The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
The idea of boarding up windows is a way to safeguard your home from potential storm damage. However, it is a labor-intensive task and must be done with the help of a third party.
Before beginning the process, measure your windows precisely to ensure that the plywood fits perfectly. Also, make sure 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 a storm. It's an easy process that only requires a few basic tools and a bit of time, but it can be extremely effective.
The primary reason for boarding up windows is to create an enveloping physical layer over the glass, which prevents it from breaking from debris in the event of a hurricane or another extreme weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood and connected to the frame using either a screw or nail. Other materials, such as zip ties or duct tape can be used to board windows. However, plywood is inexpensive and easy to work with and is a popular option.
Find the height and width for each window prior to you begin the boarding procedure. Use this information to cut a piece of 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood or oriented Strand Board (OSB). The dimensions of the plywood should match the dimensions of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. There should be a 4 inch gap between the edge of the plywood and the window frame in order to allow for expansion.
After the plywood is cut to size After the plywood has been cut, screw in the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are found in most hardware stores and home improvement stores. They are designed to connect directly to the studs that are on a house. The holes for the plywood must be drilled with 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 has been removed the hanger bolts may be unscrewed and removed from the studs of the house.
If a hurricane warning has been issued, it is important to begin the boarding process as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to secure your home, and give you the chance to identify any problems before the storm strikes. The whole process should take around 30 minutes per window, and should be completed by two people.
Prevents Break-Ins
One of the primary reasons why property owners use boarding up windows is because it acts as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars usually target homes they know they can break into and, if they notice that a house has been closed off, they will think twice about trying to break into it. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from being able to view inside the building. This is a crucial security benefit.
A good way to protect property is to secure it by boarding up windows. If you live in an area that is susceptible to extreme weather, boarding up windows can help to protect your home from damage. By covering windows with plywood, you can block snow, rain and other debris from getting in. This can save you money on expensive repairs and replacements.
It is important to select the appropriate materials when you are deciding what to use for the boarding of your windows. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which can be able to withstand the elements. You will need drills for drilling holes into the plywood as well as screws caulk or putty for sealing the holes. Make sure you determine the openings of your windows before you begin, and then mark where screws will be positioned. Also, note which plywood panel goes with each window or door. Once you have the necessary items, it's time to start boarding up your windows.
While boarding windows up can prevent burglaries, this method is not foolproof. Although the boarding is difficult to install, it is possible that burglars will find an escape route. If you rely solely on the boarding of your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can protect your home.
Installing a security fence is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries. This is a great choice for vacant properties, and it can be an excellent complement to boarding up your windows. However, property boarding up is not a good fit for residential or commercial buildings that want to maintain an appearance.
Reduces Heat Loss
The act of boarding up your windows will not only protect your home from burglars, but it can also cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Inefficient window glass is responsible for two-thirds of the heat loss from a building or home. This is caused by the combination of radiation, convection and conduction. Radiation is when warm air touches cold glass that causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and the home. Convection is when hot air rises, and colder air flows in to replace it. Conduction is the process by which heat moves through the window frame, which is typically made of metal.
Breaking windows can pose a problem for many businesses and homeowners, whether it is due to severe weather or vandalism. The window that is boarded up will hide any rough edges or jagged edges, and it will allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial spaces that are susceptible to robbery attempts by thieves who want to hide from being observed through the window.
There are a variety of alternatives to plywood for storm damage protection. However they do not offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering your window. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes during storms, but they could cause a safety risk if they aren't securely anchored and take time to set up and remove. You can also use self-stick rubber weather seals that you can cut to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. The seals can be pressed into place to close gaps that allow cold air and allow warm air to escape.
Consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings on glass that allows sun's heat to pass through, while blocking other types of heat transfer. Also, think about a draft stopper which is a basic fabric tube that sits on the bottom of your window and prevents cold air from leaking in. These alternatives are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can reduce your energy bills in the long run.
Savings on Money
While boarding windows up may appear like a costly option to provide in an emergency however, it actually saves money over the long term. By sealing your doors and windows with boards, you reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from your home or commercial space. In the end you will pay lower energy bills in the winter.
Boards are readily available and inexpensive they are a great choice for temporary protection against a storm. However, before you can use them to safeguard your property, you must be sure to measure each window. Measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a snug fit and to allow for expansion in a hurricane. A saw is needed to cut the OSB or plywood and a drill is needed for mounting. To get the best results, it is recommended to install the boards prior to when the storm is predicted and then leave them in place until the weather conditions are safe.
A professional boarding-up company will be able to do the job faster and more effectively than someone who is trying to do it on their own. These professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to adhere the boards to the property, preventing damage to the frames. After the storm, they'll take down the boards and restore your property to its original state.
If you're a commercial property owner and you have a window that is broken, it could be a major problem. It not only affects the appearance of your building however, it could also cause theft and other security issues. Boarding up the broken windows will keep criminals and other opportunists away from your property until you are able to replace it.
You should also board up any vacant property you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easy targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step to ensure that your property is secure until it can be used again.