The Biggest Issue With Boarding Up Windows, And How You Can Fix It
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Boarding up windows is one way to safeguard your home from damage caused by storms. It is a difficult task that requires the assistance of a third party.
Measure your windows to make sure the plywood will fit snugly. Also, ensure that you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
Boarding up windows is a tried-and-true method to protect your home in the event of an emergency. It's a simple procedure that requires only the use of a few tools and some time but it can be extremely effective.
The main reason to board up windows is to provide an physical barrier to the glass, which prevents it from breaking due to debris during a hurricane or other extreme weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood and is attached to the window frame using either a nail or screw. There are other materials that can be used to board up windows, such as duct tape or zip ties, but plywood is cheap and easy to work with and is a great choice.
To begin the boarding process, measure the height and width of each window. Utilizing this information, cut a sheet of 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood or oriented Strand Board (OSB). Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood meet the size of the window frame, and leave one inch. There should be a 4 inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame to allow expansion.
After the plywood is cut to size After the plywood has been cut, screw into the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are found in the majority of hardware stores as well as home improvement stores. They are designed to attach directly to the studs that are on the exterior of a home. The holes in the plywood should be drilled to match the diameter of the hanger bolts, and should be spaced at least 2 inches apart on all sides. When the storm is over and the plywood is removed the hanger bolts may be unscrewed and removed from the studs of the house.
It is important to start the process of boarding your home whenever you can when a hurricane watch has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to secure your home, and also give you the chance to spot any issues before the storm hits. The entire process should only take a couple of minutes to complete per window.
Preventing Break-Ins
Boarding up windows can be a great deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target properties that they know they can break into, and if they see a property has been boarded up, they'll think twice about trying to break into it. Boarded-up windows also prevent burglars having access to the property. This is a crucial security benefit.
Boarding up windows is also a good way to protect your property from weather. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, boarding windows can help to prevent damage to your property. By covering windows with plywood, rain, snow and other debris are unable to be able to enter, which could save you a significant amount of money on costly repairs and replacements.
When you are deciding how to board up your windows, it's essential to choose the correct materials. The best choice is exterior grade plywood, which can stand up to the elements. You will require drills for drilling 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 where the screws will be. You should also write down the plywood panel you will need for each window or door. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to affix your windows.
While boarding windows up can help prevent burglaries, this technique isn't foolproof. Even though the boarding is difficult to put up, it is possible that burglars will find ways around it. Additionally, if you are solely relying on boarding your windows, you might overlook other security measures that can help protect your home.
Installing a security fence is one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. This is an excellent choice for vacant properties, and it can be an excellent complement to boarding your windows. However, this method is not the best choice for residential or commercial buildings which want to maintain an appearance.
Reduces Heat Loss
The act of boarding up your windows will not just protect your home from burglars, but it can also cut down on the amount of heat that escapes your windows. Window glass that is inefficient is responsible for two-thirds of the loss of heat in a building or home. Convection, radiation, as well as conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold 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 is the way that heat moves through the window frame, which is usually composed of metal.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, breaking windows is a problem that many businesses and homeowners 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 particularly important for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who want to avoid being seen through the window.
There are a few alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage however they don't offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood that covers a window. For instance roll-down hurricane shutters are popular to help in insulating homes during storms, but they could create a safety hazard when they aren't properly secured and require time to set up and remove. Another option is to use strips of self-stick weather sealing that you cut to fit the dimensions of your window. Seals can be pressed into place to close gaps allowing cold air to get in and warm air to escape.
If you are looking for a longer-term solution, think about installing energy efficient windows with low-e coatings that permit the sun's radiant heat to penetrate while preventing the transfer of other kinds of heat. Also, consider a draft stopper, which is a simple fabric tube that is placed on the bottom of your window, and stops cold air from getting in. These options can be more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they'll help you save money on energy in the long run.
Saves Money
While it might be costly to cover windows in the event of an emergency, you will actually save money over the long term. By sealing doors and windows it will reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from your business or home. In the end, you will see lower energy bills during the wintertime.
Boards are inexpensive and easily available and are a good option for temporary protection against a storm. Before you are able to use them as a security for your home you must take measurements for each window. Take measurements 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 tight fitting and to allow for expansion in a storm. You will also need a saw to cut the plywood OSB and a drill for mounting. For best results, it is recommended to install the boards before a storm is expected and then leave them in place until the conditions are safe.
A professional boarding-up business will be able to complete the job faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. These professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to adhere the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After boarding up services doncaster repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , they'll remove all the boards and return your property back to its original condition.
A window that is damaged can be a big problem for commercial property owners. It not only affects the appearance of your building however, it could also lead to theft and other security issues. Boarding up these broken windows will stop criminals and potential criminals from entering your property until the window is able to be repaired.
It is also a good idea to put up a fence around vacant properties you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are easily targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step to keep your property safe until it can be used again.