The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with building windows with boards. However, it is labor-intensive and must be accomplished with the help of someone else.
Before beginning the process, measure your windows precisely to ensure that the plywood is sized correctly. Also, make sure you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
The practice of boarding windows is a tried and true method for protecting property in the event of an incoming storm. It's a simple procedure that requires only a few tools and a little time, but it can be extremely efficient.
The main reason to board windows is to create a physical barrier over the glass, which prevents it from being damaged by debris in the event of a hurricane or another severe weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood, and it is fixed to the frame of the window with either a screw or nail. There are other materials that could be used to board up windows, such as duct tape and zip ties, but plywood is cheap and easy to work with and is a great option.
To begin the boarding process, take measurements of the height and width of each window. Utilizing this information, cut a 5/8-inch thick exterior-grade plywood or oriented string board (OSB). Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood match the size of the window frame and leave one inch. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame in order to allow for expansion.
After cutting the plywood to size, you can screw it into the frame using hanger bolts as well as nuts. These bolts are made to attach to the studs of a house and are available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. boarding up service in the plywood must be drilled to correspond with the diameter of the hanger bolts and should be spaced at least 2 inches apart on all sides. After the storm has passed and the plywood is removed and the hanger bolts are removed, they can be removed and reattached to the studs of the house.
It is important to start the process of boarding your home 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 problems before the storm strikes. The entire process should take approximately 30 minutes for each window, and should be performed by two people.
Prevents break-ins
The idea of boarding up windows is a great deterrent for burglars. Burglars will target properties that they are aware of the possibility of entering. If they see the property boarded up they may think twice before trying to get in. Boarded up windows also prevent burglars from being able view inside the home as well, which is a major security benefit.
The act of boarding up windows is an excellent way to protect your home from the elements. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, boarding up windows can help to keep your property safe from damage. By covering windows with plywood you can stop rain, snow, and other debris from getting in. This will save you money on expensive repairs and replacements.
When deciding on how to frame your windows, it is important to choose the right materials. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which can stand up to the elements. You will also require drilling tools to create holes in the plywood as well as screws, putty or caulk to seal the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure your window openings and note where the screws will go. It is also important to note the plywood panel that is attached to each door or window. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to affix your windows.
While boarding your windows can help to prevent burglaries, it is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to get around the boarding, and it's not always easy to put in place. In addition, if you only rely on boarding your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can enhance your security.
One of the most effective methods to prevent burglaries is by installing security fencing. This is a great solution for vacant homes and can be an alternative to blocking your windows. But, this option is not suitable for commercial or residential buildings that want to maintain the curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
In addition to protecting your home from burglaries, boarding up windows can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is inefficient is responsible for around two-thirds of the heat loss in the home or building. This happens because of the combination of convection, radiation, and conduction. Radiation occurs when warm windows glass contacts cold air, which causes it to radiate heat away. Convection happens the process where hot air rises and colder air enters to replace it. Conduction is the heat that moves through the window frame, which is typically made of metal.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, a window breaking is a problem that many businesses and homeowners must tackle. The act of boarding up windows hides any rough or jagged edges and allows you to keep your business open until the window can be repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who want to keep their eyes off the window.
There are a few alternatives to plywood boards to protect against storm damage, but they don't provide the same level of security as a solid piece of wood that covers windows. For instance, roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes during storms, however they can create a safety hazard when they aren't securely anchored and require a long time to set up and remove. You can also install self-stick rubber weather seals can be cut to the exact measurements of your windows. Seals can be put in place to close gaps allowing cold air to enter and warm air to escape.
Consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coated glass that allows the sun's warmth to pass through, while blocking other types of heat transfer. Also consider a draft stopper which is a basic fabric tube that is placed on the bottom of your window to prevent cold air from getting in. These options are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can reduce your energy costs over the long haul.
Savings on Money
While boarding windows up may seem like a costly service to offer in an emergency situation however, it actually saves money over the long term. By securing your doors and windows by using boards, you will reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from your home or commercial space. As a result, you will see lower energy costs in the wintertime.
Boards are easily accessible and affordable they are a great choice for temporary protection against a storm. Before you can use them as protection for your home, you will need to measure each window. Be sure to measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Then add eight inches to the height and width to ensure a snug fit and allow for expansion during a hurricane. A saw is needed to cut the OSB or plywood, and drills are required to mount the boards. To get the best results, you must install the boards prior to when a storm is expected and then wait until the conditions are safe.
A professional boarding up company will complete the job quicker and more efficiently than someone trying to do it on their own. These professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to the property, preventing damage to the frames. They can also take down the boards once the storm passes and return your property back to its original condition.
If you are a property owner for a commercial business, then a broken window can be a major issue. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your property but can also trigger thefts and other security concerns. By boarding up the windows that have broken, you will keep thieves and opportunists out of your property until you are able to replace it.
It is also recommended to secure vacant properties that you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are ideal targets for arsonists so this is an important step to keep your property secure until it can be used again.