15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Boarding Up Windows
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows
Protecting your home from storm damage is possible by making windows a board. However, it is an labor-intensive job and should be completed with the assistance of another person.
Take measurements of your windows to ensure the plywood will fit perfectly. Also, make sure that you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.
Seals Windows
The practice of boarding windows is a tried and true method to protect your home in the event of an emergency. It's a simple procedure that requires a few tools and a bit of time to complete however, it can be extremely effective.
The main purpose of boarding up windows is to create an physical barrier to the glass, which prevents it from breaking due to debris during a hurricane or other severe weather event. The boarding is typically constructed from plywood, and is attached to the frame of the window with either a nail or screw. Other materials, such as zip ties or duct tape, are also a possibility to board windows. However, plywood is inexpensive and easy to use and is an extremely popular choice.
Take measurements of the width and height for each window prior to you begin the boarding procedure. Use this information to cut a sheet of 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood or oriented Strand Board (OSB). Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood meet the dimensions of the window frame, and leave one inch. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion.
After the plywood has been cut to size, screw in the hanger bolts with nuts. These bolts can be found in a variety of hardware stores and home improvement centers. They are designed to attach directly to the studs that are on a house. The plywood holes should be drilled at a diameter that matches the hanger bolts, and spaced apart by a minimum of 2 inches on all sides. After the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed and the hanger bolts are removed, they can be removed and unscrewed from the studs of the house.
It is essential to begin the process of boarding your home as soon as you can, once a hurricane watch is issued. This will enable you to ensure that you have sufficient plywood to protect your house and give you the chance to find any issues before the storm. The entire process should take about 30 minutes to complete per time.
Preventing Break-Ins
One of the main reasons property owners consider the practice of boarding up windows is that it serves as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars are known to target homes that they know they can break into If they see a property has been closed off, they will be more cautious about trying to enter the property. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from having access to the property. This is an important security benefit.
The practice of boarding up windows is a good way to protect your property from weather. If you live in a region that is prone to severe weather, boarding windows can keep your property safe from damage. By covering windows with plywood, you can prevent snow, rain, and other debris from getting inside. This will help you save money on expensive repairs and replacements.
When deciding on how to encase look what i found , it's crucial to select the appropriate materials. Exterior-grade plywood is usually the best choice as it will hold up against the elements. You will need a drill for drilling holes into the plywood, along with screws caulk or putty for sealing the holes. Before you begin, be sure to measure your window openings and note where the screws will be. Also, note the type of plywood that goes with each door or window. Once you have all the items, it's time to put up the windows.
While boarding up your windows can help to stop burglaries, it is not 100% secure. It is still possible for burglars to find ways around the board, and it's not always easy to install. In addition, if you only rely on boarding your windows, you could overlook other security measures that can help protect your home.

One of the most effective ways to stop burglaries is installing security fencing. This is a great choice for vacant properties and is an excellent complement to boarding up your windows. However, this solution is not suitable for commercial or residential structures which want to maintain a level of curb appeal.
Reduces Heat Loss
In addition to safeguarding your home from burglaries, boarding your windows can cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is not efficient is responsible for around two-thirds of the loss of heat in homes or buildings. This happens through a combination of convection, radiation, and conduction. Radiation is when warm air touches cold window glass, which causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and the home. Convection occurs when hot air rises, and colder air flows in to replace it. Conduction happens the process of transferring heat through a window's frame, which is usually composed of steel.
Broken windows can pose a problem for homeowners and businesses alike regardless of whether it's because of severe weather or vandalism. The act of boarding up windows hides any rough or jagged edges and allows you to keep your business open until the window is repaired. This is particularly crucial for commercial spaces which are prone to robbery attempts by thieves looking to keep their eyes off the window.
There are a variety of alternatives to plywood for storm damage protection. However, they do not provide the same level of security as a solid piece of wood that covers your window. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular to help in insulating homes during storms, but they can create a safety hazard when they are not properly anchored and take time to set up and remove. You can also use self-sticking rubber weather seals that you can cut to the exact dimensions of your windows. Seals can be pressed into the window to close gaps and allow cold air to get in and warm air to leave.
If you are seeking a long-term solution, you should consider installing energy-efficient windows with low-e coatings that allow the sun's radiant heat to pass through but block the transfer of other kinds of heat. Consider draft stoppers. It's simply a tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and stops the escape of cold air. These options can be more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they'll aid in reducing your energy bills in the long run.
Savings on Money
While it might be costly to put up a window in the event of an emergency, you will actually save money in the end. By sealing your windows and doors by using boards, you will reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or commercial property. In the end you will notice lower energy bills in the winter.
Boards are cheap and readily available and are a good choice for temporary protection against storms. However, before you can use them to protect your property, you must be sure to measure each window. Take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a tight fit and to allow for expansion in a hurricane. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood, and drilling tools are required for mounting. Install the boards before the storm, and then remove them when the weather is stable.
A professional boarding-up company will be able to do the job more efficiently and effectively than someone who is trying to do it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to attach the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. They can also dismantle the boards when the storm passes and return your property back to its original condition.
A damaged window could be a huge issue for commercial property owners. It's not just a problem for the appearance of your property however, it could also lead to theft and other security concerns. By boarding up windows that are broken, you will prevent criminals and other opportunists from gaining access to your property until the window is able to be repaired.
It is also an excellent idea to put up a fence around vacant properties that you own. The properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters and are easily targets for arsonists, which is why this is an essential step to ensure that your property is secure until it can be used again.