Boarding Up Your Windows Before a Storm The act of boarding up windows helps reduce the damage to property caused by natural disasters and vandalism. It also helps protect the inhabitants of the house from broken glass. To begin, use a tape measure to determine the width and height of the window frame's edges. Be sure to write down the measurements. Opt for corrosion-resistant screws that penetrate deep into the framing. Pre-storm preparation If you reside in a region that is prone to hurricanes you should board your windows to safeguard yourself from any damage. Making sure your home is secured before the storm gets underway is crucial because it gives you the opportunity to plan and acquire the materials you need without being under pressure from dangerous weather conditions. You can secure your home as soon as a watch has been issued. Prepare the window frame. Clean the area thoroughly and remove all debris that could blow around during a storm and potentially damage your house. You should also move the items in your yard which could easily be destroyed by strong winds, such as lawn furniture, bikes, and propane tanks. Then, measure the width and height of each window opening and determine the amount of plywood required. Make sure to mark the width and height by aligning the inside edges of your window frame with the outside trim. If the window is double-hung or inoperable bay window that has full-sill, you need to add eight inches both to the width and height to allow for an overhang of four inches on each side. Purchase plywood that is 5/8-inch thick or more and free from knots. This type of plywood offers an increase of 30% in impact strength than oriented-strand boards (OSB). It is readily available and inexpensive. It should be of exterior grade, and ideally CDX that is waterproof. Install stainless-steel hanger bolts into the window framing in 16-inch intervals, and then drill matching holes into the plywood panels. This will allow you to quickly install the plywood when a storm is coming and will reduce the time needed to install it. You can also label each piece, and mark it with an arrow to clearly identify the window or door that it will cover. After you have placed the plywood on the windows, you can use duct tape to secure and keep it in the position. It's a good idea make use of a strong adhesive tape instead of regular duct tape, since it will stand up better and prevent moisture intrusion. Post-storm recovery If your home has been damaged by a natural catastrophe or vandalism, blocking windows can protect your property until repairs are completed. It can also prevent further damage and deter criminal activities. Boarding is a fast efficient, cost-effective, and effective process. It's a great option for homeowners who are confronted with a major hurricane. Measure the width and height of each window prior to you begin to board them up. This will help you get the right size of sheets of plywood. Remove the old windows, and clean any broken glass. To board up windows it's best to use 5/8-inch thick plywood. This type of plywood is more durable than OSB, which is oriented strand boards (OSB). It is recommended to purchase boards that are exterior grade. They are more expensive but provide better protection against weather-related damage. Once you've collected all the required materials and have a plan of action, the boarding process can begin. Ask for help if you require assistance. You could also hire a person to complete the task. This is particularly beneficial for those who have big homes or limited mobility. After determining the openings of each window, use a saw to cut the plywood sheets to the appropriate dimensions. Make sure you use a top quality tool to ensure the cuts are precise and straight. You should also drill pilot holes in the plywood and into the wall's framing before installing them. This step will prevent the wood from splitting. The plywood sheet should be placed over each of the windows and center it. For a better fit, make sure the plywood sheet extends beyond all windows on all sides. Drill pilot holes in the frame and 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. You should also place a metal washer on top of each screw to prevent it from sinking too far into the plywood and causing damage. Make sure that the screws are wide and long enough to reach each window sill. This will help keep the wood in place during a storm and prevent water leakage. Break-ins The first step to take after a break-in is to board up the affected windows and doors. This will prevent unauthorized entry to the property, and will protect the contents of your business or home against further destruction. It sends a signal to criminals that your premises are empty and could even deter them from committing further crimes. Windows that are boarded up can help protect your home from potential buyers. However, boarding up windows on all sides is not the best option because it can be a signal to criminals that you're desperate for money or property. Furthermore, potential buyers is likely to have a difficult time envisioning themselves living in the home if it's covered with plywood. Installing security bars around your window frames is another way to ensure your home is secure. Although https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ are a good deterrent to burglars bars are susceptible to being smashed or damaged by objects that are thrown at them. If you're looking for a permanent solution to burglary consider installing polycarbonate security glazing. Polycarbonate is 250 times more durable than glass and is designed to flex under force which means that thieves aren't able to smash it into the frame. By boarding up your windows and doors, you can not only deter burglaries, but will also shield your home from further damage. Rain, hail and snow can flood your building's interior and damage fixtures and furniture. By boarding up windows and doors, you can reduce the risk that employees or customers could be injured by falling glass. If you require assistance in building a fence around your home or business after an attack, call Valor Taskers. Our skilled Taskers are equipped with the tools and materials required to secure your property as quickly as possible. They can also take care of any other cleaning or repair tasks you might need to do after the event. Damage caused by weather Extreme weather conditions can cause serious damage to homes and business. From an erupting tornado to a hurricane the natural disasters that can cause havoc to communities across the nation. If your home or property has been damaged by a severe storm, the best way to protect your property and avoid further damage is to invest in emergency boarders. Window boarding is a type of service in my area that utilizes plywood boards to secure broken windows and doors. This reduces further damage. The cost of this service depends on the size and quantity of windows that are covered, and the location of your home. The cost of boarding materials also plays a part in the final cost of the project. Window Boarding Up Window Boarding Up: Benefits and Uses Emergency boarding is vital to protect properties following an event and deterring crime. It deters intruders and prevents further damage to the property until repairs can be done. Additionally, boarding up can help maintain insurance eligibility. Many insurance companies require that homes be secured as soon as possible following an incident to ensure coverage. In addition to keeping intruders out an expertly installed tarp cover and boarding service can help protect personal belongings as well as business assets. This is because objects exposed to the elements can deteriorate, and turn into potentially a fire hazard. Boarding up keeps valuables safe until they can be repaired or replaced. A tarp and boarding could also stabilize a structure that isn't stable which makes it safer for contractors and inspectors who are working on repairs. The boards prevent further damage to a structure and reduce the chance of injury for residents and people passing by. Boarded up windows are also a safety precaution, as glass that is broken poses a major risk to pets and children.