Boarding Up Your Windows Before a Storm
The windows that are boarded up will lessen the damage caused by natural disasters and vandalism. It also helps to protect the residents of the home from shattered glass.
To begin, you must use a tape measure to determine the height and width of the frame's edges. Note all measurements. Opt for corrosion-resistant screws that go deep into the framing.
Pre-storm preparation
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes it is vital to protect your home from damage. The act of boarding up your home prior to when the storm gets underway is crucial because it gives you the chance to plan and acquire the supplies you require without putting your home under pressure from dangerous weather conditions. If you begin the process before the watch is issued, you can have your home almost boarded by the time the warning is issued.
Begin by preparing the window frame itself. Clean the area and remove any debris that may blow around in a storm, and possibly harm your home. You should also move objects in your backyard that could easily be blown away by high winds, like lawn furniture, bikes propane tanks, building material.
Then, measure the size of each window opening to determine the amount of plywood needed. To do this, line up the inside edges of the frame against the the trim on the exterior and mark the height and width of the opening. If the window is double-hung or an inoperable bay window with full-sills, add eight inches both to the height and width to allow for an overhang of four inches on each side.
Buy plywood that is 5/8-inch thick or more and is free of knots. This kind of plywood provides a 30% higher impact strength than oriented-strand boards (OSB). It is easily accessible and cheap. It should be of exterior grade, and most importantly CDX which means it is waterproof.
Install the stainless steel hanger bolts in 16-inch intervals within the window frame and then drill holes to match in the plywood panels. This will let you quickly put the plywood in place when a storm is coming and will reduce the time needed to install it. It is also recommended to number each piece and mark it with an arrow so you can easily identify which window or door it will cover.
Once the plywood has been placed on each window, you can use duct tape to hold it in the position. It is a good idea to apply an adhesive tape that is strong instead of regular duct tape, since it will last longer and prevent moisture intrusion.
Post-storm recovery
The idea of boarding up windows is a great method to protect your home until repairs are finished, whether it was a natural catastrophe that struck your home or vandalism. It also helps prevent further damage and discourage criminal activity. Boarding is a quick, cost-effective and efficient process. It's an excellent option for homeowners facing a severe hurricane.
Find out the height and width of each window prior to you begin to build them up. This will allow you to determine the proper size of plywood sheets. Remove the old windows, and clean any broken glass.
It's recommended that you use 5/8-inch-thick plywood for boarding up windows. This kind of plywood is more impact-resistant than OSB. (OSB). It is recommended to purchase boards that are exterior grade. They are generally more expensive, but they will provide more protection against weather-related damage.
After you've gathered all of the necessary materials now is the time to begin the boarding process. It's usually a two-person task So, you can ask for help from family members or friends when needed. You can also engage a professional to help with the job. This is a great alternative for those with big homes or are unable to move around.
Once you've measured each window's opening, cut the plywood sheets to the proper size using a saw. It is essential to use a high-quality tool for this task, as you want your cuts to be straight and precise. It is also recommended to drill pilot holes into the wood and into the wall's framing, prior to installing them. This will stop the wood from splitting.
Set up a plywood sheet on top of each window and then center it. To ensure a perfect fit, make sure the plywood sheet is extended beyond all windows on all sides. Make emergency boarding up in the frame and the plywood at a distance of 16 inches. This will ensure that the screws won't penetrate too deeply into the plywood, which could weaken it.
Put a metal washer on top of each screw. This will stop the screw from sinking too deeply and causing damage. Use screws that are wide and long enough to reach each window sill. This will help keep the board in place in the event of a hurricane and also prevent water seepage.
Break-ins
The first step to take after a break-in is to board up the damaged doors and windows. This prevents unauthorized access to the property and protects the contents of the business or home from further damage. It signals criminals that your premises are vacant and may even discourage them from committing further crimes.
Windows that are boarded up can help protect your home from potential buyers. It's possible that boarding all windows not be the best option since it could send an indication to criminals of your need for money or property. Additionally, a prospective buyer might have a hard time envisioning themselves living in the home if it's surrounded by plywood.
Another way to keep your home safe is by installing security bars on the outside of your window frames. While they're a great security measure, they're often damaged by debris and could still be broken by objects thrown at them. If you want a more permanent solution to burglary you can install polycarbonate security glazing. The polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass, and is designed to bend when pressure is applied. This means that burglars can't smash the glass into the frame.
In addition to blocking burglaries, boarding doors and windows can also safeguard your building from further damage by the elements. Rain, hail and snow can flood your building's interior and cause damage to fixtures and furniture. The act of boarding windows and doors will reduce the risk that employees or customers could be injured by glass that falls.
Contact Valor Taskers if you need assistance boarding up a home or business following a break-in. Our expert Taskers are outfitted with the tools and supplies required to secure your property as soon as they can. They can also complete any other repair or cleaning tasks you might need to do after the event.
Weather-related damage
Severe weather conditions can cause serious damage to homes and business. Natural disasters, such as a tornado or hurricane can create havoc in communities across the nation. If your property has been damaged by a storm or another natural disaster investing in emergency boarding is the most effective option to safeguard it and prevent further damage.
Window boarding is a service in my area that utilizes plywood boards to encase damaged windows and doors. This reduces further damage. The cost of this service is according to the size of the windows, the number of windows that are covered, and the location of the property. The cost of boarding materials also plays a role in the final price of the project.
Window Boarding Up: Benefits and Uses
Emergency boarding can be vital in protecting your property after a disaster or deterring criminal activities. It helps keep intruders out and stops further damage from occurring to the property until repairs can be completed. In addition, boarding can help to ensure that insurance coverage remains valid. Many insurers require that properties be secured immediately following an incident to ensure insurance coverage.
In addition to warding off intruders, a professionally installed tarp cover and boarding service can preserve personal belongings and business assets. These are because items exposed to weather conditions may deteriorate and can turn into an fire hazard. Boarding up helps keep valuables safe until they can be repaired or replaced.
A tarp and boarding can also help stabilize a structure that is unstable making it more secure for inspectors and contractors who are working on repairs. The boards stop further damage to a structure and minimize the risk of injury to residents as well as people passing by. Window screens that are boarded up are a precautionary measure, as shattered glasses can be dangerous to children and pets.