Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea If you reside in a region that is susceptible to extreme weather, covering your doors and windows can reduce damage from the force of winds and projectile debris. This can also save you money on costly window replacement and repair costs. Begin by measuring the width and height of each window frame, ensuring you include the framing (not just the trim or sheathing). Note the locations of studs for the proper board attachment. Safety Boarding up windows will ensure your property is safe from natural disasters and vandalism like tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. It also helps reduce the need for window repair or replacement after events like these. In order to board up a building it is necessary to purchase and prepare large quantities of plywood boards. It isn't easy to finish the task in a short time, especially if you are dealing by a crisis or civil disturbance. A poorly-constructed board-up that is put up in the last minute could make your home or business vulnerable and could cause further damage. Opportunistic criminals frequently take advantage of homes with cracked or broken glass, making an attack more likely. Window boards can deter crime as well as protect valuable items from being stolen. Boarding can also be useful during home renovations, when construction materials and tools could be a threat to windows. Begin by measuring the width and the height of each window opening. Add at minimum one inch to each measurement. This will help protect against wind-related damage. After the dimensions have been determined, utilize a saw to cut the sheet of plywood to the desired size. When cutting the plywood, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to prevent injury. Next, identify and mark the stud locations to ensure the proper board attachment. If possible, look for nailheads in the siding that indicate stud locations. If you can't find these you can use a drill to search your wall for studs. Once you have located the studs then screw the plywood into the framing. Drive the screws at least 2 inches into the wood for a strong anchor and to prevent splitting. For masonry homes, the process is a bit different. Instead of securing the plywood directly to the masonry, place the panel inside the window frame and secure it with four inch barrel bolts that are spacing no more than 16 inches apart. The bolt's sliding shaft should fit into a hole in the masonry. Make sure to use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry because this will stop the metal from getting corroded. Prevention of Damage The act of boarding up a window that has been damaged does not only provide a degree of security, but also stops further property damage. This is particularly crucial for businesses that must remain open in the event of an emergency or natural disaster because a damaged glass window can expose the interior to leaks, environmental debris and theft. A professional board-up service can secure your storefront and commercial properties quickly and easily from further damage. In a residential setting windows that are damaged pose a security issue as well. Windows that are not secured can allow burglars into the house and steal valuable items, or cause more damage to the building. This could result in more loss of property and higher insurance rates. A professional service for boarding up can protect your home from unauthorized entry and keep your belongings safe when you are away from your home. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ 's also important to know that a professional will quickly and affordably repair or replace your damaged windows once the emergency board-up service has been completed. You can lower the risk of liability by doing this and return to normal activities sooner. If you are planning to complete the work yourself an experienced handyman or experienced repair professional can advise you on the best materials to choose and provide you with the tools needed to finish the task. For instance, using the right type of plywood is crucial to ensure that your windows are shielded from further damage. It is also recommended to drill holes in the plywood panels to allow screws in calm weather. This will speed up the process when the tornado warning is issued. It is tempting to use duct-tape to secure the plywood. However, it is better to invest in stainless-steel bolts to prevent your windows from being blown away during high-wind events. A handyman can assist you to install these during a time of calm weather and ensure that they'll be ready to go in the event of a storm. This will save time and money in the long time. Temporary Security In addition to securing your property from weather-related damage The act of boarding windows can help to keep intruders at bay. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters or a catastrophic accident, such as an explosion or car crash. The act of boarding up your home or business in the immediate aftermath prevents any further harm and shields you from liability until repairs can be done. During a civil unrest or riot, criminals can take advantage of the chaos and infiltrate homes and businesses to take valuables. It is simple and efficient to board up your property using plywood until the disturbance settles down. Window boarding up not only prevents damage but also offers security and peace of mind to homeowners and business owners. Boarding up your business or home shields you from prying eye and makes it more difficult for burglars. For business owners, boarding your property is a critical security measure that protects your assets and customers until your commercial glass repair company will arrive. EJH will secure your property until permanent repairs are completed, whether it is due to vandalism or a collision. We offer emergency board up services for commercial and residential properties, as well as exterior wall, roof, and repair of storefronts damaged by vandalism. Call us to get more information or schedule an appointment. It's important to have a plan for severe weather emergencies, regardless of whether you reside in hurricane or tornado territory. Emergency boarding up helps protect your house from further damage, and serves as a temporary fix until you can get the windows replaced. If you're not sure how to board your home up on yourself, you may need to employ Taskers. Taskers are equipped with the tools and expertise to ensure that the entry points to your home remain secure until permanent repairs is completed. Airtasker makes it simple to find the ideal person for your task. Simply post your task, and then go through the Taskers' profiles. Save Money The cost of boarding windows is far less than the costs involved with repairing or replacing broken glass. It can also help prevent water damage and other expensive damages to your business or home. This will save you money on insurance claims and also reduce the disruption to your daily operations until repairs can be completed. If a storm is expected it is essential to secure your windows as soon as possible. You will have the plywood you require to cover your windows once the storm hits. If you are waiting too long the plywood in the local hardware store could be sold out and you will have to pay more for it. Plywood is easily available and inexpensive which makes it a good choice for boarding your windows. However, you should choose the highest quality plywood that is available in order to ensure maximum protection for your home. Ideally, you should choose 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or OSB to protect your windows from the force of the wind and flying debris. Depending on the kind of window you have It may be required to drill pilot holes into the frame before installing the plywood. Be sure to evenly space the pilot holes around the frame. This will help stop the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. Additionally, it is a good idea to add washers of metal to each screw to further prevent the wood from splitting and weakening. It is possible to board your own windows but it requires a lot of expertise and experience. This task is best done in conditions of calm so that you can do the job in a safe and efficient manner. If you're looking to cut down on time, consider hiring a professional window boarding up near me service. These companies can install the plywood and supply the necessary tools to complete the task. They also know how to install the plywood properly and offer additional ideas to protect your home from the damaging effects of a storm that is severe.