Boarding Up Your Windows Before a Storm Boarding up windows reduces the damage to property caused by natural disasters as well as vandalism. It also shields people living in the area from broken glass. To begin, use a tape measure to determine the height and width of the frame's edges. Note the measurements. Select corrosion-resistant screws that have deep penetration into the framing. Pre-storm preparation If you live in an area prone to hurricanes and hurricanes, boarding your windows is crucial to shield your home from damage. It is crucial to secure your home prior to a storm's arrival. This allows you time to prepare and gather the supplies you require. You can secure your home almost immediately after a watch has been issued. Prepare the window frame. Get rid of any debris in the area that could be blown about by a storm, which could cause damage to your home. It is also important to remove the items in your yard that can easily be blown away by strong winds, such as lawn furniture, bikes, and propane tanks. Next, measure each window opening to determine how much lumber you'll need. To accomplish this, align the inside edges of the window frame against the outside of the trim outside and mark the width and height of the opening. If the window is inoperable bay or a double-hung window that has a a full sill and a full sill, add eight inches to both the height and width to create a four-inch overlap on each side. Purchase plywood that is at least 5/8 inches thick and free of knots. This type of plywood is inexpensive and easily available. It provides 30% more impact strength than OSB. (OSB). It should be of exterior grade and ideally, CDX, which means it is water-resistant. Install the stainless steel hanger bolts in 16-inch intervals inside the window frame, and then drill holes to match the plywood panels. This will let you quickly install the plywood when a storm is approaching and will save significant installation time. It is also an excellent idea to label each piece and mark it with an arrow so that you are able to easily identify the window or door it will cover. After each window is covered and a duct tape is used to hold the edges of the plywood and hold it in position. It is a good idea to use a strong adhesive tape instead of the regular duct tape, as it will last longer and will prevent moisture intrusion. Post-storm recovery If your home was hit by a natural disaster or an act of vandalism, boarding windows can help protect your home until repairs are made. It also prevents further damage and deters criminal activities. Boarding is a fast efficient, cost-effective, and effective process. It's an excellent option for homeowners experiencing a severe storm. Before you begin boarding your windows, take time to carefully determine the window's height as well as width. This will allow you to get the right size of sheets of plywood. Remove the old windows, and clean any broken glass. It's recommended that you use 5/8-inch-thick plywood for the boarding of windows. This kind of wood is more resistant to impact than OSB, which is oriented strand boards (OSB). Ideally, you should also buy exterior grade boards. They tend to be more expensive, but they provide better protection against weather damage. Once you have gathered all the required materials and have a plan of action, the boarding process can begin. Get help if you need it. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/emergency-boarding-up/ can also hire a professional to help with the job. This is an ideal alternative for those with large homes or limited mobility. After measuring each window opening, use a saw to cut the plywood sheets into the correct size. You should use a high quality tool to make sure that the cuts are precise and straight. It is also recommended to drill pilot holes into the wood and into the wall's framing before installing them. This will prevent the wood from splitting. Set up a plywood sheet on top of each window and then center it. For a better fit ensure that the plywood sheet extends beyond the window frames on all sides. Make pilot holes in the frame and plywood at a distance of 16 inches. This will ensure that the screws don't penetrate too deeply into the plywood, which could weaken it. Put a metal washer on top of each screw. This will stop the screw from sinking too deeply and damaging it. Use screws that are wide and long enough to reach each window sill. This will help to keep the board in place during a hurricane and prevent water from getting in. Break-ins Following a burglary, the first thing to do is board up any windows or doors that have been damaged. This will prevent unauthorized entry into the property and also protect the contents of your home or business against further destruction. It sends a signal to criminals that your property is empty and could even deter them from committing future crimes. If you're currently making a vacant home ready to sell, boarded up windows help preserve it for potential buyers. Boarding up all windows may not be the best option since it could send a message to criminals about your desperate need for money or your property. Furthermore, potential buyers might have a hard to imagine living in the house if it's surrounded by plywood. Another method to ensure your home is secure is to put security bars on the exterior of your window frames. Although they are a great deterrent, they are frequently dislodged by debris and can still be broken with objects thrown against them. Installing security glass made of polycarbonate is a permanent solution to burglary. Polycarbonate is twice as strong than glass and designed to bend under pressure which means that criminals are unable to smash it into the frame. Boarding up windows and doors will not only prevent burglaries, but also safeguard your home from further damage. Snow, hail and rain can flood your home's interior and damage furniture and fixtures. By boarding up windows and doors, you can help reduce the chance that employees or customers could be injured by glass that falls. Contact Valor Taskers if you need assistance in boarding up your business or home following a break-in. Our Taskers are fully equipped with the necessary tools and materials to secure your damaged property quickly. They are also able to handle any other cleaning and repair tasks you need to complete after a disaster has occurred. Damage caused by weather Severe weather can cause serious destruction to businesses and homes. Natural disasters, such as a tornado or hurricane, can cause havoc in communities across the nation. If your home has been damaged by a major storm or other natural catastrophe investing in emergency boarding is the most effective way to protect it from further damage. Window boarding near me is a type of service that covers damaged windows and doors with plywood boards to prevent further damage. The cost of this service is contingent on the size and quantity of windows that are covered, and the location of your home. The cost of boarding materials also plays a factor in the final cost of the project. Window Boarding Up Window Boarding Up: Benefits and Uses Emergency boarding can be vital to protect your home after the occurrence of a catastrophe or in deterring criminal activities. It deters intruders and prevents further damage to the property until repairs can be made. Additionally the boarding up process can help to maintain insurance eligibility. Many insurers require that properties be secured as soon as possible following an incident to ensure insurance coverage. A professionally installed board and tarp service can safeguard assets and personal belongings for businesses. This is crucial because things left exposed to the elements can deteriorate and even become a fire hazard. It is important to secure valuables by boarding them up until the items are repaired or replaced. A tarp and boarding could also stabilize a structure that isn't stable making it more secure for inspectors and contractors who are working on repairs. The boards can help prevent further damage to the building and reduce the risk of injury to residents and passersby. Windows that are boarded-up are a safety precaution, as shattered glass poses a significant danger to children and pets.