Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you reside in an area prone to extreme weather, covering your doors and windows will minimize the damage caused by high winds and projectile debris. This can save you money in the long run on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window frame. Ensure that you include the framing (not just the trim or sheathing). Mark stud locations for an appropriate board attachment.
Safety
Boarding up windows protects the property from vandalism and natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. This also reduces the necessity for replacement or repair of windows following these incidents. However the process of boarding up a building requires the purchase and preparation of large quantities of plywood boards. It isn't easy to complete the task quickly particularly if you are dealing by a crisis or civil disturbance. A poorly constructed board-up in the last minute could leave your business or home vulnerable and may cause further damage.
Criminals who are opportunistic often take advantage of homes with cracked or broken glass, which makes the possibility of a burglary more likely. Window boarding can be protection against criminals and also helps to protect valuable items inside the home from being stolen. Boarding can also be useful during home renovations, when construction materials and tools can be danger to windows.
To prepare the plywood sheets to board up begin by measuring accurately the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to add at least an inch to each dimension, because this will give greater protection against wind damage. Once the dimensions have been determined, cut the plywood sheet using the saw. When cutting the plywood, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to prevent injury. Next, you must identify and mark the stud locations to ensure proper board attachment. If you can you can look for nailheads on the siding that indicate the stud's position. If you are unable to locate these, use a drill bit to search your wall for studs. Once the studs have been discovered, screw through the plywood and into the framing, drilling the screws at least 2 inches into the wood to ensure a solid anchor and prevent splitting.
The procedure for houses constructed of masonry is a bit different. Instead of fastening the plywood directly to masonry, insert the panel inside the window frame and secure it with four-inch barrel bolts, spacing no more than 16 inches apart. The shaft of the bolt must fit into the hole drilled into the masonry. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry to stop the metal from getting corroded.
Damage Prevention
In addition to providing security the act of boarding a window will also stop further damage from occurring to your property. This is especially crucial for business owners who have to be open during a storm or other natural disaster, as a broken window leaves the interior exposed to environmental debris, leaks and theft. A professional service for board-up can protect your storefront and other commercial properties quickly and affordably from further damage.
In a residential setting, broken windows are also a security risk. Windows that are not secured can allow burglars into the house and take valuable items or cause more damage to the building. This can lead to more loss of property and increased insurance rates. A professional board up service will be able to secure your home from unauthorized entry and ensure your possessions are secure while you are away from the property.
It is also important to remember that a professional can quickly and cost-effectively repair and replace damaged windows once the emergency board-up procedures have been completed. You can lower your liability risk by doing this, and get back to normal activities sooner.
If you are planning to complete the task yourself an experienced handyman or skilled repair professional can advise you on the best materials to use and supply you with the necessary tools to complete the task. Using the right type plywood will safeguard your windows from further damage. It is also recommended to drill holes in the plywood panels for screws during calm weather. This will make the process easier when a tornado warning is issued.
It may be tempting to use duct tape to secure the plywood. However, it's more beneficial to invest in stainless steel bolts that will prevent your windows from being blown away during storms with high winds. A handyman can assist you to install these in a calm weather time and ensure that they'll be ready for use in the event of a storm. This will save you money and time in the long term.
Temporary Security
In addition to protecting your home from damage caused by weather, boarding up windows helps to keep out intruders at bay. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters or a severe accident, like an explosion or car crash. The act of boarding up your home or business immediately prevents any further harm and shields you from liability until repairs can be completed.
In times of civil disturbance or riot, criminals can take advantage of the chaos and enter homes and businesses to take valuables. It's simple and effective to protect your property using plywood until the situation calms.
Apart from preventing damage window boarding provides privacy and peace of mind for homeowners and business owners. The act of boarding up your home or business will shield you from being watched by others and makes it more difficult for burglars to strike at the location. For business owners, boarding your property is a critical security measure that protects your assets and customers until your commercial glass repair service arrives.
EJH will board up your property until permanent repairs are completed regardless of whether the damage is due to vandalism or a collision. We provide emergency board-up services for commercial and residential properties and roofing, exterior wall and repair of storefronts damaged by vandalism. Contact us for more information or to request an estimate.
If you reside in the zone of hurricanes or a tornado line, it's crucial to have a plan for extreme weather-related emergencies. boarding up a doorway protects your house from further damage and offers temporary relief until you can get the windows replaced. If you aren't sure how to put your home on your own, you might consider hiring a Tasker. Taskers have the experience and tools to secure your home's entry points until permanent repairs are made. Using Airtasker is easy and fast posting your task, go through Taskers' profiles and offers, and choose the one that is most suitable for your needs.
Save Money
The cost of boarding up windows is much less than the costs involved with repairing or replacing broken glass. Additionally, it can aid in preventing water intrusion as well as other expensive damage to the structure of your business or home. This will save you the cost of insurance claims and minimize the disruption to your daily operations until repairs can be made.
It is crucial to board up your windows as soon as you can before the weather is forecast to be stormy. This will ensure that you have the plywood needed to cover your windows before the storm comes. If you wait too much the plywood you can purchase at the hardware store in your area could be out of stock and you will have 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 provide the best protection for your property. You should ideally make use of OSB or 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood to shield your windows from the force of wind.
Depending on the type of window you have it might be necessary to drill pilot holes into the frame before installing the plywood. Make sure you space the pilot holes around the frame. This will prevent the wood from splintering when you insert the screw. Additionally, it is recommended to attach metal washers to each screw to prevent the wood from breaking and weakening.
It is possible to put up your windows on your own, but it requires extensive knowledge and experience. This is a job best done in calm weather to ensure that you work in a safe and efficient manner.
Consider hiring a professional service to put up the windows if you want to speed up the process. They can put up the plywood and supply the proper tools for this task. They will know how to properly install the plywood and can give you other suggestions on protecting your home from the damaging effects of severe storms.