The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Boarding up windows is one way to safeguard your home from storm damage. However, it is an labor-intensive job and should be done with the help of someone else.
Before you start the process, measure your windows precisely to ensure that the plywood fits snugly. Make sure you have a power drill and circular saw to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
It is a tried and reliable method of protecting your home from storm. It's a simple procedure that requires only a few tools and a bit of time to complete, but it can be extremely effective.
The purpose of boarding up windows is an important purpose: to prevent the glass from breaking because of debris during the storm or other severe weather. The boarding is typically constructed from plywood, and is secured to the frame of the window with either a nail or screw. There are other materials that can be used to cover windows such as duct tape and zip ties, but plywood is inexpensive and simple to work with, making it an obvious choice.
To begin the boarding process, take measurements of the height and width of each window. This will allow you to cut a 5/8-inch thick sheet of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood meet the size of the window frame, and leave one inch. 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 into the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement centers. They are designed to connect directly to the studs that are on a house. The holes for the plywood must be drilled at an appropriate diameter to match the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. After the storm has ended and the plywood is removed and the bolts removed, they can be unscrewed from the studs.
Once a hurricane warning is issued, it's important to begin boarding up your home as soon possible. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to protect your home, and give you the chance to spot any issues before the storm arrives. The entire process should only take a couple of minutes for each window.
Stops break-ins
The idea of boarding up windows is a great deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target properties they know they can easily break into and, if they notice that a house has been closed off, they will think twice about trying to break into it. Boarded up windows also prevent burglars from being able to inspect the inside of the house, which is another important security benefit.
The practice of boarding up windows is an effective way to shield your home from the elements. If you live in an area where there is a high risk of extreme weather, you should board up windows to protect your home. 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 right materials when choosing what to use for the boarding of your windows. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which will withstand the elements. You will also require drilling tools to create holes in the plywood, along with screws and caulk or putty to seal the holes. Before you begin, make sure to measure the openings in your windows and mark the locations where screws will go. It is also important to note which plywood panel goes with each door or window. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to affix your windows.
While boarding windows up can deter burglaries, this method is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to circumvent the board, and it's not always easy to install. If you rely solely on blocking your windows, you might miss other security measures that could protect your property.
Installing security fencing is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries. This is a great choice for vacant homes and can be a great complement to boarding your windows. However, this method is not a good fit for commercial or residential buildings which want to maintain a level of curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
By boarding your windows, you will not just protect your home from burglars, but it can also reduce the amount heat that escapes from your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a home or building is due inefficient windows. Convection, radiation, as well as conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm windows glass comes into contact with cold air which causes it to radiate heat away. Convection occurs when hot air rises before colder air replaces it. Conduction is the process by which heat passes through the window frame, which is typically made of metal.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, a window breaking is a common issue that homeowners and businesses must deal with. The boarded-up window will hide any rough edges or jagged edges, and you can keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is particularly important for commercial buildings that are prone to theft by thieves who don't want to be observed through windows.
There are many alternatives to plywood boards to protect against storm damage however they don't offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering windows. For instance, 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 require a long time to set up and remove. Another option is to use strips of self-stick weather sealing that you cut to fit your window dimensions. The seals can be pressed in place to seal gaps that allow cold air while allowing warm air to escape.
If you are seeking a long-term solution, you should consider installing energy efficient windows with low-e coatings, which allow the sun's radiant heat to pass through while blocking the thermal transfer of other kinds of heat. Also consider draft stoppers that is a simple tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your window, and stops cold air from getting in. These options are more costly than a full window replacement, but they can help reduce your energy costs in the long term.
Savings on Money
While it might be costly to cover windows in the event of an emergency, you will actually save money over the long term. By sealing your windows and doors by using boards, you will reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from your home or commercial property. As a result, you will see lower energy bills during the winter.
Boards are easily available and cheap, making them an excellent option for temporary protection against the ravages of a storm. However, before you use them to protect your property, you must be sure to measure each window. Be sure to measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Then add eight inches to both the height and width to ensure a snug fit and allow for expansion during a storm. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood, and drills are required to mount the boards. Install the boards before the storm, and then take them off when the weather is stable.
A reputable boarding up business will complete the job quicker and more efficiently than anyone trying to do it themselves. Professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to adhere the boards to the property, preventing damage to the frames. After emergency boarding up , they will dismantle all the boards and return your property to its original state.
If you are an owner of commercial properties and you have a window that is broken, it could be a major problem. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your building but it can cause theft and other security issues. The act of boarding these windows will stop thieves and potential criminals from entering your property until the window is able to be replaced.
You should also board up any vacant property you own. This is important to ensure that your property is safe while it is being used.