The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with board up windows. But, it's an labor-intensive job and should be accomplished with the help of someone else.
Take measurements of your windows to make sure the plywood will fit perfectly. Make sure you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
Boarding up windows is a tried-and-true method of protecting your property in the event of an emergency. It's a fairly simple process that requires a few tools and some time to complete but it's extremely effective.
Boarding up windows has a primary purpose that is to stop the glass from breaking due to debris during a storm or other severe weather. The boarding is usually made of plywood, and is fixed to the frame of the window with a nail or screw. Other materials, like zip ties or duct tape are also a possibility to board windows. However plywood is affordable and easy to use and is an ideal choice.
Find the height and width of each window prior to when you begin the boarding process. This will allow you to cut a 5/8-inch thickness of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. The dimensions of the plywood should be identical to the dimensions of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. There should be a 4 inch gap between the edge of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion.
After the plywood is cut to size, screw into the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement centers. They are designed to attach directly to the studs that are on the exterior of a home. The holes in the plywood should be made to match the diameter of the hanger bolts and should be spaced at least 2 inches apart on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed, the bolts can be unscrewed from the studs.
It is essential to begin the process of boarding up as soon as possible, after a hurricane warning has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home and give you the chance to identify any issues before the storm hits. The entire process should take about 30 minutes for each window, and should be done by two people.
Prevents break-ins
One of the primary reasons property owners consider boarded up windows is that it acts as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target homes that they know they can easily enter. If they see the property boarded up, they might be hesitant before attempting to enter. Boarded up windows also prevent burglars from having the ability to inspect the inside of the house as well, which is a major security benefit.
A good way to protect your property is by board up windows. If you live in an area that is susceptible to extreme weather, you should board up windows to safeguard your property. By covering the windows with plywood snow, rain, snow and other debris cannot be able to enter, which could save you a lot of money on costly repairs and replacements.
When you're deciding on the best way to board up your windows, it is important to choose the right materials. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which can be able to withstand the elements. You will also require drilling tools to create holes in the plywood, along with screws and caulk or putty to seal the holes. Before you begin, make sure to measure the window openings and note where the screws will be. poole emergency boarding up should also write down which plywood panel is for each door or window. Once you have all the items, it's time to board up your windows.
While boarding up your windows can help to prevent burglaries, it is not completely secure. It is still possible for burglars to circumvent the boarding, and it is not always easy to put in place. Furthermore, if your only rely on boarding your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can further protect your property.
One of the most effective methods to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is a fantastic option for vacant properties and can be an alternative to blocking your windows. This solution is not suitable for residential or commercial structures which want to preserve curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
The act of boarding up your windows will not only keep your home safe from intruders, but it will also help reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your windows. About two-thirds loss from a house or building is due to inefficient windows. This happens through a combination of convection, radiation and conduction. Radiation is when warm air touches cold glass, which causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and your home. Convection happens the process where hot air rises and colder air enters to replace it. Conduction is the heat that passes through the window frame, which is usually constructed of steel.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, a window breaking is a problem that homeowners and businesses must tackle. The act of boarding up windows hides any jagged or rough edges and allows you to keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial areas, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves looking to keep their eyes off the window.
There are some alternatives to plywood to protect against storm damage. However they don't offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering your window. Roll-down hurricane shutters can be used to shield homes during storms. However, they could be a danger to your safety in the event that they are not properly secured and take time to install and remove. Another alternative is to make use of strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing that you cut to fit your window dimensions. Seals can be pressed in the window to close gaps and allow cold air to pass through and warm air to leave.
If you are seeking a long-term solution, consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings that permit the sun's radiant heat to flow through while preventing the transfer of other types of heat. Also, consider a draft stopper which is a basic fabric tube that is placed in the bottom of your window and prevents cold air from getting in. These options can be more expensive than a full window replacement, but they can help you save money on energy in the long term.
Saves Money
While boarding up windows might seem like a costly service to provide in an emergency but it actually saves money in the long run. By securing your windows and doors with boards, you can reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or commercial space. Also, you will see the reduction in your winter energy bills.
Boards are not expensive and readily available and are a good choice for temporary protection against the elements. However, before you use them to protect your home, you must carefully measure every window. Measure horizontally inside 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 perfect fit and allow for expansion in an event like a hurricane. Also, you will require a saw to cut the plywood or OSB and a drill to facilitate mounting. For best results, you should install the boards before the storm is predicted and then leave them in place until the weather conditions are safe.
A professional boarding-up business will be able to complete the job more efficiently and efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. Professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After the storm, they can dismantle all the boards and return your property back to its original condition.
A damaged window can be a major issue for commercial property owners. It not only affects the appearance of your building however, it could cause theft and other security issues. The act of boarding these windows will stop criminals and other opportunists from gaining access to your property until the window is able to be repaired.
It is also a good idea to secure vacant properties that you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easily targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step for keeping your property secure until it can be used again.