Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you live in an area that's susceptible to extreme weather, boarding your doors and windows can minimize the damage caused by high winds and projectile debris. This could save you money in the long term on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by measuring the height and width of each window frame, ensuring you include the framing (not only the trim or sheathing). Mark stud positions for the proper board attachment.
Safety
The boarded-up windows will help protect your property from natural disasters and vandalism like tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. It also helps reduce the need for window repairs or replacement after events like these. To put up a wall, you will need to buy and set up large quantities of plywood boards. It isn't easy to complete this task quickly particularly if you're faced with a crisis or civil disturbance. A poorly designed board-up in the last minute could leave your business or home vulnerable and may cause further damage.
Criminals who are opportunistic often target homes with smashed or broken glass, making a break-in more likely. Window boarders can deter crime and safeguard valuable items from being stolen. Boarding is also useful during home renovations, when construction materials and tools could be a threat to windows.
To prepare plywood sheets for boarding up, start by accurately measuring the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to add at minimum an inch to each dimension, as this overlap will provide more protection against wind damage. After the dimensions have been established, you can make use of a saw to cut the sheet of plywood to the appropriate size. When cutting the plywood, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent injury. Mark the stud locations for the proper board attachment. If possible, search for nailheads on the siding to mark the studs' locations. If none are available, make use of a drill and a bit to look around the wall for studs. Once the studs have been discovered, screw through the plywood and into the framing, driving the screws at least 2 inches into the wood to ensure a solid anchor and avoid splitting.
For homes constructed of masonry the procedure is a bit different. Instead of securing the plywood directly to the masonry, fit the panel within the window frame and secure it with 4-inch barrel bolts spaced not more than 16 inches apart. The bolt's sliding shaft should be able to fit into a hole drilled through the masonry. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry, because this will prevent the metal from becoming 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 particularly important for businesses that need to remain open in the event of a storm or natural disaster, as broken windows leave the interior exposed to environmental debris, leaks, and robbery. A professional board up service can swiftly and affordably shield your storefront or other commercial properties from further damage.
In an environment that is residential, broken windows are a security issue as well. Unattended windows let burglars in to the home and take valuable items or cause further damage to the building. This can lead to additional loss of property and an increase in insurance premiums. A professional board-up service can secure your home from unauthorised entry, and also keep your belongings safe when you are away.
It's also important to note that a professional will quickly and affordably repair and replace damaged windows once the emergency board-up services have been completed. This way, you'll be able to reduce the risk of liability and return to normal sooner.
If you plan on doing the job yourself an experienced handyman or skilled repair professional can advise you of the best materials to choose and provide you with the tools required to complete the task. Selecting the right kind of plywood will shield your windows from further damage. During calm weather, it is an ideal idea to drill holes before you drill your plywood panels. This will make the process quicker when a storm warning is issued.
You may be tempted to apply duct tape to secure the plywood, but it's a good idea to invest in stainless steel hanger bolts to reduce the chances of your windows becoming dislodged in a storm with a high wind. Installing these during calm weather will ensure that they're ready when a storm hits. This will save time and money in the long time.
Temporary Security
In addition to securing your property from weather-related damage, boarding up windows helps to keep intruders at bay. This is especially crucial in the aftermath of an natural disaster or serious accident, such as an explosion or a crash. The act of boarding up your home or business immediately stops further harm and protects your business from liability until repairs can be made.
For example during an unrest or riot criminals could make use of the chaos to enter homes and businesses and steal valuable items. The act of boarding up your property with plywood is a simple and effective method to deter thieves and other intruders who aren't welcome until the situation calms down.
Window boarding up not just prevents damage but also offers security and peace of mind to business and home owners. The act of boarding up your business or home shields your property from being watched by the public and makes it less appealing for burglars. For business owners, boarding up your property is an essential security measure that can protect your assets and customers until the commercial glass repair service can arrive.
Whether your property is damaged by vandalism or an accidental event, you can count on EJH to encase your home or business until permanent repairs are completed. We provide emergency board-up services for residential and commercial properties. We also repair roof, exterior walls, and storefront damages. Call us to get more information or schedule an appointment.
Whether you live in hurricane territory or on an area of tornado warning it's essential to have a plan in place to deal with severe weather emergencies. Emergency board ups don't just protect your home from further damage but it also provides a temporary solution until you can have the windows replaced. If you're not sure how to board up your home on your own, consider hiring a Tasker for the task for you. Taskers are equipped with the tools and expertise to ensure that your home's entry points remain secured until permanent repair is completed. Making use of Airtasker is easy and fast posting your task, review Taskers' profiles and offers, and choose the one that is most suitable for your needs.
boarding up door of boarding up windows is significantly lower than the cost associated in repairing or replacing damaged glass. Additionally, it can help prevent water intrusion and other costly damage to the structure of your home or business. This can save the cost of insurance claims and minimize the disruption of daily operations until repairs can be made.
If a storm is predicted, it is important to board your windows up in the earliest time possible. This will ensure that you have the appropriate plywood to cover your windows prior to the storm hits. If you wait too long, the plywood could be out of stock at the local hardware store and you will need to pay higher prices for it.
Plywood is easily available and inexpensive, making it a great option to cover your windows. However, you must choose the highest quality plywood that is available in order to provide the best protection for your property. You should ideally utilize OSB or 5/8-inch exterior grade plywood to protect your windows from the force of wind.
Before installing the plywood, you may need to drill pilots holes in the frame. Make sure that you evenly space the pilot holes around the frame. This will stop the wood from splitting when you insert the screw. It is also a good idea to have each screw to have metal washers attached to it to prevent the wood from splitting and weakening.
It is possible to put up your windows on your own, but it requires a lot of expertise and experience. This is a job that should be done in cool weather so that you can do the job safely and quickly.
If you're looking to save time, think about hiring a professional window boarding up near me service. They can put up the plywood and provide appropriate tools for the job. They will be able to correctly install the plywood and can give you other tips to safeguard your home against the consequences of severe storms.