Why You Should Board Up Your Windows A property that is vulnerable to damage following a natural disaster or fire is crucial. This will safeguard the building and stop further damage from occurring. It can also save you money on window replacement or repair. Boarding up a house 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 consider boarding your windows: Protect Your Glass Window glass is one of the most vulnerable parts of a commercial or home property in high winds or in any natural disaster. The act of boarding up windows offers some protection while waiting for emergency glass repair or replacement services to arrive. While boarding windows is a cost-effective solution, it will take time to prepare and put in place. Most homeowners hire professionals to complete the task correctly. Professionals have the experience and tools to swiftly board up windows and doors even in the event of a major damage. They are able to use lag screws which are more secure than nails, to attach the plywood to the structure. They also know to cut and mark the boards to be able to fit, and use hurricane clips instead nails and hammers. This can cause costly damage to the frames of windows or doors. Boarded windows offer protection in extreme weather conditions, such as a tornado or hurricane. These boards shield against flying debris, windborne objects, and heavy rains. They block water infiltration and reduce the chance of damage from mold and other causes to the property. They also keep out vandals, which is important for commercial properties such as offices and shops. If you live in a region susceptible to storms and hurricanes, it is a good idea for you to board up all your windows as soon an advisory for hurricanes is issued. This can save you money over time. It's also a great way to safeguard your possessions from theft. Water Damage Prevention After a storm, board up your windows to keep rain and debris from getting in. This can stop windows from leaking, and will help prevent water damage in the interior of the building. This is an excellent option for commercial buildings, like offices and retail stores, as it can help minimize damage and the cost of repairs. It also helps protect against theft. A window that is not in use opens the door to thieves, which could lead to costly burglaries, as well as other issues. Boarding services can stop this problem by protecting the property in the meantime. When you hire an expert service to board up windows, they'll take care of every detail. They will supply sturdy materials to measure each window with care, and then cut the sheets of plywood to size. They will also supply screws or nails for the boards to be anchored in the correct position. This ensures that the boards are properly installed and will remain in place during a storm or another emergency. This is a great way to prepare your home for severe weather such as the possibility of a hurricane or tornado. It can also be useful if you live within an area that is prone to flooding or a place that is subject to frequent storms. Boarding can also safeguard the home that is vacant or a neglected or foreclosed property from vandalism and theft. Although it is possible to board a window by yourself, the process can be long and requires the use of special tools. This also requires drilling holes in the wall which can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with this kind of work. Additionally, you'll have to locate a suitable location to store the boards when they are not in use. Increases Security Boarding up windows adds an additional layer of security for your property. In addition to protecting against damage from extreme weather, this option hides sharp edges that could harm employees or customers. This allows you to keep operating until the window is fixed. This is especially important for businesses located in areas of hurricanes, tornado alley, and other areas prone to severe weather. Boarded windows are also a good security measure for vacant properties, such as those that are foreclosed or under renovation. The windows that are open can be a typical entry point for burglars and vandals who target vacant properties. The boarding of windows can prevent criminals from gaining access and protects the valuables inside. When choosing a boarding solution ensure that you choose solid plywood. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ of wood is cheap and readily available at any hardware store. It also has the benefit of being unattractive to criminals and squatters. Nail the plywood to your window frame at intervals of 12 inches. Then, seal the screw holes. Boarding up windows can be an immediate solution to the severe weather damage. It shields windows from debris that is blown in by the wind, and also prevents the glass from breaking. This can cause internal flooding, as well as other issues. It's also a good choice for homes in the process of being rented or sold. This will protect your investment and keep your apartment or home safe until you are able to sell it. If your home is going through renovations, boarding windows can protect them from dust or other construction materials which can damage the glass. This is particularly important for older buildings and those with fragile glass. Reduces Energy Costs While it may appear counterintuitive, boarding your windows can help you save money in the end. Boards are insulated and will stop cold air from coming into your home in the winter months and hot air from entering during summer. Boarded-up windows also stop moisture from forming, which can cause mildew or other problems. The act of boarding up your windows will protect your property against vandalism and storm damage. A damaged window is an invitation to unwelcome intruders, squatters and others and boards protect your windows until a repair team or window installer arrives to fix the damage. If you live in a location susceptible to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or heavy rains put up a window to safeguard your home. A properly installed plywood panel can reduce the risk of window breaking as well as interior water damage and structural damage caused by wind-borne debris. While you could try to secure your windows yourself but hiring a professional is typically the best choice. Professionals have the tools and materials as well as the experience required to complete the job quickly and efficiently. They also know how to properly install the boards in a way that they will be strong and durable. If you're looking for a better alternative to boarding up your windows, think about using sheets of plastic instead. This will provide the same protection from squatters as well as vandals, but it's more appealing and won't detract from the appearance of your home. This is important, especially if you intend to sell your house in the near future. Prevents damage during renovations By boarding up windows, you can avoid further damage to your property during renovations. Construction debris, tools and heavy material can all pose risks to shattered windows and can cause costly repairs. The act of boarding up windows during renovations safeguards them from the hazards and also protects the building structure. Window boards can also be an effective deterrent for vandals and burglars, who can cause more damage to your home. These boards make it harder for unwelcome visitors to gain access and provide an element of security that a lot of homeowners enjoy. This is particularly important in areas that are prone to burglaries or in times of prolonged vacancy. The process of boarding starts with precise measurements of your windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is a good fit. A professional will then employ circular saws or jigsaws to cut the boards to exact dimensions of your windows and leave an inch of gap, typically about 1/4 inch, at every corner of the frame. They will then drill the wood and into the frame of the window using a drill with needle point screws, which will eliminate the need to hammer nails that could damage windows and walls. After the boards are put in place, you can secure them using hurricane clips to stop them from moving during the event of a storm. These clips are an excellent alternative to nails, since they don't make holes that pests could use later. These clips are simpler to remove after the damage is done. Boarding services are a wise investment for any homeowner or business owner whether they require them following a natural catastrophe or as a preventative measure during an extreme storm. The service is typically inexpensive and will quickly pay for itself by stopping further damage to the property, as well as the subsequent repair costs.