Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you live in an area that's prone to extreme weather, covering your doors and windows can help reduce the damage caused by the force of winds and projectile debris. This can save you money in the long term on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by measuring the width and height of each window frame, ensuring you include the framing (not just the trim or sheathing). Note the locations of studs 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 earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. It also helps reduce the need for window repairs or replacement following such events. However the process of boarding up a building requires the purchase and preparation of large quantities of plywood boards. This can be a difficult task to complete quickly when the need arises, particularly in the event of an emergency or civil unrest. If you don't do it right, a last minute board up could make your business or home vulnerable and could cause further damage.
Break-ins are more likely to be a result of burglars targeting homes with broken or cracked glass. Window boarding can deter crime and safeguard valuable items from being stolen. Boarding can also be utilized for home renovations when tools and construction materials pose a danger to windows.
Start by measuring the width and the height of each window opening. Add at minimum one inch to each measurement. This will safeguard against wind-related damage. Once the dimensions have been determined then cut the plywood sheet using a saw. Wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting the plywood to prevent injury. Mark the stud positions to ensure the proper board attachment. If you can, look for nailheads in the siding that indicate stud locations. If these aren't available you can make use of a drill and a bit to check the wall for studs. Once the studs have been found, you can screw them through the plywood and into the framing, putting the screws at least 2 inches into the wood to ensure a solid anchor and avoid splitting.
For masonry homes the procedure is a bit different. Instead of securing the plywood directly to the masonry, insert the panel inside the window frame and secure it using four inch barrel bolts that are spacing no more than 16 inches apart. The shaft of the bolt's sliding must fit into a hole that is drilled through the masonry. Use corrosion-resistant screws to stop metal from corroding when drilling into the masonry.
Prevention of Damage
The act of boarding up a window that has been damaged does not only provide a degree of security, but also stops further property damage. This is especially important for businesses that have to be open during a storm or another natural disasters, since a broken window leaves the interior exposed to environmental debris, leaks, and burglaries. A professional board-up service can safeguard your storefront and other commercial properties quickly and easily from further damage.
Broken windows can also be an issue in the residential environment. Unattended windows allows burglars to get in and steal valuable items or cause further damage to the structure which could result in further loss of property and increase insurance costs. A professional board up service will be able to secure your home from intrusion and ensure your possessions are secure even when you're away from your home.
Once the emergency service of board-up is complete It is important to remember that you can also hire a professional to repair and replace damaged windows quickly and cost-effectively. This way, you'll be able to reduce the risk of liability and get back to normal sooner.
If you are planning to complete the job yourself A handyman or another skilled repair expert can inform you of the best materials to use and supply you with the tools required to finish the task. For instance, selecting the correct type of plywood is essential to ensure that your windows are safe from further damage. During calm weather, it is a good idea for you to drill holes before you drill your plywood panels. This will make the procedure faster if a warning for storms is issued.
You might be tempted to use duct tape to fix the plywood, but it is an excellent idea to invest in stainless-steel hanger bolts to reduce the chance of your windows being blown away in a storm with a high wind. A handyman can help you install them in a calm weather time to ensure that they will be ready when a storm arrives. This will help to save time and money in the long in the long run.
Temporary Security
In addition to protecting your property from weather-related damage, boarding up windows helps to keep out intruders at bay. This is especially important in the aftermath of a natural disaster or a catastrophic accident, such as an explosion or a crash. By immediately boarding up your office or home, you can prevent further damage and shield yourself from responsibility while repairs are completed.
For instance, during the time of civil unrest or a riot criminals can profit from the chaos to enter homes and businesses and steal valuables. Boarding up your property with plywood is a simple and effective way to deter burglars and other undesirable intruders until the situation is calmed down.
Window boarding up not only keeps damage from happening, but also provides security and peace of mind to homeowners and businesses. Boarding up your home or business protects you from prying eyes and makes it more difficult for burglars to strike at the location. For business owners, boarding your property is an essential security measure that can protect your assets and customers until the commercial glass repair service arrives.
If your property has been damaged due to vandalism or a mishap, you can count EJH to secure your business or home until permanent repairs are completed. We provide emergency board-up services for both commercial and residential properties, and exterior wall, roof, and storefront damage repair. Contact us for more information or to schedule an estimate.
It is crucial to have a plan for extreme weather events, regardless of whether you're in the area of a tornado or hurricane. Emergency board-ups not only shield your home from further damage, but it also provides temporary solutions until you can get the windows replaced. If you're unsure how to put up a boarding plan for your home on your own, consider hiring a Tasker to complete the job for you. Taskers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to ensure your home's points of entry remain secure until permanent repairs is completed. Airtasker makes it simple to find the ideal person for your task. Simply post your task, and then go through the Taskers' profiles.
Save Money
The cost of boarding windows is much lower than the cost associated repair or replacement of damaged glass. It also helps to prevent water damage and other expensive damages to your property or business. This will reduce the cost of insurance claims and reduce interruptions to your the daily routine.
If a storm is expected it is essential to secure your windows as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have the plywood needed to cover your windows in time for the storm comes. If you are waiting too long, the plywood at the hardware store in your area could be sold out and you'll have to pay more for it.
Plywood is affordable and readily available, which is why it's a great choice to secure your windows. To ensure maximum security you should choose the best plywood available. It is recommended to use 5/8-inch thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB to shield your windows from the hammer of wind and flying debris.
Before installing the plywood, you may have to drill pilot holes into the frame. Make sure that the pilot holes are equally spaced around the frame. 24 hour boarding up service near me will help to prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. It is also a good idea to have each screw to have a metal washer that are attached to it to stop the wood from separating and weakening.
Although it is possible to put up a board up your windows, this is a job that requires a lot of knowledge and experience to complete properly. It is also a task that is best performed when the weather is calm so that you can work quickly and safely.
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 supply the appropriate tools for the job. They will know how to properly install the plywood and can provide you with additional suggestions on protecting your home against the consequences of severe storms.