Why You Should Board Up Your Windows
If a building is at risk of damage following an natural disaster or fire, it's essential that it's boarded up. This protects the structure from further damage, while also making it less likely to require window repair or replacement.
The process of boarding up your home involves covering windows and doors with flat boards to safeguard them from vandalism or natural catastrophes. Here are some reasons why you should consider boarding up your windows:
Protect Your Glass
Window glass is among the most vulnerable components of a house or commercial property during severe winds or natural disasters. The act of boarding up windows can offer some protection as you wait for emergency glass repair or replacement.
While boarding windows is an inexpensive solution, it may take some time to prepare and install. Most homeowners choose to hire experts to ensure the task is done right. Professionals are equipped with the right tools and have the knowledge to put up boards on windows and door quickly, even when the damage is substantial. They are skilled in using lag screws, which are more secure than nails for attaching plywood to a structure. They also know how to cut and mark the boards to make them fit and use hurricane clips in place of hammers or nails that can cause costly damage to the frames and doors of the windows and 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 minimize the chances of damage from mold and other causes to the property. They also guard against vandals, which is crucial for commercial properties such as shops and office buildings.
If you live in a place susceptible to storms and hurricanes, it is a good idea to put up a board on your windows as soon as an advisory for hurricanes is issued. This will save you money over the course of time. It's also a great method to safeguard your possessions from theft.
Prevents Water Damage
The boarding up of windows can stop debris and rain from leaking in after a storm. This prevents the windows from leaking and could help prevent water damage to the interior of the building. This is a fantastic option for commercial buildings such as retail and office buildings, as it helps minimize the cost of repairs and damages.
It also protects against theft. A missing window can be a convenient entry point for burglars and can cause costly burglaries. Boarding services can stop this issue by securing the property at the same time.
They will take care of every little detail when you employ an expert to encase your windows. They will provide sturdy materials to measure each window with care, and then cut the sheets of plywood to the appropriate size. They will also provide screws or nails to secure the boards to their frames. This will ensure that the boards are properly installed and will remain in place during a hurricane, or other emergency.
This is a great way to prepare for severe weather conditions, like storms or hurricanes and can be beneficial if your house is located in a flood area or a region that is subject to frequent storms. Boarding can also protect homes that are vacant, such as an abandoned or foreclosed property from vandalism and theft.
Although it is possible to put a window in by yourself, the process can be long and requires the use of special tools. The process also requires drilling holes into the wall, which can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with this type work. Additionally, you will need to find a good place to store the boards when they are not being used.
Increased Security
The boardering up of windows adds an extra layer of security to your property. This option not only shields against weather-related damage and also hides sharp edges that could cause harm to employees or customers. It also lets you continue operations until the window can be fixed. This is especially important for businesses in hurricane zones, tornado alley, and other areas prone to severe weather.
Boarded windows can also be used to increase the security of vacant homes such as those in renovation or foreclosed. Vacant properties are prime targets for vandals and burglars who frequently make use of open windows to gain entry. By boarding up windows, you can stop criminals from entering and also safeguard valuables.
If you are seeking a solution for your board, use plywood that is sturdy. This kind of wood is affordable and is readily available at any hardware store. It also has the advantage of being unattractive to squatters and criminals. Nail the plywood to your window frame in 12-inch intervals. Then, you can caulk the screw holes.
The practice of boarding up windows is a great short-term solution to severe weather damage. It protects the windows from wind-borne debris, and also stops the glass from breaking. This could cause internal flooding, as well as other issues. It's also a good option for homes in the process of being rented or sold. This will help protect your investment and keep your home or apartment secure until you're able to sell it. If your property is undergoing construction, boarding windows will protect them from dust and other construction materials which can damage the glass. This is especially important for older structures or ones with windows that are fragile.
Reduces Energy Costs
While it may appear counterintuitive, boarding your windows can help you save money in the end. The boards are insulated and stop cold air from coming into your home during the winter months and hot air from entering during summer. Boarded-up windows also prevent the formation of moisture, which can cause mildew or other problems.
Aside from protecting your property from damage caused by storms by boarding your windows, it will protect your home from vandalism and other unwanted intruders. Boards will guard your property until a repair team arrives or a window installer arrives to repair the broken window.
If you reside in an area susceptible to severe weather conditions, like hurricanes or heavy rains, boarding your windows is essential for protecting your home from damage. A properly-installed plywood board can reduce the risk of window breakage, interior water damage and structural damage caused by wind-borne debris.
While you can secure your windows yourself, it is best to work with an expert. Professionals have the equipment, materials and experience required to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They know how to put up the boards correctly to ensure they're robust and durable. If you're looking for a different option to boarding up your windows, consider using sheets of plastic instead. It will provide the same protection against vandals, squatters and thieves, but is more attractive. It will not affect the look of your home. This is crucial, particularly if you intend to sell your home in the near future.
Reducing the chance of damage during renovations
The act of boarding up windows can prevent further damage to the property during renovations. Construction debris, heavy materials and tools are all a potential threat to glass that has been broken and could lead to costly repairs. By boarding up windows during renovations, it protects them from the dangers and also protects the structure of the building or home as well.
Window boards are also an effective deterrent to vandals and burglars who can cause more damage to your home. They make it more difficult for these unwelcome guests to gain entry and provide a level of security that many homeowners find comforting. This is particularly important in areas where burglaries are common or when there is a prolonged period of vacancy.
The process of boarding begins with precise measurements of your windows to ensure the plywood or OSB is a good fit. A professional will then employ a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the boards according to the exact dimensions of your windows and leave a small gap, typically about 1/4 inch, at each corner of the frame. They can use a drill and needle point screws to drill holes into the plywood and the window frame, removing the need for hammering nails that may damage the windows and walls.
Once the boards are set in place they can be secured with hurricane clips to stop them from moving during a storm. These clips are an excellent alternative to nails because they do not create holes that pests can exploit later. These clips are much easier to take off once the damage is over.
Boarding services are a wise investment for any business or homeowner whether they require them following a natural catastrophe or to prevent an extreme storm. The cost is typically low and can pay for itself in a short time as it prevents further property damage as well as the cost of repairs.