Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you live in an area that is susceptible to severe storms, you should board up your windows and doorways to minimize damage caused by debris and high winds. This can save you money over the long haul on expensive window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by measuring the height and width of each window frame, ensuring you include the framing (not just the sheathing or trim). Mark the stud locations for proper board attachment.
Safety
Boarding up windows protects property from vandalism and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. It also reduces the necessity for window repair or replacement following such events. However the process of boarding up a building requires the purchase and preparation of large quantities of plywood boards. This can be a challenging task to do quickly when the need arises, especially in the event of an emergency or civil unrest. A poorly done last minute board up can leave your home or business vulnerable and cause further damage.
The likelihood of burglaries is higher occur when criminals target homes with broken or cracked glass. Window boarding is protection against criminals and also helps to protect valuable items inside the home from theft. Boarding can also be useful during home renovations, when construction tools and materials can be danger to windows.
Start by measuring the width and height of each window opening. Add at least 1 inch to each dimension. This will help protect against wind damage. Once the dimensions are established, you can utilize a saw to cut the sheet of plywood to size. Wear safety goggles and gloves while cutting the plywood to prevent injury. Next, identify and mark the locations of studs for proper board attachment. If you are able you can look for nailheads on the siding that indicate the stud's position. If none are available then use a drill and a bit to look around the wall for studs. Once you have located the studs then screw the plywood into the framing. The screws should be driven at least two inches into the wood to create a solid anchor and to prevent splitting.
The process for the masonry home is a little different. Instead of securing the plywood directly to masonry, insert the panel within the window frame and secure it with four-inch barrel bolts, spacing no more than 16 inches apart. The shaft that slides on the bolt must fit into a hole that is drilled through the masonry. Be sure to use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry, as this will help stop the metal from getting corroded.
Prevention of Damage
Boarding up a broken window is not just a way to provide a sense of security, but also prevents further property damage. This is especially important for business owners that have to keep their doors open in the event of an emergency or natural disaster since broken glass can expose the inside to leaks, environmental debris and theft. A professional board-up service can quickly and affordably protect your commercial properties from the risk of further damage.
In an environment that is residential windows that are damaged pose a security issue as well. Insecure windows could allow burglars to enter the house and take valuable items or cause more damage to the building. This could result in additional loss of property as well as higher insurance premiums. A professional board up service will be able to secure your home from unauthorized entry and keep your belongings safe while you are away from your home.
Once the emergency service of board-up is complete, it's important to note that you can also engage a professional to repair and replace damaged windows swiftly and inexpensively. This way, you'll be able to reduce the risk of liability and return to normal sooner.
If you plan to do the work yourself, a skilled handyman or repair professional can provide you with the equipment and materials you require to complete the project. The right type of plywood will protect your windows from further damage. It is also a good idea to pre-drill holes into the plywood panels to allow screws during calm weather. This will speed up the process when a tornado warning is issued.
It is tempting to use duct-tape to secure the plywood. However, it is better to invest in stainless-steel bolts to prevent your windows from blowing out in high winds. A handyman can assist you to install these in a calm weather time to ensure that they will be ready when a storm hits. This will help you save money and time in the long run.
Temporary Security
In addition to securing your home from damage caused by weather The act of boarding windows can help to keep out intruders at bay. This is especially crucial in the aftermath of natural disasters or a catastrophic accident, such as an explosion or a crash. The act of boarding up your home or business immediately stops further harm and protects you from liability until repairs can be done.
In the event of protest or civil unrest criminals can make the most of the chaos and infiltrate businesses and homes to steal valuables. The act of boarding up your property with plywood is a straightforward and effective way to deter burglars and other undesirable intruders until the situation calms down.
Window boarding up not only keeps damage from happening, but also provides security and peace of mind for business and home owners. Boarding up your home or business will shield you from prying eyes and makes it harder for burglars to target the area. For business owners, boarding your premises is a crucial security measure that can protect your assets and customers until your commercial glass repair service will arrive.
If your property is damaged due to vandalism or an accident You can count EJH to secure your home or business until permanent repairs are completed. We offer emergency board-up services for commercial and residential properties. We also repair roofs, exterior walls, and storefront damage. Call us to get more details or schedule an appointment.
If you reside in the zone of hurricanes or an area of tornado warning it's essential to have a plan to deal with severe weather emergencies. Emergency boarding up not only protects your home from further damage but it also serves as a temporary solution until you can have the windows replaced. If you're not sure how to put your home up on your own, you might consider hiring a Tasker. Taskers have the tools and know-how to ensure your home's points of entry remain secured until permanent repair is completed. Airtasker makes it easy to find the right person for your job. Simply post your task and review the profiles of Taskers.
Save Money
The cost of boarding up windows is much lower than the cost associated with repairing or replacing broken glass. It also helps to prevent flooding and other costly damage to your business or home. This will save you money on insurance claims and minimize the disruption of daily operations until repairs can be made.
It is important to board up your windows as soon as you can when a storm is predicted. You will have the plywood you require to cover your windows when the storm hits. If you wait too long, the plywood could be sold out at your local hardware store, and you'll need to pay more for it.
Plywood is cheap and readily available, which is why it is a great option to cover your windows. However, you must choose the highest quality plywood that is available to get the most protection for your property. Ideally, you should choose 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or OSB to shield your windows from the hammer of the wind and flying debris.
Before installing the plywood, you might need to drill pilot holes in the frame. Make sure that the pilot holes are equally spaced around the frame. This will help to prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. It is also a good idea to add washers made of metal to each screw to further keep the wood from breaking and weakening.
While it is possible to board up your own windows, this is a job that requires a lot of experience and expertise to do correctly. This is a job that is best performed in cool weather to ensure that you work in a safe and efficient manner.
You might want to consider hiring a professional to affix your windows near you If you're looking to cut down on time. They can put up the plywood and provide appropriate tools for the job. They will be able to correctly install the plywood and can provide you with additional ideas to protect your home from the damaging consequences of severe storms.