The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows The idea of boarding up windows is a way to protect your property from damage caused by storms. It is a difficult task that requires the assistance of another person. Take measurements of your windows to make sure the plywood will fit comfortably. Also, ensure that you have a circular saw as well as a power drill to cut the boards. Seals Windows The practice of boarding up windows is a tried-and-true method of protecting your property in the event of an incoming storm. It's an easy process that only requires the use of a few tools and some time, but can be very effective. The main reason to board windows is to create a physical barrier over the glass, which prevents it from being damaged by debris during a hurricane or other severe weather event. The boarding is usually made of plywood and is secured to the frame of the window with either a nail or screw. Other materials, such as zip ties or duct tape, are also a possibility to board windows. However, plywood is inexpensive and easy to use and is a popular option. To begin the boarding process, measure the width and height of each window. This will allow you to cut a 5/8-inch thickness of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. Make sure the dimensions of the plywood match the size of the window frame and leave a 1 A gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion. After the plywood is cut to size After the plywood has been cut, screw into the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts are designed to attach to the studs of a home, and can be purchased at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement centers. The holes in the plywood must be drilled to correspond with the diameter of the hanger bolts, and should be spaced at 2 inches from all sides. After the storm has passed and the plywood is removed, the hanger bolts can be removed and reattached to the studs of the house. It is important to start the process of boarding your home whenever you can once a hurricane watch is issued. This will allow you to ensure that you have enough plywood to secure your home and also give you the opportunity to find any issues before the storm. The entire process should take about 30 minutes per time. Preventing Break-Ins One of the primary reasons that property owners choose to boarding up windows is because it acts as a deterrent to burglars. Burglars are attracted to properties they are aware of the possibility of entering. If they see the property boarding up, they might be hesitant before attempting to gain entry. Boarded-up windows also prevent burglars having access to the house. This is an important security benefit. A good way to protect property is to secure it by boarding up windows. If you live in an area which is susceptible to extreme weather, boarding up windows can help to protect your home from damage. By covering windows with plywood you can stop snow, rain, and other debris from getting inside. This will help you save money on expensive repairs and replacements. It is essential to select the appropriate materials when you are deciding what to use for the boarding of your windows. The best choice is exterior grade plywood, which is able to stand up to the elements. You will also require a drill to make holes in the plywood as well as screws and caulk or putty to seal the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure the openings in your windows and mark the locations where screws will be. You should also note the plywood panel that is attached to each door or window. Once you have all the supplies, it's the time to board up your windows. While boarding windows can prevent burglaries, this technique is not foolproof. It is still possible for burglars to circumvent the boarding, and it is not always simple to install. If you rely solely on boarding your windows, you might overlook other security measures which could protect your property. Installing a security fence is one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. This is a great choice for vacant properties, and it can be a great complement to boarding your windows. This option is not ideal for residential or commercial structures that wish to maintain the curb appeal. Reduces Heat Loss The act of boarding up your windows will not only keep your home safe from burglars, but it will also help reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your windows. Window glass that is inefficient is responsible for around two-thirds of the heat loss in the home or building. Convection, radiation, as well as conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm air contacts cold glass, which causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and your home. Convection occurs when hot air rises before colder air replaces it. Conduction is the way that heat is absorbed by the window frame, which is usually constructed of steel. It doesn't matter if it's extreme weather or vandalism, breaking windows is a frequent issue that many businesses and homeowners must tackle. The boarded-up window will hide any rough edges or jagged edges, and allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is particularly crucial for commercial spaces, which can be vulnerable to robbery attempts by thieves who want to hide from being observed through the window. There are several alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage however, they do not offer the same degree of security as a solid piece of wood that is encased in a window. Roll-down hurricane shutters are used to protect homes from storms. However, they can cause danger in the event that they are not secure enough and can take a long time to set up and remove. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ is to use strips of self-stick rubber weather seal which you cut to fit your window dimensions. The seals can be pressed down to seal gaps that allow cold air and allow warm air to escape. If you're seeking a long-term solution, consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings, which allow the sun's radiant heat to pass through while blocking the thermal transfer of other kinds of heat. Consider a draft stopper. This is a simple tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and prevents the escaping of cold air from entering. These options are more expensive than a full window replacement, but they can help reduce your energy costs in the long term. Saves Money Although it might seem costly to cover windows in the event of an emergency, you'll actually save money in the long run. By sealing windows and doors, you can reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from the home or business. As a result you will notice lower energy bills during the winter. Boards are inexpensive and easily accessible, making them a good choice for temporary protection from a storm. But before you use them to safeguard your property, you need to carefully measure each window. Take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Then, add eight inches to the height and width to ensure a snug fit and allow for expansion during the event of a hurricane. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood, and a drill is needed for mounting. Install the boards prior to an event and remove them when the weather is safe. A reputable boarding-up service will be able to do the job more efficiently and effectively than someone who is trying to do it on their own. These professionals will use hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After the storm, they can take down the boards and return your property back to its original condition. If you are an owner of commercial properties, then a broken window could be a major problem. It's not just ruining the appearance of your property but it can also cause thefts and other security concerns. Boarding up the broken windows will keep thieves and opportunists out of your property until you can replace it. You should also secure any vacant property you own. Properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are easily targets for arsonists, which is why this is an essential step to keep your property secure until it is used again.