Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea
If you live in a place which is prone to severe storms, board up your windows and doorways to reduce damage caused by debris and high winds. This can save you money in the long term on costly window repair and replacement costs.
Begin by taking measurements of the height and width of each window frame, making sure you include the framing (not just the sheathing or trim). Note stud positions to ensure proper board attachment.
Safety
By boarding up windows, you can protect your property from natural disasters, vandalism and vandalism such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. It also reduces the necessity for window repair or replacement after events like these. To put up a wall, you will need to purchase and prepare large quantities of plywood boards. This can be a challenging task to accomplish quickly when the need arises, especially in the event of an emergency or civil unrest. A poorly designed board-up at the last minute can leave your business or home vulnerable and may cause further damage.
Criminals looking to make a profit often take advantage of homes with cracked or broken glass, which makes an attack more likely. Window boarding can be a deterrent to criminals and protects valuable items inside the home from theft. Boarding can also be utilized for home renovations when tools and construction materials pose a risk to windows.
To prepare plywood sheets for boarding up begin by accurately measuring the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to add at least one inch to each dimension because this will give greater protection against wind-related damage. After the dimensions have been determined, make use of a saw to cut the plywood sheet to the appropriate size. When cutting the plywood, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to prevent injury. Mark the stud locations for the proper board attachment. If possible, search for nailheads on the siding to indicate the studs' locations. If they aren't you can use a drill and bit to probe the wall for studs. Once the studs have been discovered, screw through the plywood and into the framing, drilling the screws at least 2 inches deep into the wood to ensure a secure anchor and avoid splitting.
For masonry homes, the process is a bit different. Instead of fixing the plywood directly onto the masonry, fit the panel into the window frame and secure it using four-inch barrel bolts, spacing no more than 16 inches apart. The shaft that slides on the bolt should fit into a hole that is drilled through the masonry. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws when drilling into masonry, to keep the metal from corroding.
Prevention of Damage
A window that is damaged by a storm is not just a way to provide a sense of security, but also prevents further property damage. This is especially crucial for businesses that have to keep their doors open in the event of an event of natural disaster or storm, as a broken glass leaves the interior vulnerable to environmental debris, leaks and theft. A professional board up service will quickly and cost-effectively protect your commercial properties from further damage.
Broken windows can also be an issue in the residential environment. Unattended windows let burglars in to the home and steal valuable items, or cause further damage to the building. This can lead to further loss of property as well as an increase in insurance premiums. A professional board-up service will secure your home from unauthorised entry, and keep your belongings secure while you are away.
It's also important to note that a professional will quickly and affordably repair or replace your damaged windows once the emergency board-up procedures have been completed. You can minimize your risk of liability by doing this and return to your normal routine earlier.
If you intend to do the work yourself, a handyman or other skilled repair professional can advise you on the best materials to choose and provide you with the necessary tools to complete 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 a good idea to pre-drill holes into the plywood panels to allow screws in calm weather. This will speed up the process when an alert for tornadoes is issued.
It is tempting to use duct-tape for securing the plywood. However, it's more beneficial to invest in stainless steel bolts that will stop your windows from being blown away during storms with high winds. Installing them in calm conditions will ensure that they're ready in the event of a storm. This will save you money and time in the long run.
Temporary Security
In addition to safeguarding your home from damage caused by weather, boarding up windows helps to keep out intruders out. This is particularly important in the aftermath of an natural disaster or catastrophic accident, such as an explosion or a car crash. By immediately boarding up your office or home to prevent further damage and protect yourself from responsibility while repairs are made.
For instance, during a riot or civil unrest criminals could take advantage of the chaos to enter homes and businesses and take valuables. It is simple and efficient to secure your home using plywood until the disturbance calms.
Aside from preventing damage, window boarding up also provides peace of mind and privacy for homeowners and business owners. The act of boarding up your home or business protects you from prying eyes and makes it more difficult for burglars to strike at the area. A secure fence is a vital security measure for business owners. It can protect your assets and customers until your commercial glass company arrives.
EJH will enclose your property until permanent repairs are finished regardless of whether the damage is due to vandalism or an accident. We provide emergency board-up services for residential and commercial properties, as well as exterior wall, roof, and storefront damage repair. Contact us for more details or to set up an estimate.
Whether you live in the zone of hurricanes or an area of tornado warning, it's crucial to have a plan for extreme weather-related emergencies. Emergency boarding protects your home from further damage and offers temporary relief until you can replace the windows. If you're unsure how to put up a boarding plan for your home on your own, consider hiring a Tasker to complete the task for you. Taskers have the tools and expertise to ensure that your home's points of entry remain secured until permanent repair is completed. Using Airtasker is quick and easy posting your task, look through Taskers' profiles and offers, and select the one that is most suitable for your needs.
Save Money
The cost of boarding windows is much cheaper than the cost to replace or repair damaged glass. Additionally, it can aid in preventing water intrusion as well as other costly damage to the structure of your business or home. This can save money on insurance claims and reduce the disruption to your daily activities until repairs are made.
If a storm is predicted it is essential to secure your windows as soon as you can. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/clacton-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ will ensure that you have the appropriate plywood to cover your windows prior to the storm arrives. If you are waiting too long the plywood in your local hardware shop may be sold out and you'll have to pay more for it.
Plywood is affordable and readily available, which is why it is an excellent choice to cover your windows. To ensure maximum security you must choose the highest quality plywood available. Ideally, you should choose 5/8-inch thickness exterior-grade plywood or OSB to protect your windows from the force of wind and flying debris.
Depending on the type of window you have, it may be required to drill pilot holes into the frame before installing the plywood. Make sure that the pilot holes are equally spaced around the frame. This will stop the wood from splitting when you insert the screw. It is also a good idea for each screw to have washers made of metal attached to it to prevent the wood from separating and weakening.
While it is possible to put up a board up your windows, it is a job that requires a great deal of experience and knowledge to do properly. It is also a job that is best completed when the weather is calm, so you can work quickly and safely.
If you're looking to save time, you should consider hiring a professional window boarding up near me service. These services can provide the necessary tools and install the plywood. They will be able to correctly install the plywood and can provide you with additional tips to safeguard your home against the effects of severe storms.