Why You Should Board Up Your Windows
When a property is left vulnerable to damage due to an event of natural catastrophe or fire, it's essential that it's boarded up. This helps protect the building from further damage, while making it less likely to require window repair or replacement.
The process of boarding up a house involves covering doors and windows with flat boards in order to protect them against vandalism or natural catastrophes. Here are a few reasons why you should consider boarding your windows:
Protects Your Glass
Window glass is among the most vulnerable parts of a commercial or home property during high winds, or during natural disasters. Placing windows in a boarder provides an extra layer of security while you wait for emergency glass repair or replacement services to be delivered.
While boarding windows is a cost-effective solution, it can take time to prepare and install. Many homeowners prefer hiring experts to ensure the task is done properly. Professionals have the equipment and know-how to quickly put up boards on doors and windows even if the damage is extensive. They know how to properly use lag screws to secure plywood to the structure and are more secure than nails. They also know how to cut and mark the boards to fit and use hurricane clips in place of hammers or nails that can cause costly damage to the frames and doors of windows and doors.
Boarded windows provide protection from severe weather, such as the tornado or hurricane. These boards protect against flying debris, windborne items and heavy rains. They minimize the risk of mold and other damages to the property through stopping water intrusion. They also keep vandals off which is especially important for commercial properties like stores and office buildings.
If you live in a region susceptible to storms and hurricanes, it is recommended to secure your windows as soon as an advisory for hurricanes is issued. This will help you save money over time. It's also a great option to protect your belongings from theft.
Damage Prevention for Water Damage Prevention
After a storm, board up your windows to keep rain and debris from getting in. This will prevent the windows from leaking, and help to avoid water damage to the interior of the building. This is a fantastic option for commercial buildings such as retail stores and offices because it reduces the cost of repairs and damages.
It also assists in preventing theft. A window that isn't in use can be an easy entry for thieves and result in costly burglaries. The use of boarding services can help to prevent this from happening by securing the property while you wait for replacement windows.
They will take care of every aspect when you employ a professional to board up your windows. They will supply sturdy materials to measure the windows and then cut the sheets of plywood to the required size. They will also provide screws or nails to hold the boards to their frames. This assures that the boards are correctly fitted and will stay in place during a storm or another emergency.
This is a great way to prepare your home for severe weather conditions like the possibility of a hurricane or tornado. It could also be beneficial if you live in a flood-prone area or a region that experiences frequent storms. Boarding can also help protect a vacant home like an abandoned or foreclosed property from vandalism and theft.
While it is possible to put up a board up a window on your own, this procedure is time-consuming and requires the use of special tools. This process also involves drilling holes in the wall which can be difficult for those unfamiliar with this type work. Additionally, you will need to find a good place to store the boards once they are not in use.
Increases Security
Boarding windows provide an extra protection for your property. In addition to protecting against breakage from severe weather, this option hides sharp edges that could harm employees or customers. It also lets you continue to operate until the window is fixed. This is especially important for businesses located in areas of hurricanes, tornado alley, and other areas prone to severe weather.
Boarded windows also increase security for vacant homes, such as those that are foreclosed or undergoing renovation. Vacant properties are prime targets for burglars and vandals, who often take advantage of windows that are open to gain entry. By boarding up windows, you can keep criminals out and also safeguard valuables.
When selecting a boarding solution, make sure to use solid plywood. This kind of wood is cheap and readily available at any hardware store. It also has the benefit of being a deterrent to criminals and squatters. Secure the plywood to the window frame at intervals of 12 inches. Then, putty or caulk the screw holes.
Boarding windows up is a good short-term solution to severe weather-related damage. It protects the windows from debris blown by the wind and it prevents the glass from breaking. This can cause flooding in the interior or other issues. It's also a good option for homes that are in the process of being rented or sold. This can help ensure your investment is protected and ensure that your apartment or home is secure until you're able to sell it. If your property is in the process of renovations, boarding windows are a great way to protect them from dust and other construction materials which could damage the glass. This is particularly crucial for older buildings or those with fragile windows.
Reduces boarding up services
While it may seem odd initially the idea of boarding your windows could save you money in the end. This is because boards are insulated, and they will keep cold air from blowing in during the winter months and hot air from getting in during the summer. Additionally, boards-up windows can prevent moisture from forming on the glass, which can lead to mildew and other issues.
Boarding up your windows will protect your property against storm damage and vandalism. Boards will protect your property until a repair team arrives or an installer arrives to repair the damaged window.
If you reside in an area that is susceptible to severe weather conditions, like hurricanes and heavy rains, it is crucial to cover your windows to safeguard your home from damage. A properly installed plywood board can minimize the risk of window damage as well as interior damage caused by water and structural damage caused by wind-driven debris.
While you can secure your windows by yourself, it's best to work with a professional. Professionals have the tools, materials, and experience required to complete the job quickly and efficiently. They know how to set up the boards correctly to ensure they're durable and sturdy. If you're looking for a different option to boarding up your windows, consider using a roll of plastic sheeting instead. This will offer the same security against squatters, vandals and thieves, but it's more appealing to the eye. It won't detract from the appearance of your home. This is especially crucial if you are planning to sell your house in the future.
Prevents Damage During Renovations
Boarding up windows prevents further damage to the property during renovations. Construction debris, tools and heavy materials can pose a risk to windows that have been damaged and could cause costly repairs. Boarding up windows during renovations safeguards them from these hazards and protects the structural integrity of the house or building as well.
Window boards can also be a good deterrent to vandals and burglars who could cause more damage to your home. They make it more difficult for visitors who aren't welcome to gain entry, and offer a level security that many homeowners appreciate. This is especially important in areas prone to break-ins or in times of prolonged vacant.
The boarding process starts with precise measurements of your windows to ensure the plywood or OSB fits snugly. A professional will employ circular or jigsaw saws to cut the boards exactly to the window dimensions leaving a small gap at each corner, typically about 1/4 inch. They can use a drill and needle point screws to drill into the plywood and the window frame, removing the need for hammering nails that can damage exterior walls and windows.
After the boards are in place and secured, they can be secured with hurricane clips to stop them from moving during an event. These clips are a fantastic alternative to nails, since they don't create holes that pests can use later. These clips are much easier to remove once the damage is over.
Boarding services are a smart investment for any business or homeowner whether to avoid further damage or after a natural catastrophe. The service is typically inexpensive and will quickly pay for itself by stopping further damage to the property, and also the repair costs.