Boarding Up Your Windows Before a Storm
The windows that are boarded-up will limit the damage caused by natural and vandalized disasters as well as vandalism. It also helps 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 the measurements. Choose corrosion-resistant screws with deep penetration into the framing.
Pre-storm preparation
If you are in a zone that is susceptible to hurricanes put up a window to safeguard yourself from damage. The act of boarding up your home prior to when the storm begins is essential because it gives you the chance to plan and acquire the materials you need without being shackled by dangerous weather conditions. If you begin the process before a watch is issued, you could have your home almost completely covered when the warning is issued.
Start by getting the window frame ready. Clean boarding up door and get rid of all debris that could blow around in a storm, and possibly harm your home. You should also move all objects in your yard that could easily be blown away by strong winds, such as lawn furniture, bikes and propane tanks.
Then, you can measure the size of each window opening and determine the amount of plywood needed. To do this, line up the inside edges of the window frame against the the trim outside and draw the width and height of the opening. If the window is a double-hung or an 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 inches thick or more and is free of knots. This kind of plywood is cheap and readily available. It also provides 30% more impact strength than oriented strand board (OSB). It should be of exterior grade, and should be CDX that is waterproof.
Install stainless-steel hanger screws into the window framing in 16 inch intervals, then drill matching holes into the plywood panels. This will allow you to quickly put the plywood in place in the event of a storm and can also help you save time during installation. You can also label each piece and mark it with an a arrow to easily identify the window or door it will be covering.
After each window is covered with duct tape, it can be used to hold the edges of the plywood to keep it in the right place. It's a good idea use an adhesive tape that is strong instead of regular duct tape, as it will last longer and prevent moisture intrusion.
Post-storm recovery
The idea of boarding up windows is a great method to safeguard your home until repairs are completed, regardless of whether it was a natural disaster that struck your home, or vandalism. It can also prevent further damage and discourage criminal actions. The process of boarding is swift, efficient, and cost-effective which makes it a great choice for homeowners facing a severe storm.
Before you begin boarding your windows, take some time to carefully determine the window's height as well as width. This will allow you to find the appropriate size of plywood sheets. You should also remove the windows from the old ones and clean up any broken glass.
It's recommended that you use 5/8-inch-thick plywood for building windows. This type of plywood is more durable than oriented strand boards (OSB). You should also consider purchasing exterior-grade boards. They are generally more expensive, but they offer better protection against weather damage.
Once you've collected all the materials, it's time to begin the process of boarding. It's typically a two-person job and you can ask for help from family members or friends should you require it. You could also employ an expert to assist with the job. This is an excellent alternative for those with large homes or limited mobility.
After determining the openings of each window and using a saw, cut the plywood sheets to the correct dimensions. It is essential to use a good tool for this work, as you want your cuts to be clean and precise. It is also recommended to drill pilot holes in the plywood and the wall's framing prior to installing them. This step will prevent the wood from splitting.
The plywood sheet should be placed over each of the windows and then center it. To ensure that it fits, make sure the plywood sheet is extended beyond all window frames on all sides. Make pilot holes in the frame and the plywood at 16 inches. This will ensure that the screws won't penetrate too deeply into the plywood, which could weaken it.
Place a metal washer on top of each screw. This will stop the screw from sinking into the plywood too deeply and causing damage to it. Make sure that the screws are long and wide enough to reach every window sill. This will help keep the wood in place in the event of a storm, and will prevent water from getting in.
Break-ins
After a break-in the first thing you should do is to board up any windows or doors that have been damaged. This blocks unauthorized access to the property and protects the contents of the business or home from further damage. It also sends a message to criminals who might want to steal the property that the property is uninhabited and could stop them from returning for more crimes.
Boarded-up windows can help you keep your home vacant for potential buyers. The idea of boarding up all windows might not be the best idea because it sends a message to criminals about your desperate need for money or property. A prospective buyer may also find it difficult to imagine themselves living in a house that is covered with plywood.
Another method to keep your home safe is to install security bars on the outside of your window frames. While they're a good security measure, they're often damaged by debris and could still be broken by objects thrown at them. If you're looking for a permanent solution to burglaries, try installing polycarbonate security glass. The polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass, and is designed to bend under pressure. This means that burglars can't smash the glass into the frame.
By boarding up your windows and doors, you will not only prevent burglaries, but also safeguard your building against further damage. Rain, snow, and hail can flood the interior of your building and damage furniture or fixtures. The boarded-up windows and doors up will also decrease the risk of injury to patrons or employees who might get hurt from falling glass.
If you require assistance in boarding up your business or home following a break-in, contact Valor Taskers. Our skilled Taskers are equipped with the tools and supplies required to secure your property as soon as they can. They can also take care of any other cleaning or repair tasks you might require after an incident.
Damage from weather
Severe weather can cause serious damage to businesses and homes. Natural disasters, like storms or tornadoes can create havoc in communities across the country. If your property has been damaged by a severe storm, the best way to protect your property and prevent further damage is to invest in emergency boarders.
Window boarding near me is a solution that secures broken doors and windows with plywood boards in order to limit further damage. The cost of this service depends on the size and quantity of windows to be covered and also the location of your property. The cost of the boarding materials also plays an important role in the final price of the project.
The Benefits of Window Boarding Up
Emergency boarding is crucial in protecting your property after a disaster or stopping criminal activity. It keeps intruders out and prevents further damage to the property until repairs can be done. Additionally, boarding can help keep insurance eligibility. Many insurance companies require that property be secured immediately following an incident in order to guarantee coverage.
In addition to keeping intruders out a professionally installed tarp cover and boarding service can help keep personal items and business assets. This is vital because objects that are exposed to the elements may get damaged and could even be dangerous to fire. Boarding up keeps valuables secure until they can be repaired or replaced.
A tarp covering and boarding services can also help stabilize a structure that is unstable, making it safer for contractors and inspectors who are working on repairs. The boards stop further damage to the building and minimize the risk of injury to residents and pedestrians who pass by. Boarded up windows are also an effective safety measure, as broken glass poses a serious danger to children and pets.