The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows

Protecting your home from damage from storms is achievable with building windows with boards. It's a challenging task that requires the assistance of a third party.

Measure your windows to make sure the plywood will fit snugly. Make sure you have the circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.

Seals Windows

The practice of boarding up windows is a tried-and-true method to protect your home in the event of an emergency. It's a relatively simple process that requires only a few tools and some time but it's extremely effective.

The primary reason for boarding up windows is to create an physical barrier to the glass, which stops it from breaking from debris during a hurricane or other severe weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood and is attached to the window frame with a nail or screw. Other materials, like zip tie or duct tape can be used to board windows. However plywood is affordable and simple to use which makes it an ideal choice.

To begin the boarding process, take measurements of the width and height 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 be identical to the dimensions of your window frame. Leave an inch gap. 4 inch gap between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion.

After the plywood is cut to size, you can screw it into place using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement centers. They are designed to connect directly to the studs of a house. The holes in the plywood should be drilled to a diameter that matches the hanger bolts and set apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. After the storm has ended and the plywood is removed and the bolts removed, they can be removed from the studs.

It is essential to begin the boarding up process as soon as possible, after a hurricane warning has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to secure your home, and also give you a chance to find any problems before the storm strikes. The entire process should take about 30 minutes to complete per window.

Preventing Break-Ins

The idea of boarding up windows is an effective deterrent for burglars. Burglars tend to target homes that they know they can easily access. If they see a property that is boarded up, they might be hesitant before attempting to gain entry. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from being able to see inside the property. This is an important security advantage.

A great way to safeguard your the property is to board up windows. If you live in an area where there is a high risk of severe weather, board up windows to shield your property. By covering the windows with plywood snow, rain, and other debris won't get in, which can save you lots of money on expensive repairs and replacements.

It is important to select the right materials when choosing what to use for the boarding of your windows. Exterior-grade plywood is generally the best choice, since it can withstand the elements. You will also require a drill to make holes in the plywood, as well as screws, caulk or putty to seal the holes. Make sure you measure the window openings before you begin and mark the locations where screws will be placed. You should also note the type of plywood that goes with each door or window. Once you have all the items, it's time to affix your windows.

While boarding your windows can help prevent burglaries, it is not 100% secure. Although the boarding is difficult to install, it is possible for burglars find ways around it. If you only rely on blocking your windows, you could overlook other security measures that could protect your property.

One of the most effective ways to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is a great option for vacant properties and can be an alternative to the idea of boarding your windows. However, this method is not the best choice for commercial or residential buildings that want to maintain a level of curb appeal.

Reduces Heat Loss

In addition to keeping your home safe from burglaries, boarding up windows can cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a home or building is due to inefficient window glass. This happens because of a combination of convection, radiation, and conduction. Radiation occurs when warm window 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. And conduction is when heat flows through the window's frame, which is often constructed of metal.

Breaking windows can pose a problem for homeowners and businesses whether because of extreme weather or vandalism. The act of boarding up windows hides any rough or jagged edges and lets you keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is especially important for commercial spaces that can be vulnerable to theft by thieves who do not want to be seen through the windows.

There are several alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage however, they do not offer the same degree of security as a sturdy piece of wood that is encased in a window. For instance roll-down hurricane shutters can be popular for insulating homes in storms, but they can create a safety hazard when they are not properly anchored and require time to put up and take down. Another alternative is to use strips of self-stick weather sealing which you cut to fit the window's dimensions. Seals can be pressed in the window to close gaps and allow cold air to get in and warm air to leave.

If you're looking for a longer-term solution, you should consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings that allow the sun's radiant heat to penetrate while blocking the thermal transfer of other kinds of heat. Also, consider draft stoppers that is a simple tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your window to prevent cold air from leaking in. These options are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can reduce your energy bills in the long run.

Savings on Money

While it might be costly to board up windows in an emergency, you will actually save money in the end. By securing your windows and doors with boards, you reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or commercial space. You will also see the reduction in your winter energy costs.

Boards are easily accessible and affordable they are a great choice for temporary protection against an incoming storm. Before you are able to use them as a security for your property, you will need to take measurements for each window. Measure horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and 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. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood, and a drill is needed for mounting. For best results, you should put the boards up before an expected storm and wait to remove them until the conditions are safe.

A professional boarding-up company can complete the task faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it by themselves. The professionals employ hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to your property, thus preventing any damage to the frames. After the storm, they can take down the boards and return your property back to its original condition.

If you're an owner of commercial properties, then a broken window can be a major issue. It can not only ruin the appearance of your property but also lead to thefts and other security concerns. Boarding up these broken windows will stop criminals and opportunists from entering your property until the window can be repaired.

It is also a good idea to put up a fence around vacant properties you own. boarding up doors are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easy targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step for keeping your property secure until it can be used again.