The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is possible by board up windows. It's a daunting task that requires the help of a third party.
Measure your windows to ensure the plywood will fit snugly. Also, make sure you have a circular saw as well as a 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 only some basic tools and some time, but can be very effective.
The idea of boarding windows serves an important purpose 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 using either a screw or nail. Other materials, such as zip ties or duct tape, can be used to board windows. However plywood is cheap and simple to use, making it an ideal option.
To begin the boarding process, take measurements of the width and height of each window. 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 must be similar to the dimensions of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. 4 inch gap between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion.
After the plywood has been cut to size after which you can screw into the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are available in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement stores. They are designed to connect directly to the studs on the exterior of a home. The plywood holes should be drilled with an appropriate diameter to match the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by a minimum of 2 inches on all sides. After the storm has ended and the plywood is removed, the bolts can be unscrewed from the studs.
Once a hurricane warning is issued, it is important to begin the boarding-up process as soon as possible. This will enable you to ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home and give you the chance to find any issues before the storm. The entire process should take about 30 minutes for each time.
Preventing Break-Ins
One of the main reasons why property owners use the practice of boarding up windows is that it serves as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars will target properties that they are aware of the possibility of entering. If they see the property boarding up, they might think twice before attempting to enter. The windows that are boarded up prevent burglars from being able to view inside the property. This is an important security advantage.
The act of boarding up windows is an excellent way to protect your property from the elements. If you live in a region that is susceptible to severe weather, it is advisable to board up windows to shield your home. By covering windows with plywood, you can prevent snow, rain, and other debris from entering. This can save you money on expensive repairs and replacements.
When deciding on how to encase windows, it is important to choose the right materials. The exterior grade plywood is typically the best choice as it will hold up against the elements. You will need drills for drilling holes in the plywood, as well as screws caulk, putty or caulk for sealing the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure your window openings and mark the locations where screws will go. You should also note which plywood panel goes with each door or window. Once you have all the materials, it's time to start boarding up your windows.
While boarding windows can prevent burglaries, this technique is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to find ways around the board, and it's not always simple to install. Additionally, if you only rely on boarding your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can enhance your security.
Installing a security fence is one of the most effective methods to deter burglaries. This is a great solution for vacant properties and can be a complement to boarding your windows. However, this method is not suitable for commercial or residential buildings that want to maintain an appearance.
Reduces Heat Loss
The act of boarding up your windows will not just protect your home from intruders, but it can also cut down on the amount of heat that escapes from your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a house or building is due to inefficient window glass. Radiation, convection, and conduction are all involved. Radiation is when warm air touches cold window glass, which causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and your home. Convection occurs when hot air rises before colder air replaces it. Conduction occurs when heat passes through a window's frame which is typically composed of steel.
Windows that break can pose a problem for homeowners and businesses regardless of whether it's caused by severe weather or vandalism. The boarded-up windows will conceal any jagged or rough edges, and allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is especially important for commercial buildings which are susceptible to robbery by thieves who do not want to be visible through windows.
There are a few alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage, but they don't provide the same degree of security as a solid piece of wood that covers windows. For instance roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes in storms, however they can pose a risk to safety if they aren't securely anchored and take time to set up and remove. Another option is to use strips of self-stick rubber weather seal that you cut to match the window's dimensions. The seals can be pressed down to seal gaps that allow cold air while allowing warm air to escape.
Consider installing boarding up services Repair My Windows And Doors -efficient windows with low-e coatings on glass that allows sun's warmth to pass through, while blocking other types of heat transfer. Also, consider a draft stopper, which is a simple fabric tube that sits on the bottom of your window to prevent cold air from getting in. These options can be more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can aid in reducing your energy bills in the long run.
Savings on Money
While boarding up windows may appear like a costly option to provide in a crisis but it actually saves money in the long run. By sealing your doors and windows with boards, you reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from your home or commercial space. You can also expect the reduction in your winter energy bills.
Boards are readily accessible and affordable and are a good option for temporary protection against a storm. But before you use them to safeguard 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. Add eight inches to the height and width of both to ensure a snug fitting and to allow for expansion in a storm. Also, you will require a saw to cut the plywood OSB and a drill to facilitate mounting. Install the boards prior to the storm, and then remove them once the weather is safe.
A professional boarding-up company can complete the task faster and more efficiently than anyone trying to do it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to the property, preventing damage to the frames. They can also remove the boards after the storm has passed and restore your property to its original condition.
If you're an owner of commercial properties, then a broken window could be a major problem. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your property, but also lead to burglaries and other security issues. The act of boarding up windows that are broken will keep criminals and other opportunists out of your property until you are able replace it.
You should also secure any vacant property you own. This is important to keep your property safe even when it is in use.