, Alisa focuses on application and network security. Before joining us she held a cyber security researcher positions within a variety of cyber security start-ups. She also experience in different industry domains like finance, healthcare and consumer products.
