The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Boarding up windows is a way to protect your property from storm damage. It is a difficult job that requires the assistance of a third party.
Take measurements of your windows to ensure that the plywood will fit perfectly. Make sure you have a power drill and circular saw to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
It's a tried and true method to protect your property from a storm. It's a simple procedure that requires just some basic tools and some time but it can be extremely effective.
Boarding up windows has one primary goal in order to prevent glass from breaking due to debris during an extreme storm or weather. The boarding is usually made of plywood and is attached to the window frame by nail or screw. Other materials, such as zip ties or duct tape can be used to board windows. However, plywood is inexpensive and simple to use, making it an extremely popular choice.
To begin the boarding process, measure the height and width of each window. Utilizing this information, cut a 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood or oriented Strand Board (OSB). The dimensions of the plywood should be identical to the dimensions of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame to allow expansion.
After cutting the plywood to size, you can screw it into the desired position using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are made to attach to the studs in a house, and can be purchased at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement stores. The plywood holes should be drilled to a diameter that matches the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood is removed, the hanger bolts can be removed and unscrewed from the studs of the house.
It is essential to begin the process of boarding your home whenever you can when a hurricane watch has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home, and also give you the chance to identify any problems before the storm strikes. The entire process should take approximately 30 minutes per window and should be done by two people.
Prevents Break-Ins
The idea of boarding up windows is an effective deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target properties they know they can break into, and if they see a property has been boarded up, they'll think twice about trying to enter it. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from being able to view inside the property. This is a crucial security advantage.
The practice of boarding up windows is a good way to protect your property from weather. If you live in an area that is susceptible to severe weather, board up windows to shield your home. By covering windows with plywood you can prevent snow, rain and other debris from getting in. This will help you save money on costly repairs and replacements.
When you are deciding how to encase your windows, it's crucial to select the appropriate materials. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which will stand up to the elements. You will also require a drill to make holes in the plywood as well as screws, putty or caulk to seal the holes. Make sure you take measurements of the window openings prior to when you begin and mark where screws will be placed. You should also note the plywood panel that is attached to each door or window. Once you have all the materials, it is time to start boarding up your windows.
While boarding up your windows can help stop burglaries, it is not foolproof. Even though the boarding can be difficult to install, it is possible for burglars find a way around it. Furthermore, if your only rely on boarding your windows, you may overlook other security measures that can enhance your security.
Installing a security fence is one of the best methods to stop burglaries. This is a fantastic option for vacant properties and can be an alternative to boarding your windows. This solution is not suitable for residential or commercial buildings which want to preserve curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
By boarding your windows, you will not just protect your home from intruders, but it will also help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is inefficient is responsible for two-thirds of the heat loss from a building or home. Convection, radiation, as well as conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm window glass is in contact with cold air, which causes it to radiate heat away. Convection is when hot air rises, and colder air flows in to replace it. boarding up services is the way that heat moves through the window frame, which is typically composed of metal.
Broken windows can be a problem for many businesses and homeowners, whether it is caused by extreme weather or vandalism. The act of boarding up windows hides any jagged or rough edges and lets you keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is particularly important for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who wish to hide from being observed through the window.
There are several alternatives to plywood boards for storm damage protection however they don't offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood that is encased in windows. For example roll-down hurricane shutters can be popular for insulating homes in storms, however they can cause a safety risk if they aren't securely anchored and require a long time to set up and remove. Another alternative is to make use of strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing which you cut to fit the dimensions of your window. The seals can be pressed into place to close gaps that let in cold air and allow warm air to escape.
If you are looking for a more long-term solution, think about installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings that allow the sun's radiant heat to flow through but block the transfer of other forms of heat. Consider draft stoppers. This is simply a tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and prevents cold, escaping air. These options can be more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they will help you save money on energy in the long run.
Savings on Money
While it might be costly to board up windows in an emergency, you'll actually save money in the end. By sealing doors and windows you can cut down on drafts that cause heat to escape from your home or business. You can also expect a reduction in your winter energy costs.
Boards are inexpensive and easily accessible, making them a good choice for temporary protection from the elements. But before you make use of them to protect your property, you need to carefully measure every window. Measure horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Then, add eight inches to the height and width to ensure a tight fit and allow for expansion in a storm. A saw is needed to cut the OSB or plywood, and drills are required for mounting. For best results, you should install the boards prior to when the storm is predicted and then leave them in place until the conditions are safe.
A professional boarding-up company can complete the task faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it themselves. They use hurricane clips instead of nails to join the boards to your property, thus preventing any damage to the frames. They can also remove the boards after the storm passes and return your property back to its original condition.
A window that is damaged could be a huge issue for commercial property owners. It not only affects the appearance of your building, but it can cause theft and other security concerns. Boarding up these broken windows will stop criminals and potential criminals from entering your property until the window can be repaired.
You should also secure any vacant property you own. Vacant properties are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easily targets for arsonists, which is why this is an essential step to ensure that your property is secure until it is used again.