The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your property against storm damage is possible by board up windows. But, it's labor-intensive and must be accomplished with the help of another person.
Measure your windows to ensure the plywood will fit perfectly. Also, make sure that you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
It's a tried-and true method to protect your property from a storm. It's an easy process that requires just a few basic tools and a bit of time, but it can be extremely effective.
Boarding up windows has a primary purpose: to prevent the glass from breaking because of debris during the storm or other severe weather. The boarding is usually made of plywood and is connected to the frame by nail or screw. There are other materials that can be used to secure windows like duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is inexpensive and simple to work with, making it an obvious choice.
Find the height and width for each window prior to you begin the boarding procedure. Use this information to 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 an inch gap. A gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion.
After the plywood is cut to size, screw into the hanger bolts using nuts. These bolts are designed to attach to the studs of a home, and can be purchased at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement stores. The holes in the plywood should be drilled with a diameter that matches the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by a minimum of 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed the hanger bolts may be unscrewed and removed from the studs of the house.
It is essential to begin the process of boarding up as soon as you can, once a hurricane watch is issued. This will allow you to make sure you have enough plywood to protect your house and also give you the chance to identify any problems before the storm arrives. The whole process should take around 30 minutes per window, and should be completed by two people.
Stopping break-ins
The idea of boarding up windows is a great deterrent for burglars. Burglars will target properties that they know they can easily access. If they see a property that is boarded up they may think twice before attempting to gain entry. Boarded up windows also prevent burglars from being able to inspect the inside of the house as well, which is a major security benefit.
The practice of boarding up windows is a good way to protect your property from the elements. If you live in an area which is susceptible to severe weather, boarding windows can protect your home from damage. By covering the windows with plywood, rain, snow and other debris won't get inside, which can save you lots of money on expensive repairs and replacements.
It is important to select the right materials when choosing how to board your windows. Exterior-grade plywood is generally the best choice as it can withstand the elements. You will also require drills to create holes in the plywood, as well as screws and caulk or putty to seal the holes. Make sure to determine the openings of your windows before you begin and mark the locations where screws will be placed. You should also note the type of plywood that goes with each door or window. Once you've got all the materials, it's time to affix your windows.
While boarding your windows can help to protect against burglaries, it's not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to circumvent the board, and it's not always easy to install. Furthermore, if your rely solely on boarding up your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can help protect your home.
One of the most effective methods to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is an excellent choice for vacant homes and is an excellent addition to boarding up windows. This option is not ideal for commercial or residential buildings which want to preserve curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
By boarding your windows, you will not only protect your home from intruders, but it can also reduce the amount heat that escapes your windows. About two-thirds of the heat loss from a home or building is due to the inefficiency of windows. Convection, radiation, as well as conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm air contacts cold window glass, which causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and the home. Convection occurs when hot air rises, and colder air replaces it. Conduction occurs the process of transferring heat through the window's frame, which is usually constructed of metal.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, the breaking of windows is a problem that many businesses and homeowners have to deal with. Boarding up a window conceals any rough or jagged edges, and allows you to keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial spaces which are susceptible to robbery by thieves who don't want to be visible through windows.
There are a few alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage however, they do not offer the same degree of security as a solid piece of wood that covers a window. Roll-down hurricane shutters are used to insulate homes during storms. However, they can be a danger to your safety in the event that they are not securely secured and require time to set up and remove. There are also self-sticking rubber weather seals that can be cut to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. Seals can be pressed into place to close gaps allowing cold air to enter and warm air to exit.
You should consider installing windows that are energy-efficient with low-e coated glass that allows the sun's warmth to pass through and block other forms of heat transfer. Also, think about draft stoppers which is a basic fabric tube that is placed in the bottom of your window and prevents cold air from leaking in. These options can be more costly than a full window replacement, but they will aid in reducing your energy bills in the long term.
Savings on Money
While boarding up windows may appear to be a costly service to provide in a crisis, it actually saves you money over the long term. By securing your windows and doors with boards, you reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from your home or commercial property. You can also expect an improvement in the cost of heating your home during winter.
Boards are not expensive and easily available and are a good choice for temporary protection from storms. Before you are able to use them as a security for your home you'll need to take measurements for each window. Be sure to take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Add eight inches to the height and width of both to ensure a tight fitting and to allow for expansion during a hurricane. Also, you will require a saw to cut the plywood OSB, and a drill for mounting. For the best results, it is recommended to put the boards up before a storm is expected and wait to remove them until the conditions are safe.
A reputable boarding-up service can complete the job more efficiently and effectively than an individual trying it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After the storm, they'll remove all the boards and return your property back to its original state.
If you're a property owner for a commercial business or manager, a damaged window can be a major issue. Not only does it ruin the appearance of your building but it can also lead to theft and other security concerns. By boarding up the windows that have broken, you will keep criminals and other opportunists out of your property until you are able replace it.
It is also recommended to board up any vacant properties you own. emergency boarding up service is essential to ensure that your property is safe while it is being used.