Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you live in a place that is prone to severe storms, you should board up your windows and doorways to minimize damage caused by high winds and debris. It can also save money on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window frame. Ensure that you include the framing (not only the sheathing or trim). Note the locations of studs for the proper board attachment.
Safety
The boarded-up windows will help safeguard your home from vandalism, natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. This can also cut down on the necessity to replace or repair windows following such natural disasters. However it is true that boarding up a structure requires the purchase and preparation of large numbers of plywood boards. This can be a challenging task to accomplish quickly when the need arises, particularly in the event of an emergency or civil disturbance. If you don't do it right, a last minute board up could make your business or home vulnerable and could cause further damage.
Criminals looking to make a profit frequently take advantage of homes with cracked or broken glass, which makes a break-in more likely. Window boards can deter crime as well as safeguard valuable items from theft. Boarding is also helpful in home renovations where construction materials and tools pose danger to windows.
To prepare the plywood sheets to board up begin by measuring accurately the width and height of each window opening. Add at least 1 inch to each dimension. This will help protect against wind damage. After determining the dimensions and the plywood sheet is cut with the saw. When cutting the plywood, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid injury. Mark the stud positions for the proper board attachment. If possible, search for nailheads on the siding to mark stud locations. If you can't find these then use a drill to search your wall for studs. Once emergency boarding up 24/7 have located the studs and the plywood is secured, you can screw it into the framing. The screws should be driven at least two inches into the wood for a strong anchor and to prevent splitting.
For masonry homes the procedure is a bit different. Instead of gluing the plywood directly to masonry, secure the panel to the window frame with four-inch barrel bolts spaced no more 16 inches apart. The shaft of the bolt should fit inside the hole that was drilled in the masonry. Use corrosion-resistant screws to stop metal from corroding during drilling into masonry.
Prevention of Damage
A window that is damaged by a storm not only provides a measure of security, but also stops further property damage. This is particularly important for business owners who must remain open during a storm or another natural disasters, since broken windows leave the interior vulnerable to environmental debris, leaks, and theft. A professional board-up service will secure your storefront and commercial properties quickly and affordably from further damage.
Broken windows can also pose a security concern in the residential environment. If you leave a window open, it could allow burglars to gain entry and steal valuable items or cause additional damage to the structure which can then result in further loss of property and increase your insurance premiums. A professional service for board-ups can protect your home against unauthorized entry, and keep your belongings safe when you are away.
Once the emergency service of board-up is completed, it's important to note that you may also employ an expert to repair and replace damaged windows swiftly and inexpensively. You can minimize the risk of liability by doing this and return to your normal routine earlier.
If you plan to complete the task yourself, an experienced repair or handyman can provide the tools and materials you need to complete the project. For instance, using the right type of plywood is essential to ensure that your windows are protected from further damage. In calm weather, it is a good idea for you to drill holes prior to drilling your plywood panels. This will speed up the process when a tornado warning is issued.
It's tempting to use duct-tape to secure the plywood. But, it's 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 are ready for use when a storm hits. This will save you money and time in the long run.
Temporary Security
The act of boarding up windows can keep intruders away. This is especially crucial in the aftermath of an natural disaster or catastrophic accident, such as an explosion or a crash. In the event of a disaster, boarding up your house or business immediately stops any further harm and shields your business from liability until repairs can be completed.
In times of civil unrest or riot criminals may take advantage of the chaos and infiltrate homes and businesses to take valuables. Boarding up your property using plywood is an easy and effective way to deter burglars and other unwanted intruders until the situation calms down.
Aside from preventing damage, window boarding provides security and peace of mind for homeowners and business owners. Boarding up your home or business protects you from the eyes of others and makes it harder for burglars to target the area. For business owners, boarding up your property is a critical security measure that protects your assets and customers until the commercial glass repair service will arrive.
Whether your property is damaged from vandalism or an accidental event, you can count EJH to secure your business or home until permanent repairs can be completed. We offer emergency board-up services for commercial and residential properties. We also repair roof walls, exterior walls, and storefronts that have been damaged. Call us to get more information or schedule an appointment.
If you reside in hurricane territory or on a tornado line, it's crucial to have a plan for severe weather-related emergencies. Emergency boarding up protects your house from further damage and offers temporary relief until you can get the windows replaced. If you're unsure how to secure your home on your own, think about hiring a Tasker to do the job for you. Taskers have the experience and tools to secure your home's entry points until permanent repairs are made. Airtasker makes it easy to locate the right person for your task. Simply post your task and review the profiles of Taskers.
Save Money
The cost of boarding windows is much lower than the expense associated repair or replacement of damaged glass. Additionally, it can aid in preventing water intrusion and other expensive damage to the structure of your home or business. This can help save money on insurance claims and also reduce the disruption to your daily activities until repairs can be completed.
If a storm is predicted, it is important to cover your windows as soon as possible. You will have the plywood you require to cover your windows once the storm hits. If you put off too long, the plywood at the local hardware store could be out of stock and you'll have to pay more for it.
Plywood is affordable and readily available, so it is a great option to secure your windows. However, you should choose the highest-quality plywood that is available to ensure maximum protection for your home. Ideally, you should choose 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood or OSB to shield 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 equally spaced around the frame. This will help keep the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. Additionally, it is a good idea to add metal washers on each screw to stop the wood from breaking and weakening.
Although it is possible to board up your own windows, it is a task that requires a great deal of experience and knowledge to complete correctly. It is also a job that is best done when the weather is calm so that you can work quickly and safely.
If you're looking to save time, you should consider hiring an experienced window boarding up near me service. These services can provide the tools required and set up the plywood. They will know how to properly install the plywood and will also provide suggestions on protecting your home against the effects of severe storms.