A Comprehensive Guide To Boarding Up Windows. Ultimate Guide To Boarding Up Windows
boarding up windows and doors Repair My Windows And Doors of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with board up windows. It is a difficult task that requires the assistance of another person.
Before beginning the process take a precise measurement of your windows to ensure that the plywood fits perfectly. Make sure you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
It's a tried and true method to protect your home from damage caused by a storm. It's a simple process that requires only a few basic tools and a bit of time, however, it can be very effective.
The idea of boarding windows serves an important purpose: to prevent the glass from breaking due to debris during an extreme storm or weather. The boarding is typically constructed of plywood, and it is fixed to the window frame with either a screw or nail. There are other materials that could be used to secure windows such as duct tape and zip ties, however plywood is inexpensive and simple to work with, making it an obvious choice.
To begin the boarding process, measure the height and width of each window. This information will help you cut a 5/8-inch thickness of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. The dimensions of the plywood should match the size of your window frame. Leave an inch gap. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame in order to allow for expansion.
After the plywood is cut to size, you can screw it into place using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are made to attach to the studs in a house and are available at a variety of hardware stores or home improvement stores. The holes in the plywood should be drilled to match the diameter of the hanger bolts and should be spaced at minimum 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed the hanger bolts may be removed and unscrewed from the studs of the house.
It is essential to begin the process of boarding your home whenever you can when a hurricane watch has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to secure your home and give you a chance to find any problems before the storm strikes. The entire process should only take two people about 30 minutes to complete per time.
Prevents break-ins
Boarding up windows can be an effective deterrent for burglars. Burglars will target properties that they are aware of the possibility of entering. If they see the property boarding up they may think twice before trying to get in. Boarded-up windows also prevent burglars being able to view inside the house. This is an important security advantage.
A good way to protect your property is to secure it by boarding up windows. If you live in a region that is susceptible to severe weather, boarding windows can help to prevent damage to your property. By covering windows with plywood snow, rain, and other debris are unable to get in, which can save you a significant amount of money on costly repairs and replacements.
It is important to select the right materials when choosing how to board your windows. The exterior grade plywood is typically the best choice as it is durable against the elements. You will also need drills to create holes in the plywood, along with screws and putty or caulk to seal the holes. Before you begin, make sure to measure your window openings and note where the screws will be. Also, note which plywood panel goes with each window or door. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to affix your windows.
While boarding your windows can help to stop burglaries, it is not foolproof. Although the boarding is difficult to install, it is possible for burglars to find ways around it. In addition, if you are solely relying on boarding your windows, you may overlook other security measures that can enhance your security.
One of the most effective ways to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is a great solution for vacant properties and can be a complement to the idea of boarding your windows. However, this method is not a good fit for commercial or residential structures that want to maintain a level of curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
In addition to keeping your home safe from break-ins, boarding up windows can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is not efficient is responsible for two-thirds of the loss of heat in homes or buildings. Convection, radiation, and conduction are all involved. Radiation is when warm air touches cold window glass, which causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and home. Convection occurs the process where hot air rises and colder air moves in to replace it. Conduction happens when heat flows through a window's frame which is typically composed of steel.
Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, a window breaking is a problem that many businesses and homeowners must deal with. The act of boarding up windows hides any rough or jagged edges and lets you keep your business open until the window can be repaired. This is particularly important for commercial buildings which are susceptible to robbery by thieves who do not want to be visible through windows.
There are several alternatives to plywood boards for storm damage protection, but they don't provide the same level of security as a solid piece of wood that covers a window. Roll-down hurricane shutters are used to shield homes during storms. However, they could pose a safety risk when they aren't secure enough and can take a long time to install and remove. Another alternative is to use strips of self-stick rubber weather seal that you cut to fit the window's dimensions. Seals can be put in place to seal gaps, allowing cold air to get in and warm air to escape.
You should consider installing windows that are energy-efficient with low-e coatings on glass that allows the sun's heat to pass through, while blocking other types of heat transfer. Also, think about draft stoppers which is a basic tube of fabric that is placed at the bottom of your window to prevent cold air from leaking in. These options can be more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they will aid in reducing your energy bills in the long term.
Savings on Money
While boarding up windows may appear to be a costly service to provide in an emergency situation however, it actually saves money over the long-term. By sealing your windows and doors with boards, you can reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or commercial property. You will also see a reduction in the cost of heating your home during winter.
Boards are not expensive and readily available and are a good choice for temporary protection from a storm. Before you can make use of them as a protection for your property you'll need to measure each window. Be sure to take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a tight fitting and to allow for expansion during a hurricane. A saw is required to cut the OSB or plywood and a drill is needed for mounting. Install the boards prior to a storm and remove them once the weather is stable.
A professional boarding-up business can complete the job more efficiently and effectively than an individual trying it on their own. Professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After the storm, they'll take down the boards and restore your property to its original condition.
A damaged window can be a big problem for commercial property owners. It can not only ruin the appearance of your property but it can also cause thefts and other security concerns. The act of boarding these windows will stop thieves and other opportunists from gaining access to your property until the window is able to be repaired.
You should also board up any vacant property you own. This is important to ensure your property is secure when it is being used.