Why You Should Board Up Your Windows
If a building is at risk of damage following an event of natural catastrophe or fire, it's essential that it's boarded up. This helps protect the structure from further damage, while preventing the need for window repair or replacement.
The process of boarding up a home is done by using flat boards to cover windows and doors to shield them from vandalism or a natural disaster. Here are some reasons why you should think about boarding up your windows:
Protects Your Glass
Window glass is one of the most vulnerable components of a commercial or residential property in the event of high winds or natural catastrophes. Boarding up windows can provide some security as you wait for emergency glass repair or replacement.
While boarding windows up is a low-cost solution, it can require a bit of preparation and put in place. Most homeowners hire professionals to do the job right. Professionals are equipped with the appropriate tools and know-how to put up boards on windows and door quickly, even when the damage is extensive. They know how to use lag screws to attach plywood to the structure and are more secure than nails. They also know how to mark and cut the boards to be able to fit, and using hurricane clips instead of nails and hammers, which can cause expensive damage to the frames of the windows or doors.
Boarded windows provide protection during severe weather, such as a tornado or hurricane. They protect against flying debris, windborne objects, and heavy rains. They prevent water intrusion and minimize the chances of mold and other damage to the property. They also keep out vandals, which is essential for commercial property such as offices and shops.
If you live in a place that is prone to hurricanes and storms it is recommended to secure all windows as soon a hurricane warning is issued. This can save you money over the course of. It's also a great method to safeguard your possessions from theft.
Prevents Water Damage
After a storm, board up your windows to keep rain and debris from getting in. This will stop the windows from leaking, and help to avoid water damage to the interior of the building. This is a fantastic option for commercial buildings such as retail and office buildings, as it helps minimize the cost of repairs and damages.
It also assists in preventing theft. A missing window can be an easy entry for burglars and can result in costly burglaries. Boarding services can help prevent this issue by securing the property in the meantime.
boarding up and burglary repairs will take care of every little detail when you employ a professional to board up your windows. They will supply strong material, measure each window and then cut the plywood sheets to the required size. They will also provide screws or nails to secure the boards to their frames. This will ensure that the boards are installed and will stay in position during a hurricane or any other emergency.
This is an excellent way to prepare your home for extreme weather, such as a tornado or hurricane. It is also useful if you live within an area that is prone to flooding or an area with frequent storms. In addition, if you own a vacant property such as a foreclosed or abandoned house, boarding can help to protect it from theft and vandalism when the property is empty.
While it is possible to put a window in by yourself, the process can be long and requires specialized tools. It also requires drilling holes into the wall, which is difficult if you are not familiar with this type of work. You will also need to locate a space to store the boards once they are not being used.
Increases Security
Boarding windows offers an extra protection for your home. This option not only shields against severe weather damage, but also hides jagged edges that could hurt employees or customers. It also lets you continue to operate until the window can be repaired. This is crucial for businesses in areas that are prone to severe weather conditions, like hurricane zones, tornado alley and many other areas.
Boarded windows also increase security for vacant properties for instance, those that are foreclosed or under renovation. The windows that are open can be a typical entry point for vandals and burglars who target vacant properties. Boarding up the windows will keep criminals out and also safeguard valuables.
When selecting a boarding solution ensure that you choose strong plywood. This kind of wood can be found at any hardware store and is cheap. It also has the benefit of being a deterrent to squatters and criminals. Then, you can nail the plywood to the frame of your window in 12-inch intervals. Then, seal the screw holes.
Boarding up windows is an effective short-term solution for severe weather-related damage. It protects windows from wind-driven debris and also prevents the glass from shattering which can lead to interior flooding and other problems. It's a great choice for homes in the process or being rented out or sold. This will protect your investment and keep your apartment or home secure until you can sell it. If your home is undergoing an upgrade, boarding up windows can protect them from dust and other construction materials that can damage or damage glass. This is especially crucial for older buildings or those with fragile windows.
Reduces Energy Costs
Although it might seem counterintuitive initially, boarding your windows can save you money in the end. This is because boards are insulated, and they will keep cold air from entering during winter and hot air from entering during the summer. Additionally, boarded-up windows will stop moisture from forming on glass, which could cause mildew and other issues.
Boarding up your windows will protect your property against vandalism and storm damage. A broken window can be a welcome for unwelcome intruders, squatters and others and boards can protect your windows until a repair company or window installer can arrive to fix the damage.
If you live in a region that is prone to extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or hurricanes put up a window to safeguard your home. Properly installed plywood boards will reduce the chance of window breakage and interior damage due to water and structural damage from wind-driven debris.
While you could try to secure your windows on your own, hiring a professional service is generally the best option. Professionals have the right tools, materials, and experience required to complete the job quickly and efficiently. They also know how to properly install the boards to ensure they are durable and sturdy. If you're looking for an alternative to boarding your windows, think about using sheets of plastic instead. This will provide the same protection against squatters and vandals, but it is more attractive and won't detract from the look of your property. This is important, especially when you plan to sell your home in the near future.
Preventing Damage During Renovations
By boarding up windows, you can avoid further damage to your property during renovations. Construction debris, heavy materials, and tools are all a potential threat to glass that has been broken and could cause costly repairs. Placing boards over windows during renovations protects them from these hazards and also safeguards the structure of the building.
Window boards can also be a good deterrent to vandals and burglars, who can cause even more damage to your home. They make it more difficult for unwanted guests to gain access and offer an element of security that many homeowners feel comfortable with. This is particularly crucial in areas that are prone to burglaries or in times of prolonged vacant.
The boarding process starts with exact measurements of your windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits perfectly. A professional will use a circular or jigsaw saw to cut the boards exactly to the window dimensions leaving a small gap at each corner, typically about 1/4 inch. They may then drill into the plywood and into the frame of the window using a drill equipped with needle point screws. This will eliminate the need to hammer nails that could damage windows and walls.
Once the boards have been placed, you can secure them using hurricane clips to stop them from moving during the event of a storm. They are a great alternative to nails because they don't cause holes that could later be used by pests. They are also a lot easier to remove than nails after the damage has been dealt with.
Boarding services can be an investment worth making for any homeowner or business regardless of whether it's to protect against further damage or after a natural catastrophe. The service is typically inexpensive and quickly pays for itself by preventing further damage to the property and also the costs of repair.