Why You Should Board Up Your Windows
If a building is vulnerable to damage after an event of natural catastrophe or fire, it's crucial that it is secured. This will help protect the structure and prevent further damage. It also saves you money on window repair or replacement.
The process of boarding up a home is done by using flat boards to cover doors and windows to guard them from vandalism or a natural catastrophe. Here are a few reasons why you should think about boarding up your windows:
Protect Your Glass
Window glass is among the most vulnerable points of a home or commercial property in high winds or in any natural disaster. Placing windows in a boarder provides some protection while you wait for emergency glass repair or replacement services to arrive.
While boarding windows is an inexpensive solution, it can take some time to prepare and put up. Many homeowners hire experts to do the job correctly. Professionals have the proper tools and have the experience to board up doors and windows quickly, even when the damage is extensive. They know how to properly use lag screws to attach plywood to the structure and are more secure than nails. boarding up company near me know to cut and mark the boards to fit, as well as use hurricane clips instead hammers and nails, which can cause expensive damage to the frames of windows or doors.
Boarded windows protect you from severe weather, such as a hurricane or tornado. They protect against flying debris, windborne objects and heavy rains. They reduce the chance of mold and other damages to the property by blocking water intrusion. They also keep vandals away, which is particularly important for commercial properties like offices and stores.
If you're in an area that is prone to storms it's a good idea to cover your windows with a sheet of plywood immediately after the hurricane watch is declared. Doing so will save you money in the long run. You can also safeguard your valuables from theft.
Prevents Water Damage
Boarding up your windows prevents debris and rain from getting into the building after the storm. This can stop windows from leaking, and also help to prevent water damage in the interior of the building. This is an excellent option for commercial buildings such as retail stores and offices, as it helps minimize the cost of repairs and damages.
It also aids in protecting against theft. A window that is not in use opens the door to thieves, and it could lead to costly burglaries, as well as other issues. Boarding services can prevent this problem by protecting the property in the meantime.
When you hire a professional service for boarding up windows, they will take charge of all the details. They will supply strong materials, measure each window carefully and then cut the sheets of plywood to the appropriate size. They will also provide screws or nails to hold the boards in place. This assures that the boards are properly installed and will remain in place in the event of a storm or any other emergency.
This is a great way to prepare for extreme weather, such as storms or hurricanes and can be beneficial if your house is located in a flood zone or a region that is subject to frequent storms. In addition, if you have a vacant property, like a foreclosed or abandoned house, boarding could help protect it from theft and vandalism while the property is empty.
Although it is possible to put a window in by yourself however, the process is lengthy and requires special tools. This also requires drilling holes in the wall, which is difficult for those who are unfamiliar with this kind of work. You'll also need to find a place to store the boards while they are not being used.
Increased Security
Boarding windows add an additional layer of security for your property. In addition to protecting against the possibility of breaking due to severe weather, this method conceals sharp edges that could harm employees or customers. This allows you to keep operating until the window is repaired. This is crucial for businesses operating in hurricane zones, tornado alley and other areas that are susceptible to severe weather.
Boarded windows also increase security for vacant homes like those that are foreclosed on or undergoing renovation. Windows that are open are a frequent entry point for burglars and vandals who attack vacant properties. Boarding up these windows helps keep criminals out and protects the valuables inside.
When you are choosing a boarding option, make sure to use sturdy plywood. This kind of wood can be found at any hardware store and is cheap. It also has the advantage of being a deterrent to criminals and squatters. Then, you can nail the plywood to the frame of your window at 12-inch intervals. Finally, caulk or putty the screw holes.
The idea of boarding up windows is temporary solution to the severe weather damage. It protects windows from wind-driven debris and prevents the glass from shattering which can cause interior flooding and other problems. It's a great choice for homes that are currently in the process of or being sold or rented. This will safeguard your investment and keep your apartment or home secure until you sell it. If your property is in the process of renovations, boarding windows can protect them from dust or other construction materials which can damage the glass. This is especially crucial for older buildings or ones with fragile windows.
Reduces Energy Costs
Although it might seem counterintuitive at first, boarding your windows can save you money in the end. Boards are insulated and will prevent cold air from blowing into your home in winter and hot air entering in summer. Boarded-up windows also prevent moisture from forming, which can cause mildew or other problems.
Apart from securing your property from damage caused by storms by boarding your windows, it will shield your property from vandalism as well as other unwelcome intruders. A damaged window is a prime target for burglars and squatters and boards protect your windows until a repair team or window installer arrives to complete the repairs.
If you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes and heavy rains, boarding your windows is essential to protect your home from damage. A properly-installed plywood board can reduce the risk of window damage as well as interior water damage and structural damage caused by wind-borne debris.
While you can secure your windows yourself, it's best to get a professional. Professionals have all the tools, materials, and experience required to complete the task quickly and efficiently. They are also aware of how to install the boards in a way that they will be durable and sturdy. Consider using plastic sheeting as an alternative to covering your windows. This will offer the same security against vandals, squatters and thieves, but it's more attractive. It will not detract the look of your home. This is particularly important if you intend on selling your home in the future.
Preventing damage during renovations
The act of boarding up windows can prevent further damage to the property during renovations. Construction debris, tools and heavy materials can all pose risks to windows that have been damaged and could cause costly repairs. The act of boarding up windows during renovations protects them from these risks and also safeguards the structure of the building.
Window boards can also be an effective deterrent to vandals and burglars, who can cause more damage to your property. They make it more difficult for unwanted visitors to gain entry and provide a level security that many homeowners appreciate. This is especially important in areas prone to break-ins or when there is a prolonged period of vacancy.
The boarding process starts by taking exact measurements of your windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly. A professional will then use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the boards to the exact dimensions of the window and leave a small gap, typically about 1/4 inch, at every corner of the frame. They can then use a drill and needle point screws to drill into the plywood as well as the window frame, eliminating the need to hammer nails that may damage the windows and walls.
After the boards are put in place, you can secure them using hurricane clips to stop them from moving in an incoming storm. They are a great alternative to nails since they don't create holes that could later be used by unwanted pests. These clips are also a lot easier to remove than nails after the damage is done.
Boarding services are a wise investment for anyone who owns a business or home, whether they need them after a natural disaster or as a precautionary measure in the event of the midst of a storm that is severe. The service is usually inexpensive and can pay for itself in a short time as it prevents further property damage as well as the costs of repairs.