The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Boarding up windows is a method to shield your home from potential storm damage. It's a challenging task that requires the help of another person.
Take measurements of your windows to ensure 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 tested method to shield your home from damage caused by a storm. It's a fairly simple process that requires only a few tools and some time, but it can be extremely efficient.
The primary reason for boarding up windows is to provide an enveloping physical layer over the glass, which prevents it from breaking from debris during a hurricane or other severe weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood, and is attached to the window frame using either a nail or screw. Other materials, such as zip tie or duct tape are also a possibility to board windows. However plywood is affordable and easy to work with, making it a popular option.
Take measurements of the width and height 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 match the size of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. A gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion.
After cutting the plywood to size, screw it into the desired position using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are designed to attach to the studs of a house and are available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. The plywood holes should be drilled with a diameter that matches the hanger bolts and set apart by a minimum of 2 inches on all sides. When the storm is over and the plywood is removed, the hanger bolts can be removed and reattached to the studs of the house.
If a hurricane warning has been issued, it's important to begin the boarding-up process as soon as possible. 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 only take a couple of minutes per window.
Prevents break-ins
Boarding up windows can be an effective deterrent for burglars. Burglars will target properties that they know they can easily enter. If they see the property boarded up they may think twice before attempting to gain entry. Windows that are screened off also stop burglars from having the ability to view inside the home and gain another security benefit.
A great way to safeguard your property is by board up windows. If you live in a region that is prone to severe weather, boarding windows can help protect your home from damage. By covering windows with plywood, you can stop snow, rain and other debris from getting inside. This can save you money on expensive repairs and replacements.
It is essential to select the right materials when choosing which window to board. Exterior-grade plywood is usually the best option, as it will hold up against the elements. You will need a drill to drill holes into the plywood as well as screws caulk or putty to seal the holes. Before you begin, make sure to measure the openings in your windows and mark the locations where screws will go. It is also important to note the type of plywood that goes with each window or door. Once you've got all the items, it's time to put up the windows.
While boarding your windows can help stop burglaries, it is not completely secure. Even though the boarding can be difficult to install, it's possible for burglars find a way around it. If you are relying solely on the boarding of your windows, you might overlook other security measures that could protect your property.
Installing security fencing is one of the most effective methods to stop burglaries. This is a great choice for vacant homes and is an excellent complement to boarding your windows. This solution is not suitable for residential or commercial buildings which want to preserve curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
In addition to safeguarding your home from burglaries, boarding up windows can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. About two-thirds loss from a house or building is due to the inefficiency of window glass. Radiation, convection, and conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold glass that causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and home. Convection occurs when hot air rises and colder air replaces it. Conduction is the way that heat is absorbed by the window frame, which is usually composed of metal.
Weather conditions that are severe or vandalism, breaking windows is a problem that homeowners and businesses must deal with. 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 crucial for commercial spaces that are prone to robbery by thieves who do not want to be seen through the windows.
There are window boarding up near me to plywood to protect against storm damage. However they do not offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering your window. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes during storms, but they could pose a risk to safety if they aren't securely anchored and require time to set up and remove. You can also use self-sticking rubber weather seals that you can cut to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. Seals can be pressed into place to seal gaps, allowing cold air to get in and warm air to escape.
Consider installing windows that are energy efficient with low-e coatings on glass that allows the sun's heat to pass through and block other forms of heat transfer. Consider a draft stopper. It's a simple tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your windows and prevents cold, escaping air. These alternatives are more expensive than a full window replacement, but they will lower your energy bills in the long run.
Savings on Money
While boarding up windows may appear like a costly option to offer in an emergency, it actually saves you money over the long-term. By sealing your windows and doors by using boards, you will reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or commercial property. You will also see the reduction in the cost of heating your home during winter.
Boards are cheap and readily available which makes them a great choice for temporary protection against the elements. But before you make use of them to protect your property, you must be sure to measure each window. Measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the height and width of both to ensure a tight fitting and allow for expansion in a hurricane. You will also require a saw to cut the plywood or OSB and a drill to facilitate mounting. Install the boards before an event and remove them when the weather is stable.
A professional boarding up company can do the job faster and more efficiently than anyone trying to do it by themselves. The professionals will use hurricane clip instead of nails to secure the boards to your property, preventing any damage to the frames. They can also take down the boards after the storm has passed and return your property to its original condition.
A window that is damaged could be a huge issue for commercial property owners. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your building but it can also lead to theft and other security concerns. By boarding up windows that are broken, you will stop thieves and potential criminals from entering your property until the window is able to be repaired.
You should also board up 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 for keeping your property secure until it can be used again.