Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you reside in an area prone to extreme weather, boarding up your doors and windows can minimize the damage caused by high winds and projectile debris. This could save you money over the long haul on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by measuring the height of each window frame. Make sure to include the framing not just the trim and sheathing. Mark stud positions for proper board attachment.
Safety
Boarding up windows protects property from vandalism and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes and wildfires. This can also cut down on the need for window replacement or repair following these incidents. However, boarding up a building requires the purchase and preparation of large numbers of plywood boards. This is a difficult task to complete quickly when the need arises, especially in the event of an emergency or civil disturbance. A poorly constructed board-up at the last minute can leave your business or home vulnerable and could cause further damage.
Criminals who are opportunistic often attack homes with smashed or broken glass, making a break-in more likely. Window boarding can deter crime and safeguard valuable items from being stolen. Boarding can also be utilized during home renovations, when tools and construction materials pose a danger to windows.
Begin by measuring the width and the height of each window opening. Be sure to add at minimum an inch to each measurement, since this will offer greater protection against wind damage. After determining the dimensions, cut the plywood sheet using a saw. When cutting the plywood, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid injury. Mark the stud locations for the proper board attachment. If possible, look for nailheads in the siding that indicate the stud's position. If these aren't available you can use a drill and bit to probe the wall for studs. Once the studs have been discovered, screw through the plywood and into the framing, driving the screws at least 2 inches into the wood to ensure a secure anchor and to prevent splitting.
The procedure for houses constructed of masonry is a bit different. Instead of securing the plywood directly to the masonry, place the panel to the window frame with four-inch barrel bolts separated by no more than 16 inches apart. The shaft of the bolt must fit inside the hole that was drilled in the masonry. Make sure to use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry because this will stop the metal from getting corroded.
Prevention of Damage
In addition to offering an additional layer of security the act of boarding a window can also help prevent further damage to your property. This is especially crucial for business owners who have to be open during a storm or other natural disaster, as a broken window leaves the interior vulnerable to environmental debris, leaks and theft. A professional board-up service can protect your storefront and other commercial properties quickly and affordably from further damage.
In a residential setting windows that are damaged pose a security issue as well. Leaving an open window unattended could allow burglars to gain entry and steal valuable items or cause additional damage to the structure, which could result in further loss of property and increase insurance premiums. A professional board-up service can secure your home from unauthorised entry, and also keep your belongings safe when you are away.
It's also important to know that a professional can quickly and affordably repair or replace your damaged windows after the emergency board-up service has been completed. You can minimize your liability risk by doing this and return to your normal routine sooner.
If you plan on doing the work yourself an experienced handyman or experienced repair professional can advise you on the most suitable materials to choose and provide you with the necessary tools to complete the job. For instance, selecting the correct type of plywood is essential to ensure that your windows are safe from further damage. It is also recommended to drill holes into the plywood panels to allow screws in calm weather. This will make the procedure quicker when a storm warning is issued.
It may be tempting to use duct-tape to secure the plywood. However, it is more beneficial to invest in stainless steel bolts to prevent your windows from being blown away during high-wind events. Installing them during calm conditions will ensure they're ready when a storm strikes. This will help to save time and money in the long in the long run.
boarding up and burglary repairs
Boarding up windows will also stop intruders from entering. This is especially important following an event of natural disaster or an accident that is serious, like an explosion or car crash. In the event of a disaster, boarding up your house or business immediately prevents any further harm and shields you from responsibility until repairs are made.
In times of civil disturbance or riot, criminals can take advantage of the chaos and enter businesses and homes to take valuables. The act of boarding up your property with plywood is a simple and effective method to deter looters and other intruders who aren't welcome until the situation settles down.
Window boarding up not just prevents damage but also offers security and peace of mind to business and home owners. Boarding up your business or home shields your privacy from the prying eyes of others and makes it harder for burglars. For business owners, boarding your property is an essential security measure that will protect your customers and assets until the commercial glass repair service can arrive.
EJH will board up your property until permanent repairs are finished regardless of whether the damage is due to vandalism or an accident. We offer emergency board-up services for commercial and residential properties. We also repair roofs, exterior walls, and storefront damages. Call us for more information or to set up an estimate.
If you reside in hurricane territory or on the edge of a tornado it is essential to have a plan in place to deal with severe weather emergencies. Emergency boarding protects your house from further damage, and serves as a temporary fix until you can replace the windows. If you're not sure how to put your home up on your own, you might consider hiring a Tasker. Taskers are equipped with tools and know-how to ensure your home's entry points remain secure until permanent repairs is completed. Utilizing Airtasker is simple and quick -- simply post your task, review Taskers' profiles and offers, and choose the best one for you.
Save Money
The cost of boarding up windows is much lower than the expense associated repair or replacement of damaged glass. It can also help to avoid flooding and other costly damage to your property or business. This can reduce the cost of insurance claims and reduce interruptions to your the daily routine.
When a storm is forecast it is crucial to cover your windows as soon as possible. You will have the plywood you require to cover your windows when the storm strikes. If you wait too long, the plywood might be sold out at the local hardware store, and you'll need to pay more for it.
Plywood is easily accessible and affordable and is a great option to cover your windows. To ensure the best protection you should choose the highest quality plywood available. It is recommended to use 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or OSB to protect your windows from the hammer of the wind and flying debris.
Before installing the plywood, you might need to drill pilot holes in the frame. Make sure that the pilot holes are evenly spaced around the frame. This will help to prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. In addition, it's recommended to attach washers of metal to each screw to further prevent the wood from breaking and weakening.
While it is possible to put up a board up your windows, this is a job that requires a lot of knowledge and experience to be done correctly. It is also a task that is best completed when the weather is calm so that you can complete the task quickly and safely.
Consider hiring a professional service to board up your windows in your area in order to cut down on time. These services can install the plywood and provide the proper tools for this task. They will be able to install the plywood correctly and can provide you with additional tips to safeguard your home against the effects of severe storms.