Boarding Up Your Windows Before a Storm
The boarded-up windows will reduce the damage caused by natural disasters and vandalism. It also protects the residents from glass that has been broken.
Use a tape measure the width and height along the edges of the window frame. Note all measurements. Choose corrosion-resistant screws that have a deep penetration into the framing.
Pre-storm preparation
If you reside in a region that is prone to hurricanes you should board your windows to shield yourself from damage. The act of boarding up your home prior to when a storm starts is important because it gives you the opportunity to prepare and obtain the materials you need without being under pressure from dangerous weather conditions. You can put up a board on your home almost immediately after an official watch has been issued.
Start by getting the window frame ready. Take away all debris from the area that could be blown about by a storm and cause damage to your home. You should also move all items in your yard that can be easily blown away by strong winds, like lawn furniture, bikes and propane tanks.
Then, measure every window opening to determine how much wood you will require. Mark the height and width by aligning the inside edges of the window frame with the trim on the outside. If the window is not operable bay or a double-hung window that has a a full sill, add eight inches to both the height and the width to create a four-inch overlap on each side.
Buy plywood that is 5/8-inch thick or more and free of knots. This kind of plywood has a 30% higher impact strength than oriented-strand boards (OSB). It is easily accessible and cheap. It should be of an exterior grade, and ideally CDX which means it 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 let you quickly install the plywood when a storm is approaching. It will also reduce time. It is also a good idea to number each panel and mark it with an arrow so you can easily determine the door or window it will be covering.
Once the plywood has been placed on each window and then hung, you can use duct tape to hold it in place. Make use of a strong adhesive instead of duct tape to stop moisture from entering the plywood.
Post-storm recovery
If your home has been affected by a natural disaster or vandalism, boarding windows can help protect your home until repairs are completed. It also helps prevent further damage, and deter criminal activities. Boarding is a simple efficient, cost-effective, and effective procedure. It's an excellent option for homeowners confronted with a major hurricane.
Before you start boarding up your windows, take time to measure each window's height and width. This will help you determine the proper size of sheets of plywood. It is also recommended to remove the old windows and clean any broken glass.
It's recommended that you use 5/8-inch-thick plywood for the boarding of windows. This kind of plywood has greater impact strength than the oriented strand board (OSB). You should also consider purchasing exterior-grade boards. They tend to be more expensive, but they will provide more protection against weather damage.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials then the boarding process is ready to begin. It's usually a two-person task and you can seek help from your friends or family members should you require it. You could also hire a person to do the job. This is an ideal option for those with big homes or are unable to move around.
After you've measured each window's opening then cut the sheets of plywood to the right size using a saw. Make sure you use a top quality tool to ensure the cuts are straight and precise. It is also recommended to drill pilot holes into the plywood and into the wall's framing before 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 that it fits, make sure the plywood sheet extends over the windows on all sides. Make pilot holes in the plywood and the framing at 16 inches. This will ensure that screws don't penetrate too deeply into the plywood and weaken it.
Install a washer of metal on top of each screw. This will prevent the screw from sinking too deeply and causing damage to it. Make sure that the screws are long enough to reach the bottom of each window sill. This will help keep the plywood in position during a storm and stop water seepage.
Break-ins
The first step after a break-in is to board up the affected windows and doors. This will block unauthorized entry to the property, and will protect the contents of your home or business against further destruction. It also signals criminals that your premises are vacant and may even discourage them from committing further crimes.
Boarded-up windows can help you protect your home from prospective buyers. However, boarding windows on all sides is not the best option because it could signal to criminals that you're looking for cash or property. Potential buyers may be unable to imagine that they live in a house that's covered in plywood.
Another method to keep your home safe is by installing security bars on the outside of your window frames. Although they are a great deterrent, bars are often broken by debris and may still be broken with objects thrown against them. Installing polycarbonate security glass is an all-time solution to burglary. Polycarbonate is twice as strong than glass and is designed to bend under force which means that criminals aren't able smash it into the frame.
The act of boarding up doors and windows will not only prevent burglaries, but also safeguard your building against further damage. Rain, snow, and hail can inundate the interior of your home and cause damage to furniture or fixtures. By boarding up windows and doors, you can help reduce the chance that employees or customers could be injured by falling glass.
Contact Valor Taskers if you need assistance in boarding up your home or business following a break-in. Our highly skilled Taskers are equipped with the tools and supplies required to secure your damaged property as quickly as possible. They can also complete any other cleaning or repair tasks you may require following the event.
Damage caused by weather
Extreme weather can cause severe damage to businesses and homes. Natural disasters, such as storms or tornadoes can wreck havoc on communities across the nation. If your home or property has been damaged as a result of a devastating storm, the most effective way to protect your building and prevent further damage is to invest in emergency boarding services.
Window boarding is a solution in my area that utilizes plywood boards to fix damaged windows and doors. This prevents further damage. The cost of this service is dependent on the size of the windows, how many are covered, and the location of the property. The cost of boarding materials is also an important factor in the final project price.
Window Boarding Up: Benefits and Uses
Emergency boarding is crucial to protect properties following an event and deterring criminal activity. boarding up windows service helps keep intruders out and prevents further damage to the property until repairs are done. Additionally, boarding up can help to maintain insurance eligibility. Many insurance companies require that the property be secured as soon as possible after an incident to ensure protection.
A professionally installed tarp and boarding service is a great way to safeguard assets and personal belongings for businesses. This is crucial because things that are exposed to the elements can get damaged and could even be an fire hazard. The boarder helps keep valuables safe until they can be repaired or replaced.
A tarp cover and boarding services can stabilize a building that is in danger which makes it safer for contractors and inspectors working on repairs. The boards can help prevent further damage to the structure and reduce the risk of injury for people living there and those who pass by. Window screens that are boarded up are an extra measure to protect yourself, since broken glasses can pose danger to pets and children.