The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows

Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with building windows with boards. But, it's an labor-intensive job and should be done with the help of a third party.

Take measurements of your windows to ensure the plywood will fit perfectly. Also, make sure you have a circular saw as well as a power drill to cut the boards.

Seals Windows

It's a tried-and reliable method of protecting your home from storm. It's a simple process that requires only some basic tools and some time however, it can be very effective.

The purpose of boarding up windows is a primary 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 frame of the window with either a nail or screw. There are other materials that could be used to board up windows, such as duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is affordable and easy to work with and is a great option.

To begin the boarding process, measure the width and height of each window. Utilizing this information, cut a sheet of 5/8-inch thick exterior-grade plywood or oriented string board (OSB). Make sure the dimensions of the plywood are in line with the size of the window frame and leave one inch. A gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion.

After cutting the plywood to size, screw it into the desired position using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are made to attach to the studs of a house, and can be purchased at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement centers. The holes in the plywood must be drilled to correspond with the diameter of the hanger bolts, and should be spaced at minimum 2 inches on all sides. After the storm is over and the plywood has been removed the bolts are removed from the studs.

When a hurricane warning is issued, it is important to begin boarding up your home as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home, and give you the chance to spot any issues before the storm arrives. The entire process should take about 30 minutes to complete per time.

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One of the primary reasons property owners consider boarded up windows is that it serves as a deterrent to burglars. Burglars usually target homes they know they can easily break into, and if they see a property has been boarded up, they will think twice about trying to enter the property. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from having access to the house. This is an important security advantage.

A good way to protect property is by board up windows. If you live in an area which is susceptible to severe weather, boarding windows can help prevent damage to your property. By covering windows with plywood, you can block snow, rain, and other debris from entering. This will help you save money on costly repairs and replacements.

It is crucial to choose the appropriate materials when you are deciding which window to board. Exterior-grade plywood is usually the best option, as it is durable against the elements. You will need a drill to drill holes in the plywood, as well as screws caulk or putty for sealing the holes. Be sure to measure the window openings before you begin and mark where screws will be put. Also, note down the plywood panel you will need for each door or window. Once you've got all your items, it's time to affix your windows.

While boarding windows up can help prevent burglaries, this method isn't foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to find ways around the boarding, and it is not always simple to install. Furthermore, if your rely solely on boarding up your windows, you could overlook other security measures that could enhance your security.

One of the most effective methods to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is a great option for vacant properties and could be an ideal complement to boarding your windows. However, this method is not suitable for commercial or residential buildings which want to maintain a level of curb appeal.

Reduces Heat Loss

Boarding up your windows will not only keep your home safe from intruders, but it will also help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Inefficient window glass is responsible for around two-thirds of the loss of heat in homes or buildings. Convection, radiation, and conduction are all involved. 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 when heat passes through the window's frame, which is often made of metal.

Windows that break can pose a problem for homeowners and businesses alike whether due to severe weather or vandalism. The boarded-up windows will conceal any rough edges or jagged edges, and allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial areas which are prone to robbery attempts by thieves looking to avoid being seen through the window.

There are a variety of alternatives to plywood for storm damage protection. However they do not offer the same level of security as a solid piece wood that covers your window. Roll-down hurricane shutters are used to protect homes from storms. However, they can cause danger if they are not secure enough and can take a long time to set up and remove. You can also install self-stick rubber weather seals that you can cut to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. The seals can be pressed in place to seal gaps that let in cold air while allowing warm air to escape.

Consider installing windows that are energy efficient with low-e coated glass that allows the sun's heat to flow through while blocking other forms of heat transfer. Consider draft stoppers. This is simply a tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and stops the escape of cold air from entering. These alternatives are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they will lower your energy bills over the long haul.

Saves Money

Although it might seem costly to put up a window in an emergency, you'll save money in the end. By sealing your doors and windows with boards, you reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from your home or commercial space. In the end you will pay lower energy bills during the winter.

Boards are cheap and easily available, making them a good option for temporary protection against the elements. But before you use them to safeguard your home, you must carefully measure every window. Measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a snug fit and to allow for expansion in 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 the storm is predicted and then leave them in place until the conditions are safe.

A reputable boarding-up service will be able to do the job more efficiently and efficiently than a person trying it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. They can also remove the boards once the storm passes and return your property back to its original condition.

A damaged window can be a major issue for commercial property owners. It's not just ruining the appearance of your property, but can also trigger burglaries and other security issues. Boarding up the broken windows will keep criminals and opportunists away from your property until you are able to replace it.

You should also board up any vacant property you own. Vacant properties are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easy targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step to ensure that your property is secure until it is used again.