Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you reside in a region that is susceptible to extreme weather, boarding up your windows and doors can reduce damage from high winds and projectile debris. It can also save money on expensive window replacement and repair costs.
Begin by measuring the length of each window frame. Be sure to include the framing, not just the trim and sheathing. Mark stud positions for proper board attachment.
Safety
The act of boarding up windows helps protect your the property from vandalism as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires. It also helps reduce the need for window repairs or replacement following such events. To put up a wall it is necessary to buy and set up large quantities of plywood boards. It isn't easy to complete the task quickly, especially if you are dealing with an emergency or civil unrest. A badly executed last-minute board up can make your home or business vulnerable and could cause more damage.
Criminals looking to make a profit often take advantage of homes with cracked or broken glass, making a break-in more likely. Window boarding is protection against criminals and protects valuable items inside the home from being stolen. Boarding can also be useful during home renovations, when construction tools and materials could be a threat to windows.
To prepare the plywood sheets to board up, start by accurately measuring the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to add at minimum an inch to each dimension because this will give better protection against wind damage. Once the dimensions are determined, utilize a saw to cut the plywood sheet to size. When cutting the plywood, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent injury. Mark the stud positions to ensure the appropriate board attachment. If possible, look for nailheads on the siding to indicate stud locations. If they aren't then use a drill and bit to probe the wall for studs. Once the studs are located then screw the plywood into the framing. The screws should be driven at least two inches into the wood to ensure a solid anchor and to avoid splitting.
The process for houses constructed of masonry is a bit different. Instead of attaching the plywood directly to the masonry, secure the panel within the window frame using four-inch barrel bolts that are spaced no more 16 inches apart. The bolt's shaft should fit inside the hole that was drilled into the masonry. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry, as this will help stop the metal from becoming corroded.
Prevention of Damage
In addition to offering security, boarding up a window also prevents further damage to your property. This is especially crucial for business owners who must remain open in the event of an event of natural disaster or storm, as a broken glass can expose the inside to environmental debris, leaks and theft. A professional board up service will quickly and cost-effectively protect your commercial storefronts and properties from further damage.
In a residential setting windows that are broken pose an issue for security as well. If you leave a window open, it can allow burglars to enter and steal valuable items or cause additional damage to the structure which can lead to further loss of property and increase your insurance costs. A professional service for board-ups can safeguard your home from unauthorized entry, and keep your belongings secure while you are away.
Once the emergency service of board-up is completed, it's important to note that you can also engage an expert to repair or replace damaged windows quickly and cost-effectively. This way, you'll be able to minimize your liability risk and get back to your normal life sooner.
If you're planning to complete the task yourself, a qualified handyman or repair professional can supply you with the tools and materials needed to complete the task. For instance, selecting the right type of plywood is crucial to ensure that your windows are shielded from further damage. In calm weather, it is recommended to drill holes prior to drilling the plywood panels. This will make the process faster if a warning for storms is issued.
You might be tempted to apply duct tape to secure the plywood, but it's a good idea to invest in stainless steel hanger bolts to minimize the chance of your windows becoming dislodged during a windy day. A handyman can help you 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 term.
Temporary Security
In addition to protecting your property from weather-related damage, boarding up windows helps to keep intruders at bay. This is particularly important after an event of natural disaster or an accident that is serious, such as an explosion or a car crash. In the event of a disaster, boarding up your house or business immediately prevents any further harm and shields you from liability until repairs can be completed.
For example during an unrest or riot, criminals may make use of the chaos to break into businesses and homes and steal valuable items. Placing your property in a secure place using plywood is an easy and effective way to deter looters and other intruders who aren't welcome until the situation is calmed down.
In addition to preventing damage, window boarding up also provides peace of mind and privacy for homeowners and business owners. By boarding up your office or home shields your privacy from the prying eyes of others and makes it more difficult for burglars. A secure fence can be a crucial security measure for business owners. It can safeguard your customers and assets until the commercial glass company arrives.
If your property is damaged by vandalism or a mishap, you can count on EJH to board up your home or business until permanent repairs are completed. We provide emergency board-up services for residential and commercial properties, as well as roofing, exterior wall and repair of storefronts damaged by vandalism. Call us for more information or to request an estimate.
If you reside in the zone of hurricanes or the edge of a tornado it is essential to have a plan in place for extreme weather-related emergencies. Emergency boarding up helps protect your home from further damage and offers an interim solution until you are able to replace the windows. If boarding up doorway how to board up your home on your own, you might consider hiring a Tasker for the job for you. Taskers are knowledgeable and have the tools to secure your home's entry points until permanent repairs are made. Utilizing Airtasker is easy and fast -- simply post your task, look through Taskers' profiles and offers, and select the one that is most suitable for your needs.
Save Money
The cost of boarding windows is significantly lower than the cost associated with repairing or replacing broken glass. In addition, it can help prevent water intrusion and other costly damage to the structure of your home or business. This will reduce the cost of insurance claims and reduce interruptions to your the daily routine.
It is essential to cover your windows as early as possible when an incoming storm is expected. You will have the plywood you require to cover your windows when the storm hits. If you wait too much, the plywood at the local hardware store could be out of stock and you will have to pay more for it.
Plywood is affordable and readily available, so it is a great option to secure your windows. However, you must choose the best quality plywood that is available in order to provide the best security for your property. It is recommended to utilize OSB or 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood to protect your windows from the force of wind.
Depending on the kind of window you have It may be necessary to drill pilot holes into the frame prior to installing the plywood. Be sure to evenly space the pilot holes around the frame. This will stop the wood from splintering when you insert the screw. It is also an excellent idea to add washers made of metal to each screw to further prevent the wood from breaking and weakening.
It is possible to board your windows, but it requires a lot of expertise and experience. This task is that is best performed in calm weather to ensure that you work efficiently and safely.
If you're looking to save time, think about hiring an experienced window boarding up near me service. These services can install the plywood and supply the necessary tools to complete the task. They will know how to install the plywood correctly and can provide you with additional ideas to protect your home against the effects of severe storms.