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McCurdy Rocha posted an update 6 months ago
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 high winds and projectile debris. This could save you money over the long haul on expensive window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by measuring the height and width of each window frame, making sure you include the framing (not just the sheathing or trim). Note the locations of studs for an appropriate board attachment.
Safety
Boarding up windows protects the property from vandalism and natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires. This also decreases the necessity for replacement or repair of windows following such natural disasters. However it is true that boarding up a structure requires the purchase and assembly of a large number of plywood boards. This is a difficult task to complete quickly when the need arises, especially in the case of an emergency or civil disturbance. A poorly-constructed board-up that is put up at the last minute can make your home or business vulnerable and cause additional damage.
Break-ins are more likely to be a result of burglars targeting homes that have broken or smashed glass. Window boarders can deter crime and protect valuable items from being stolen. Boarding can also be useful during home renovations, when construction materials and tools pose a threat to windows.
To prepare the plywood sheets to board up, start by accurately measuring the width and height of each window opening. Add at least 1 inch to each dimension. This will protect against wind damage. Once the dimensions are determined and the plywood sheet is cut with the saw. Wear protective goggles and gloves when cutting the plywood to avoid injury. Mark the stud positions to ensure the appropriate board attachment. If you are able you can look for nailheads on the siding that indicate stud locations. If you can’t find these, use a drill bit to probe your wall for studs. Once the studs are located then screw the plywood into the framing. The screws should be driven at least 2 inches into the wood for a strong anchor and to avoid splitting.
For masonry homes, the process is a bit different. Instead of attaching the plywood directly to the masonry, fix the panel to the window frame with four-inch barrel bolts spaced no more 16 inches apart. The shaft of the bolt’s sliding must fit into a hole that is drilled through the masonry. Use corrosion-resistant screws to keep metal from corroding during drilling into masonry.
Prevention of Damage
The act of boarding up a window that has been damaged is not just a way to provide a sense of security, but also stops further property damage. This is especially crucial for business owners who need to remain open in the event of an emergency or natural disaster since broken glass window can expose the interior to leaks, environmental debris and theft. A professional board-up service can swiftly and affordably shield your storefront or other commercial properties from the risk of further damage.
In an environment that is residential windows that are broken pose a security issue as well. Unattended windows could allow burglars to enter the house and steal valuable items, or cause further damage to the building. This can lead to additional loss of property as well as increased insurance rates. A professional board up service will be able to secure your home from unauthorized entry and ensure your possessions are secure when you are away from the property.
After the emergency board-up service is completed, it’s important to note that you can also hire an expert to repair or replace damaged windows swiftly and inexpensively. You can minimize your risk of liability by doing this, and get back to your normal routine earlier.
If you plan to do the work yourself, a qualified handyman or repair professional can supply you with the tools and materials needed to complete the task. For instance, using the correct kind of plywood is crucial to ensure that your windows are protected from further damage. It is also a good idea to pre-drill holes in the plywood panels to allow screws during calm weather. This will make the process easier when a tornado warning is issued.
You might be tempted use duct tape to fix the plywood, but it’s a good idea to invest in stainless-steel hanger bolts to reduce the chances of your windows being blown away during a windy day. A handyman can assist you to install these during a calm weather period and ensure that they’ll be ready to go when a storm hits. This will help you save money and time in the long term.
Temporary Security
Boarding up windows will also keep intruders away. This is particularly important after the occurrence of a natural disaster or after a serious accident, like an explosion or car crash. In the event of a disaster, boarding up your house or business immediately prevents any further harm and shields your business from responsibility until repairs are done.
For example during a riot or civil unrest criminals can take advantage of the chaos to infiltrate homes and businesses and take valuables. Boarding up your property with plywood is a straightforward and effective way to deter thieves and other unwanted intruders until the situation calms down.
Window boarding not only protects against damage, but also provides security and peace of mind to homeowners and businesses. The act of boarding up your business or home will shield your property from being watched by the public and makes it less appealing for burglars. A secure fence can be a crucial security measure for business owners. It can protect your assets and customers until the commercial glass company arrives.
Whether your property is damaged from vandalism or a mishap You can rely on EJH to encase your business or home until permanent repairs are completed. We offer emergency boards-up for residential and commercial properties. We also repair roof walls, exterior walls, and storefronts that have been damaged. Call us for more information or to request an estimate.
Whether you’re in hurricane territory or on the edge of a tornado it’s essential to have a plan in place to deal with severe weather-related emergencies. Emergency board-ups not only shield your home from further damage, but it also serves as a temporary solution until you can get your windows replaced. If you’re unsure how to secure your home on your own, consider hiring a Tasker to do the task for you. Taskers are knowledgeable and have the tools to secure your home’s entry points until permanent repairs are completed. Utilizing Airtasker is quick and easy you just need to post your task, review the profiles of Taskers and their offers, and then choose the best one for you.
Save Money
The cost of boarding up windows is much less than the costs involved in repairing or replacing damaged glass. In addition, it can help prevent water intrusion and other costly damage to the structure of your business or home. This will save you the cost of insurance claims and also reduce the interruption of your daily activities until repairs can be made.
If a storm is predicted, it is important to secure your windows as soon as possible. You will have the plywood that you require to cover your windows once the storm hits. If you are waiting too long the plywood you can purchase at the local hardware store could be out of stock and you will have to pay more for it.
Plywood is affordable and readily available, so it’s a great choice for boarding up your windows. However, you must choose the highest-quality plywood that is available in order to provide the best security for your property. Ideally, you should choose 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or OSB to shield your windows from the force of the wind and flying debris.
Depending on boarding up services of window you are using It may be required to drill pilot holes into the frame prior to installing the plywood. Make sure that the pilot holes are evenly spaced around the frame. This will help prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. It is also a good idea to have each screw to have washers made of metal connected to it to stop the wood from separating and weakening.
It is possible to board your own windows but it requires extensive knowledge and experience. It’s also a job that is best performed when the weather is calm so you can finish the job quickly and safely.
You might want to consider hiring a professional to affix your windows in your area If you’re looking to save some time. These companies can install the plywood and provide the appropriate tools for the job. They also know how to install the plywood properly and will also provide other suggestions for protecting your home from the effects of a severe storm.