Why You Should Board Up Your Windows
The act of boarding up a building that is susceptible to damage following a natural disaster, or a fire is essential. This will protect the building and prevent further damage. It will also save you money on window replacement or repair.
Boarding up a property involves using flat boards to cover doors and windows to protect them from vandalism or natural catastrophe. Here are some reasons why you should consider boarding your windows:
Protect Your Glass
Window glass is one of the most vulnerable elements of a commercial or home property in the event of high winds or natural catastrophes. Placing windows in a boarder provides an extra layer of security while you wait for emergency glass repair or replacement services to arrive.
While boarding your windows is an inexpensive solution, the process of preparing and installing it can be laborious. Many homeowners hire experts to complete the task correctly. Professionals have the equipment and know-how to quickly board up windows and doors, even if the damage is extensive. They know how to use lag screws to attach plywood to the structure and are more secure than nails. They also know to cut and mark the boards to be able to fit, and use hurricane clips instead nails and hammers, which can cause expensive damage to the frames of windows or doors.
Boarded windows offer protection from severe weather such as the tornado or hurricane. These boards shield against flying debris, windborne objects and heavy rains. They stop water from entering and reduce the chance of damage from mold and other causes to the property. They also keep vandals away, which is particularly important for commercial properties such as office buildings and stores.
If you live in a place susceptible to hurricanes and storms it is recommended for you to board up all windows as soon the hurricane warning is issued. Doing this will save you money over the long term. It's also a great way to safeguard your possessions from theft.
Damage Prevention for Water Damage Prevention
After a storm, board up your windows to stop debris and rain from getting in. This stops windows from leaking and could help avoid water damage to the interior of the building. This is a great option for commercial buildings, like offices and retail stores since it will help reduce damage and the cost of repairs.
It also helps to protect against theft. A window that is not in good condition can be an easy entry for burglars and could result in costly burglaries. The use of boarding services can help prevent this from happening by securing the property while you wait for replacement windows.
They will take care of every aspect when you employ an expert to encase your windows. They will supply sturdy materials that can be measured for each window, and then cut the plywood sheets to size. They will also supply screws or nails to hold the boards in place. This will ensure that the boards are properly installed and will stay in place during a hurricane or other emergency.
This is a great way to prepare for extreme weather conditions, like a hurricane or tornado, and it can also be helpful if your home is located in a flood zone or a region that is subject to frequent storms. Additionally, if own a vacant property such as a foreclosed or abandoned house, boarding can help to protect it from theft and vandalism when the property is empty.
While it is possible to board up a window at home, this procedure is time-consuming and requires special tools. 24 hour emergency boarding up requires drilling holes into the wall, which can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with this type of work. You'll also need to locate a place to store the boards while they are not being used.
Increased Security
Boarding windows offers an extra layer of security to your property. This solution not only protects against the effects of severe weather however it also hides sharp edges which could harm employees or customers. It also allows you to keep working until the window is fixed. This is crucial for businesses located in the areas of tornado alley, hurricane zones and other areas susceptible to severe weather.
Boarded windows can also be used to improve the security of vacant properties such as those in renovation or foreclosure. Vacant properties are prime targets for vandals and burglars, who typically use windows that are not closed to gain entry. By boarding up windows, you can keep criminals out and also safeguard valuables.
When you are choosing a boarding option ensure you use sturdy plywood. This type of wood can be purchased at any hardware store and is affordable. 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, you can caulk or putty the screw holes.
Boarding up windows can be temporary solution to the severe weather damage. It shields windows from wind-driven debris and prevents the glass from breaking, which can lead to interior flooding and other problems. It's also a great option for homes in the process of being sold or rented. This will safeguard your investment and keep your home or apartment secure until you can sell it. If your property is undergoing an upgrade, boarding up windows can shield them from dust and other construction materials that can damage or ruin glass. This is especially important for older structures or those with fragile glass.
Reduces Energy Costs
Although it might seem counterintuitive initially the idea of boarding your windows could save you money in the end. This is because boards are insulated, and they prevent cold air from entering during the winter and hot air from getting in during the summer. In addition, boarded up windows will prevent condensation from forming on the glass, which could result in mildew and other problems.
Apart from securing your property from damage caused by storms by boarding your windows, it will protect your home from vandalism as well as other unwelcome intruders. A window that is damaged can be a welcome for burglars and squatters and boards provide the necessary protection until a repair team or window installer arrives to make the repairs.
If you reside in a region susceptible to extreme weather conditions like heavy rains or hurricanes put up a window to safeguard your home. A properly installed plywood board can reduce the risk of window breakage as well as water damage to the interior and structural damage caused by wind-driven debris.
While you can protect your windows yourself but hiring a professional is typically the best choice. Professionals have the equipment, materials and experience required to complete the job quickly and efficiently. They know how to install the boards correctly to ensure they're durable and sturdy. If you're looking for a better alternative to boarding your windows, you could consider a roll of plastic sheeting instead. This will provide the same protection from squatters as well as vandals, but it's more appealing and won't detract from the appearance of your home. This is especially crucial if you are planning on selling your home in the near future.
Prevents damage during renovations
Boarding up windows will prevent further damage to the property during renovations. Construction debris, heavy materials, and tools are all potential hazards to shattered glass and can result in costly repairs. Boarding up windows while renovating safeguards them from the hazards and also protects the building structure.
Window boards also help deter vandals and burglars from causing damage to your property. These boards make it harder for visitors who aren't welcome to gain entry, and offer the security that a lot of homeowners enjoy. This is particularly crucial in areas that are prone to burglaries or when there is a prolonged period of vacancy.
The boarding process starts with precise measurements of your windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly. A professional will use circular saws or jigsaws to cut the boards to the exact dimensions of your windows and leave a small gap, usually about 1/4 inch, at every corner of the frame. They can then use a drill as well as needle point screws to drill the plywood as well as the window frame, eliminating 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 don't create holes that pests could use later. These clips are much easier to remove once the damage is done.
Boarding services are a wise investment for anyone who owns a business or home, whether they need them following a natural catastrophe or as a precautionary measure in the event of a severe storm. The cost is typically low and can pay for itself in a short time as it prevents further property damage and the cost of repairs.