The Main Issue With Boarding Up Windows, And How You Can Repair It
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is possible by building windows with boards. It is a difficult job that requires the assistance of a third party.
Before you begin the process make sure you measure your windows accurately to ensure that the plywood fits perfectly. 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 reliable method of protecting your property from a storm. It's an easy process that requires just a few basic tools and some time but can be very effective.
The main purpose of boarding up windows is to provide an enveloping physical layer over the glass, which stops it from breaking due to debris in the event of a hurricane or another extreme weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood and is attached to the window frame using either a screw or nail. There are other materials that can be used to board up windows, like duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is affordable and easy to work with, making it an obvious choice.
Find the height and width for each window before you begin the boarding process. Utilizing this information, cut a piece of 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Make sure the dimensions of the plywood match the dimensions of the window frame and leave one inch. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame to allow for expansion.
After the plywood has been cut to size, screw in the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are available in the majority of hardware stores as well as home improvement stores. They are designed to be attached directly to the studs of the house. The plywood holes should be drilled at a diameter that matches the hanger bolts and set apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed 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 as soon as 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 identify any issues before the storm hits. The entire process should take a couple of minutes for each time.
Stopping break-ins
One of the main reasons why property owners use boarding up windows is because it serves as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target homes that they know they can easily enter. If they see a property that is boarded up, they might think twice before trying to get in. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from having access to the property. This is a crucial security advantage.
The act of boarding up windows is an excellent way to protect your property from weather. If you live in an area that is susceptible to severe weather, it is advisable to board up windows to safeguard your home. By covering windows with plywood snow, rain, snow and other debris won't be able to enter, which could save you a lot of money on costly repairs and replacements.
It is essential to select the right materials when deciding what to use for the boarding of your windows. Exterior-grade plywood is usually the best choice, since it is durable against the elements. You will also require drilling tools to create holes in the plywood, as well as screws and putty or caulk to close the holes. Make sure to take measurements of the window openings prior to when you begin and mark where screws will be put. Also, note which plywood panel goes with each window or door. Once you have the necessary materials, it's time to start boarding up your windows.
While boarding up 24 hour boarding up service can help stop burglaries, it is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to circumvent the boarding, and it's not always simple to install. If you are relying solely on boarding your windows, you may overlook other security measures that could safeguard your property.
Installing security fencing is among the best methods to stop burglaries. This is a great solution for vacant properties and could be an ideal complement to blocking your windows. But, this option is not the best choice for commercial or residential structures that wish to keep a level of curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
In addition to keeping your home safe from burglaries, boarding up windows can cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is not efficient is responsible for about two-thirds the heat loss from a building or home. Convection, radiation, and conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm windows glass is in contact with cold air, which causes it to radiate heat away. Convection occurs when hot air rises before colder air replaces it. And conduction is when heat flows through the window's frame, which is typically made of metal.
Weather conditions that are severe or vandalism, breaking windows is a frequent issue that many businesses and homeowners have to deal with. Boarding up a window conceals any rough or jagged edges and lets you keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is especially important for commercial spaces which are prone to robbery attempts by thieves looking to hide from being observed through the window.
There are some alternatives to plywood for storm damage protection. However they don't offer the same level security as a solid piece wood that covers your window. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular to help in insulating homes during storms, but they can create a safety hazard when they aren't properly secured and take time to put up and take down. There are also self-sticking rubber weather seals that can be cut to the exact dimensions of your windows. Seals can be put in the window to close gaps and allow cold air to get in and warm air to escape.
If you are looking for a more long-term solution, consider installing energy efficient windows with low-e coatings, which allow the sun's radiant heat to pass through while preventing the transfer of other forms of heat. Consider a draft stopper. It's simply a tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows, and blocks the escape of cold air. These options are more expensive than a full window replacement, but they can reduce your energy bills in the long term.
Savings on Money
While boarding up windows might seem like a costly service to offer in an emergency however, it actually saves money in the long run. By sealing your windows and doors with boards, you can reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from your home or commercial property. You will also see a 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 a storm. Before you are able to use them as a security for your property, you will need to measure every window. Be sure to take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a snug fitting and to allow for expansion during a hurricane. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood, and a drill is needed for mounting. For the best results, you must install the boards prior to when the storm is predicted and wait to remove them until the weather conditions are safe.
A professional boarding-up company will be able to do the job more efficiently and efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. These professionals employ hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to your property, thus preventing any damage to the frames. They can also dismantle the boards once the storm has passed and restore 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 property but also lead to burglaries and other security issues. 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 an excellent idea to board up any vacant properties you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are ideal targets for arsonists therefore this is a crucial step for keeping your property safe until it can be used again.