Why Boarding Up a Window Is a Good Idea If you live in an area that's susceptible to extreme weather, covering your doors and windows will minimize the damage caused by the force of winds and projectile debris. It can also save money on expensive window repairs and replacement costs. Begin by measuring the length of each window frame. Make sure to include the framing not just the trim and sheathing. Note stud positions to ensure an appropriate board attachment. Safety The boarded-up windows will help ensure your property is safe from vandalism, natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. This also reduces the need to replace or repair windows following these incidents. However it is true that boarding up a structure requires the purchase and assembly of a large number of plywood boards. It can be difficult to complete this task quickly, especially if you are faced with a crisis or civil unrest. A poorly done last minute board-up can make your business or home vulnerable and cause more damage. Criminals who are opportunistic frequently target homes with smashed or broken glass, making a break-in more likely. Window boards can deter crime as well as secure valuable items from being stolen. Boarding can also be utilized during home renovations, when tools and construction materials pose a danger to windows. Begin by measuring the width and the height of each window opening. Make sure you add at least one inch to each dimension as this overlap will provide greater protection against wind damage. Once the dimensions have been determined, cut the plywood sheet with a saw. Wear safety goggles and gloves while cutting the plywood to avoid injuries. Next, identify and mark the stud locations to ensure the proper board attachment. If possible, search for nailheads on the siding to mark the studs' locations. If they aren't then use a drill and bit to probe the wall for studs. Once the studs are located, screw through the plywood and into the framing, putting the screws at least 2 inches into the wood to ensure a secure anchor and avoid splitting. For masonry homes The procedure is slightly different. Instead of fixing the plywood directly to masonry, place the panel inside the window frame and secure it with four-inch barrel bolts, spaced not more than 16 inches apart. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ that slides on the bolt should fit into a hole in the masonry. Use corrosion-resistant screws to stop metal from corroding when drilling into masonry. Damage Prevention In addition to providing an additional layer of security by boarding up windows, it will also stop further damage from occurring to your property. This is especially important for businesses that need to remain open during a storm or other natural disasters, since broken windows leave the interior exposed to environmental debris, leaks and theft. A professional board-up service will quickly and cost-effectively protect your commercial storefronts and properties from further damage. In an environment that is residential windows that are damaged pose a security issue as well. Leaving an open window unattended can allow burglars to enter and steal valuable items or cause further damage to the structure which can lead to further loss of property and increase your insurance premiums. A professional board up service will be able to protect your home from intrusion and ensure your possessions are secure when you are away from the property. It's also important to know that a professional will quickly and cost-effectively repair or replace your damaged windows after the emergency board-up procedures have been completed. You can minimize your risk of liability by doing this, and get back to your normal routine sooner. If you are planning to complete the task yourself, a handyman or other skilled repair professional can advise you of the best materials to use and supply you with the necessary tools to complete the job. Selecting the right kind of plywood will shield your windows from further damage. In calm weather, it is an ideal idea to pre-drill the holes in the plywood panels. This will make the process faster if a warning for storms is issued. You may be tempted to use duct tape to fix the plywood, but it's a good idea to invest in some stainless-steel hanger bolts to reduce the possibility of windows falling off in a storm with a high wind. Installing these in calm conditions will ensure that they're ready when a storm strikes. This will save you time and money in the long term. Temporary Security The act of boarding up windows can protect your home from intruders. This is especially important after the occurrence of a natural disaster or after a serious accident, like an explosion or a car crash. The act of boarding up your home or business in the immediate aftermath prevents any further harm and shields your business from liability until repairs can be made. For instance during the time of civil unrest or a riot criminals could make use of the chaos to break into businesses and homes and take valuables. Placing your property in a secure place with plywood is a simple and effective method to deter looters and other undesirable intruders until the situation calms down. In addition to preventing damage, window boarding provides security and peace of mind for business and homeowners. The act of boarding up your home or business protects you from the eyes of others and makes it difficult for burglars to target the area. For business owners, boarding up your property is a critical security measure that can protect your assets and customers until your commercial glass repair service will arrive. EJH will enclose your property until permanent repairs are finished regardless of whether the damage is due to vandalism or a collision. We provide emergency board-up services for both commercial and residential properties, as well as roofing, exterior wall and storefront damage repair. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. Whether you live in hurricane territory or on an area of tornado warning, it's crucial to have a plan in place for severe weather emergencies. Emergency board ups don't just protect your home from further damage, but it also provides an interim solution until you can get your windows replaced. If you're unsure how to put up a boarding plan for your home on your own, consider hiring a Tasker to complete the job for you. Taskers are equipped with tools and knowledge to ensure your home's entry points remain secure until permanent repair is completed. Using Airtasker is easy and fast -- simply post your task, look through the profiles of Taskers and their offers, and select the most suitable one for you. Save Money The cost of boarding windows is cheaper than the cost to repair or replace broken glass. Additionally, it can aid in preventing water intrusion as well as other costly damage to the structure of your business or home. This will reduce the cost of insurance claims, and also reduce interruptions to your the daily routine. If a storm is predicted it is crucial to secure your windows as soon as you can. This will ensure that you have the proper plywood to cover your windows before the storm comes. If you are waiting too long, the plywood may be sold out at the local hardware store and you will need to pay higher prices for it. Plywood is easily available and cheap and is a great choice for boarding your windows. However, you must choose the highest quality plywood available in order to ensure maximum security for your property. You should ideally make use of OSB or 5/8-inch plywood that is exterior grade to protect your windows against the force of wind. Before installing the plywood, you may have to drill pilots holes in the frame. Make sure you space the pilot holes around the frame. This will prevent the wood from splitting as you insert the screw. It is also an excellent idea to add washers made of metal on each screw to keep the wood from splitting and weakening. It is possible to board your windows on your own, however it requires a lot of knowledge and experience. It is also a task that is best done when the weather is calm so that you can work quickly and safely. Consider hiring a professional service to affix your windows in your area in order to save some time. These services can install the plywood and provide necessary tools to complete the task. They will know how to correctly install the plywood and can provide you with additional tips to safeguard your home from the effects of severe storms.