10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Concerning Boarding Up Windows
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Boarding up windows is a way to safeguard your home from damage caused by storms. However, it is a labor-intensive task and must be done with the help of another person.
Before you start the process make sure you measure your windows accurately to ensure that the plywood is sized correctly. Make sure you have the circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
emergency boarding up near me 's a tried-and tested method to shield your home from storm. It's a simple process that requires just some basic tools and some time, but it can be extremely effective.
The purpose of boarding up windows is one primary goal: to prevent the glass from breaking due to debris during a storm or other severe weather. The boarding is typically made of plywood and is attached to the frame of the window with either a nail or screw. There are other materials that could be used to board up windows, like duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is inexpensive and simple to work with and is a great option.
Find the height and width for each window prior to you begin the boarding procedure. Utilizing this information, cut a sheet of 5/8-inch thick exterior-grade plywood or oriented Strand Board (OSB). The dimensions of the plywood should be identical to the size of your window frame. Leave an inch gap. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion.
After the plywood has been cut to size, screw into the hanger bolts using nuts. These bolts are found in the majority of hardware stores as well as home improvement centers. They are designed to connect directly to the studs on the exterior of a home. The holes in the plywood should be drilled with a diameter that is equal to the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by a minimum of 2 inches on all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood is removed the hanger bolts may be removed and reattached to the studs of the house.
It is essential to begin the boarding up process as soon as possible, once a hurricane watch is issued. This will help you ensure that you have sufficient plywood to protect your house and also allow you to find any issues before the storm arrives. The whole process should take around 30 minutes for each window, and should be done by two people.
Preventing Break-Ins
One of the primary reasons that property owners choose to the practice of boarding up windows is that it acts as a deterrent to burglars. Burglars tend to target properties they know they can easily break into and, if they notice a property has been boarded up, they'll be more cautious about trying to break into it. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from having the ability to look inside the property as well, which is a major security benefit.
The practice of boarding up windows is an effective way to shield your home from the elements. If you live in an area that is susceptible to severe weather, boarding up windows can help prevent damage to your property. By covering the windows with plywood snow, rain, snow and other debris won't get inside, which can save you a significant amount of money on expensive repairs and replacements.
When deciding on how to board up windows, it is crucial to select the appropriate materials. The best option is exterior grade plywood, which will stand up to the elements. You will need a drill to drill holes into the plywood, along with screws caulk, putty or caulk for sealing the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure your window openings and mark the locations where screws will go. You should also write down the plywood panel you will need for each window or door. Once you've got all your items, it's time to affix your windows.
While boarding up your windows can help protect against burglaries, it's not foolproof. Even though the boarding is difficult to put up, it is possible for burglars to find ways around it. If you only rely on the boarding of your windows, you might miss other security measures that can protect your home.
Installing a security fence is one of the best methods to stop burglaries. This is a great choice for vacant homes and can be an excellent complement to boarding up your windows. This option is not ideal for residential or commercial buildings that want to keep curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
By boarding your windows, you will not only keep your home safe from burglars, but can also reduce the amount heat that escapes through your windows. About two-thirds loss from a home or building is due to the inefficiency of window glass. This happens because of a combination of convection, radiation, and conduction. Radiation occurs when warm air contacts cold glass that causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and home. Convection occurs when hot air rises and colder air replaces it. Conduction is the way that heat moves through the window frame, which is typically constructed of steel.
Broken windows can be a problem for homeowners and businesses alike, whether it is caused by severe weather or vandalism. Boarding up a window conceals any rough or jagged edges and allows you to keep your business open until the window can be repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who want to avoid being seen through the window.
There are several alternatives to plywood boards for storm damage protection however, they do not offer the same level of security as a sturdy piece of wood covering windows. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes during storms, but they can cause a safety risk if they aren't properly secured and require a long time to set up and remove. Another alternative is to make use of strips of self-stick rubber weather seal that you cut to match your window dimensions. Seals can be put in the window to close gaps and allow cold air to enter and warm air to leave.
You should consider installing windows that are energy-efficient with low-e coatings on glass that allows the sun's heat to flow through and block other forms of heat transfer. Consider draft stoppers. This is a simple tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your windows and stops the escaping of cold air from entering. These options can be more expensive than a full window replacement, but they will help you save money on energy in the long term.
Saves Money
While boarding windows up may appear to be a costly service to provide in an emergency situation however, it actually saves money in the long run. By sealing windows and doors you can cut down on drafts that cause heat to escape from the home or business. You will also see a reduction in your winter energy costs.
Boards are cheap and easily available and are a good choice for temporary protection from the elements. However, before you can use them to safeguard your home, you must carefully measure every window. Take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Then add eight inches to both the height and width to ensure a perfect fit and allow for expansion in the event of a hurricane. Also, you will require a saw to cut the plywood OSB, and a drill for mounting. For the best results, you should put the boards up before a storm is expected and wait to remove them until the conditions are safe.

A reputable boarding up business can complete the task faster and more efficiently than someone trying to do it by themselves. The professionals will use hurricane clip instead of nails to secure the boards to your property, preventing any damage to the frames. They can also remove the boards after the storm passes 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. Not only does it ruin the appearance of your property, but it can also lead to theft and other security issues. Boarding up these broken windows will prevent criminals and other opportunists from gaining access to your property until the window is able to be repaired.
It is also recommended to put up a fence around vacant properties that you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are easy targets for arsonists, therefore this is a crucial step for keeping your property secure until it can be used again.