There are many ways to hinder tagging and destruction of property. However, there aren’t many options to prevent graffiti or vandalism. Good lighting or some perfectly placed foliage might be a quick fix, but it isn’t always successful in deterring vandals. Now solutions such as well-lit property, heavily monitored buildings, and decorative hedges or flowers can be great ways to help deter graffiti. But it’s best used as a supplement, paired with other methods making your line of defense stronger.
According to a report by the EPA, a yearly cost of security against and removal of property damage is as high as $18 billion in the United States. So what’s the solution? Luckily, we have 5 ways to keep your business and property safe from vandalism.
Graffiti Preventing Film
A very economically sound option would be an anti-graffiti film. After it’s installed, it is almost invisible making sure it doesn’t affect the look of your building while also protecting it from tagging and damage. Not only does it deter vandals from your property, but it also cuts down and maybe even phases out the need for expensive glass replacement. Glass replacement can easily be up to 10-20 times more expensive than graffiti preventing film.
Impact Protection
Paired with graffiti preventing the film, impact protection systems give you the best bang for your buck! With greater protection for windows and glass walls, these systems are installed to the surface and frame making them stronger. In addition to guarding against vandals, it also guards against break-ins, earthquakes, blasts from explosions, and other disastrous events.
Graffiti Preventing Paints and Coatings
Did you know that there is a special kind of paint or coating that stops tagging from binding to a wall? Basically, they are a unique spray paint that forms a shield against graffiti and vandalism when applied to a surface. They come in three unique coatings, giving you options to apply what you need.
Permanent: a shield that prevents spray paint from adhering to the surface. If your building is vandalized, only a simple tagging cleaner is required to clean up. Yes, Permanent coatings are more expensive. But if it is correctly cleaned and managed you will only require one layer to adequately protect your property.
Sacrificial: this coating creates a layer over the surface that can be removed if vandalized. Once it has been removed, a new coating will be required.
Semi-Sacrificial: this one is used as a primer, protecting the pores on the surface of the wall. If vandalized, simply pair a graffiti cleaner with a pressure washer. Once the damage is removed, applying another coating is optional given the circumstances.
Barriers
Barriers can come in a variety of forms, all achieving the same goal. Dense foliage like hedges, ivy, and shrubbery can give a nice shield while also looking decorative. Another option is a more conventional route, using gates or fences. Either way, you slice it, they all make it harder to access walls. This forces the vandals to climb over or go around the barriers, often turning them away entirely from trying. But even if they do try and access the walls, it’s easy to pair this with protective coatings or films making property damage even easier to protect against.
Multi-Layer Surface Film
As the name stated, multi-layer surface film is an adaptable choice that can be used in a wide range of applications. Simple application in minutes, it can be used both vertical and horizontal. It’s a fitting option for nearly any smooth surface including windows, marble, concrete, and more.
With so many options, it’s becoming easier for business owners to protect their property from graffiti. If you have questions or would like to know about possible options for your business, contact us at Energy Control Consultants for more information.