The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with board up windows. But, it's labor-intensive and must be completed with the assistance of another person.
Before you begin the process take a precise measurement of your windows to ensure that the plywood is sized correctly. Make sure you have a power drill and circular saw to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
It's a tried-and true method to protect your property from a storm. It's a simple procedure that requires only some basic tools and some time, but can be very effective.
The primary reason for boarding windows is to create an enveloping physical layer over the glass that prevents it from being damaged by debris during a hurricane or other extreme weather event. The boarding is typically constructed of plywood and is fixed to the frame of the window using either a nail or screw. Other materials, like zip ties or duct tape, are also a possibility to board windows. However plywood is cheap and easy to work with and is a popular choice.
To begin the boarding process, measure the height and width of each window. This will allow you to cut a sheet 5/8-inch thick of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. Make sure the dimensions of the plywood are in line with the size of the window frame and leave one inch. There should be a 4 inch gap between the edge of the plywood and the window frame in order to allow for expansion.
After the plywood has been cut to size, you can screw it into the desired position using hanger bolts and 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 a house. The holes in the plywood should be drilled to a diameter that matches the hanger bolts and spaced apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. After the storm is over and the plywood has been removed the bolts are unscrewed from the studs.
It is important to start the boarding up process as soon as possible, when a hurricane watch has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home and give you the chance to identify any problems before the storm strikes. The entire process should take two people about 30 minutes to complete per time.
Stops break-ins
The idea of boarding up windows is a great deterrent to burglars. Burglars are known to target homes they know they can break into If they see a property has been boarded up, they will be hesitant to enter it. Windows that are screened off also stop burglars from being able to look inside the property as well, which is a major security benefit.
A good way to protect your property is to secure it by boarding up windows. If you live in a region that is prone to severe weather, boarding windows can help to prevent damage to your property. By covering windows with plywood snow, rain, snow 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 appropriate materials when you are deciding which window to board. The best option is exterior grade plywood, which can stand up to the elements. You will also need drilling tools to create holes in the plywood as well as screws and putty or caulk to seal the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure the window openings and note where the screws will be. You should also note the type of plywood that goes with each window or door. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to put up the windows.
Although boarding up windows can prevent burglaries, this method is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to find ways around the boarding, and it is not always simple to install. Additionally, if emergency boarding up stevenage rely solely on boarding up your windows, you could overlook other security measures that could enhance your security.
Installing a security fence is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries. This is an excellent choice for vacant properties, and it can be a great complement to boarding up your windows. But, this option is not a good fit for residential or commercial buildings which want to maintain a level of curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
By boarding your windows, you will not only protect your home from burglars, but it will also help 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 window glass. Convection, radiation, and conduction are all involved. Radiation is when warm air touches cold glass, which causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and home. Convection occurs when hot air rises, and colder air enters to replace it. And conduction is when heat passes through a window's frame, which is often made of metal.
It doesn't matter if it's extreme weather or vandalism, breaking windows is a common issue that many businesses and homeowners have to deal with. By boarding up a window, you can hide any jagged or rough edges and lets you keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who wish to hide from being observed through the window.
There are other 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. For example, roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes in storms, however they can pose a risk to safety if they aren't securely anchored and require time to set up and remove. You can also use self-stick rubber weather seals you can cut to fit the exact dimensions of your windows. Seals can be put in place to seal gaps, allowing cold air to pass through and warm air to exit.
If you are seeking a long-term solution, consider installing energy efficient windows that have low-e coatings, which allow the sun's radiant heat to pass through but block the transfer of other forms of heat. Consider a draft stopper. It's a simple tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and stops the escaping of cold air. These options may be more expensive than a full window replacement, but they can help you save money on energy in the long run.
Savings on Money
While boarding windows up may appear like a costly option to provide in an emergency but it actually saves money over the long-term. By securing your doors and windows with boards, you can reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from the home or commercial property. In the end you will pay lower energy bills during the winter months.
Boards are readily available and inexpensive they are a great option for temporary protection against the ravages of a storm. However, before you can use them to safeguard your home, you must be sure to measure each window. Measure horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the height and width of the trim to ensure a secure fitting and allow for expansion in a hurricane. A saw is needed to cut the OSB or plywood, and drilling tools are required for mounting. For best results, it is recommended to put the boards up before an expected storm and wait to remove them until the weather conditions are safe.
A reputable boarding-up service can complete the job faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. The professionals will use hurricane clip instead of nails to attach the boards to your property, preventing any damage to the frames. They can also take down the boards once 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. Not only does it ruin the appearance of your building but it can cause theft and other security issues. By boarding up the windows that have broken, you will keep thieves and opportunists away from your property until you are able replace it.
It is also recommended to board any vacant property you own. This is important to ensure that your property is safe while it is being used.