Are You Getting The Most Of Your Boarding Up Windows?
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows Boarding up windows is a way to safeguard your home from potential storm damage. But, it's an labor-intensive job and should be done with the help of another person. Measure your windows to make sure the plywood will fit perfectly. Also, 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 storm. It's an easy process that requires just some basic tools and a bit of time, however, it can be very effective. The primary reason for boarding up windows is to create an physical barrier to the glass, which stops it from being damaged by debris during a hurricane or other extreme weather event. The boarding is typically constructed of plywood and is secured to the frame of the window with either a screw or nail. Other materials, like zip tie or duct tape can be used to board windows. However plywood is cheap and easy to work with and is a popular option. To begin the boarding process, measure the width and height of each window. Utilizing this information, cut a 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood match the dimensions of the window frame, and leave 1 inch of space There is a gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion. After the plywood has been cut to size, screw in the hanger bolts with nuts. 24 hour boarding up service near me are available in the majority of hardware stores as well as home improvement centers. They are designed to be attached directly to the studs on a house. The holes for the plywood must be drilled to a diameter that matches the hanger bolts and spaced apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood is removed and the bolts removed, they can be unscrewed from the studs. If a hurricane warning has been issued, it is crucial to begin the boarding-up process as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home and give you a chance to find any issues before the storm hits. The entire process should only take two people about 30 minutes for each window. Prevents Break-Ins One of the main reasons that property owners choose to boarding up windows is because it serves as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target homes that they know they can easily enter. If they see the property boarded up, they might think twice before trying to get in. The windows that are boarded up prevent burglars from being able to view inside the building. This is an important security advantage. The act of boarding up windows is an effective way to shield your property from weather. If you live in a region that is prone to severe weather, boarding windows can keep your property safe from damage. By covering windows with plywood, you can prevent rain, snow and other debris from getting inside. This will help you save money on expensive repairs and replacements. When you're deciding on the best way to board up your windows, it is crucial to select the appropriate materials. Exterior-grade plywood is usually the best option, as it can withstand the elements. You will require drills for drilling holes in the plywood as well as screws caulk or putty for sealing the holes. Make sure you measure the window openings before you begin, and then mark where screws will be placed. Also, note the type of plywood that goes with each window or door. Once you have all the items, it's time to put up the windows. While boarding up your windows can help to protect against burglaries, it's not completely secure. Even though the boarding is difficult to put up, it is possible that burglars will find ways around it. If you are relying solely on boarding your windows, you could miss other security measures that could safeguard your property. One of the most effective methods to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is an excellent choice for vacant properties and can be an excellent complement to boarding up your windows. However, this method is not suitable for commercial or residential buildings that want to maintain the curb appeal. Reduces Heat Loss In addition to keeping your home safe from burglaries, boarding your windows can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a house or building is due to the inefficiency of windows. This happens through a combination of convection, radiation and conduction. 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, and colder air replaces it. Conduction happens the process of transferring heat through the window's frame, which is usually composed of steel. Whether it's severe weather or vandalism, the breaking of windows is a common issue that many businesses and homeowners must tackle. By boarding up a window, you can hide any jagged or rough edges and allows you to keep your business open until the window can be repaired. This is especially important for commercial spaces which are susceptible to theft by thieves who don't want to be observed through windows. There are several alternatives to plywood boards to protect against storm damage, but they don't provide the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering a window. For instance roll-down hurricane shutters can be popular to help in insulating homes during storms, but they could create a safety hazard when they are not properly anchored and require time to set up and remove. Another alternative is to use strips of self-stick rubber weather seal that you cut to fit your window dimensions. The seals can be pressed down to close gaps that allow cold air and allow warm air to escape. Consider installing windows that are energy efficient with low-e coated glass that allows sun's warmth to pass through and block other forms of heat transfer. Also, think about draft stoppers that is a simple fabric tube that sits on the bottom of your window, and stops cold air from leaking in. These options are more costly than a full window replacement, but they'll aid in reducing your energy bills in the long run. Savings on Money While boarding up windows might seem like a costly service to offer in a crisis however, it actually saves money in the long run. By sealing doors and windows, you can reduce drafts that allow heat to escape the home or business. Also, you will see a reduction in the cost of heating your home during winter. Boards are not expensive and easily available and are a good choice for temporary protection from a storm. Before you can use them as protection for your property you must take measurements for 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 width and height to ensure a perfect fit and allow for expansion in an event like a hurricane. You will also need a saw to cut the plywood OSB and a drill for mounting. Install the boards before the storm, and then remove them once the weather is stable. A reputable boarding up business can complete the task faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it themselves. Professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to adhere the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. They can also dismantle the boards when the storm has passed and return your property to its original condition. If you're a commercial property owner and you have a window that is broken, it can be a major issue. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your property, but it can also lead to theft and other security concerns. Boarding up these broken windows will stop criminals and other opportunists from gaining access to your property until the window can be repaired. It is also an excellent idea to board up any vacant properties that you own. This is crucial to ensure your property is secure while it is being used.