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The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows Protecting your home from damage from storms is achievable with making windows a board. It's a daunting job that requires the assistance of a third party. Before you start the process make sure you measure your windows accurately to ensure that the plywood fits snugly. Also, make sure you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards. Seals Windows It is a tried and reliable method of protecting your home from damage caused by a storm. It's a simple procedure that requires just a few tools and a little time, but it can be extremely effective. The main purpose of boarding up windows is to provide an physical barrier to the glass, which stops it from breaking from debris in the event of a hurricane or another extreme weather event. The boarding is typically made of plywood and is fixed to the frame of the window using either a nail or screw. There are other materials that could be used to secure windows such as duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is affordable and easy to work with and is a great choice. Take measurements of the width and height for each window before you begin the boarding process. This will allow you to cut a 5/8-inch thickness of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. The dimensions of the plywood should be identical to the dimensions of your window frame. Leave a 1 inch gap. There should be a four inch gap between the edge of the plywood and window frame in order to allow for expansion. After the plywood has been cut to size after which you can screw into the hanger bolts using nuts. These bolts are designed to be attached to the studs of a home, and can be purchased at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement centers. The holes in the plywood need to be made to match the diameter of the hanger bolts, and should be spaced at 2 inches from all sides. When the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed and the bolts removed, they can be unscrewed from the studs. It is important to start the process of boarding up as soon as possible, when a hurricane watch has been issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to protect your home, and give you the chance to spot any problems before the storm strikes. The whole process should take around 30 minutes per window, and should be performed by two people. Preventing Break-Ins One of the primary reasons that property owners choose to boarded up windows is that it acts as a deterrent to burglars. Burglars tend to target properties they know they can break into and, if they notice a property has been boarded up, they will be hesitant to enter it. The windows that are boarded up also stop burglars from being able inspect the inside of the house as well, which is a major security benefit. The practice of boarding up windows is a good way to protect your property from weather. If you live in an area where there is a high risk of extreme weather, you should board up windows to protect your property. By covering windows with plywood snow, rain, and other debris are unable to get inside, which can save you a significant amount of money on expensive repairs and replacements. It is crucial to choose the right materials when choosing which window to board. Exterior-grade plywood is generally the best option, as it is durable against the elements. You will also require drills to create holes in the plywood along with screws and putty or caulk to seal the holes. Make sure to determine the openings of your windows before you begin and mark where screws will be placed. Also, note the plywood panel that is attached to each window or door. Once you've got all your supplies, it's the time to affix your windows. While boarding your windows can help to stop burglaries, it is not 100% secure. Even though the boarding can be difficult to install, it's possible that burglars will find an escape route. If you only rely on blocking your windows, you might overlook other security measures that could safeguard your property. One of the most effective methods to deter burglaries is installing security fencing. This is an excellent choice for vacant homes, and it can be a great complement to boarding up your windows. However, this solution is not the best choice for commercial or residential buildings that want to maintain the curb appeal. Reduces Heat Loss In addition to keeping your home safe from burglaries, boarding your windows can cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a house or building is due to inefficient windows. This happens through the combination of convection, radiation and conduction. Radiation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold glass that causes the glass to radiate heat away from your body and home. Convection is the process where hot air rises and colder air enters to replace it. Conduction is the process by which heat moves through the window frame, which is usually constructed of steel. Weather conditions that are severe or vandalism, a window breaking is a frequent issue that homeowners and businesses must tackle. The boarded-up windows will conceal any rough edges or jagged edges, and it will allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is particularly important for commercial spaces that are susceptible to robbery attempts by thieves looking to keep their eyes off the window. There are many alternatives to plywood boards for protection against storm damage however, they do not offer the same level of security as a sturdy piece of wood covering a window. For example roll-down hurricane shutters are popular for insulating homes during storms, but they could pose a risk to safety if they are not properly anchored and require a long time to install and remove. Another option is to use strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing that you cut to match the window's dimensions. Seals can be pressed into the window to close gaps and allow cold air to get in and warm air to escape. If boarding up doorway looking for a longer-term solution, consider installing energy efficient windows that have low-e coatings, which allow the sun's radiant heat to flow through while blocking the thermal transfer of other kinds of heat. Consider a draft stopper. This is a simple tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your windows, and blocks the escaping of cold air. These options are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can reduce your energy costs in the long run. Saves Money While boarding up windows may appear to be a costly service to provide in an emergency situation however, it actually saves money over the long-term. By sealing doors and windows, you can reduce drafts which cause heat to escape from your home or business. As a result you will notice lower energy bills during the wintertime. Boards are not expensive and readily available which makes them a great option for temporary protection against storms. However, before you can use them to protect your home, you must carefully measure every window. Make sure you measure horizontally inside the trim and vertically from the bottom of the top trim to the sill. Add eight inches to the height and width of both to ensure a tight fit and to allow for expansion in a hurricane. A saw is required to cut OSB or plywood and drilling tools are required to mount the boards. For the best results, it is recommended to put the boards up before a storm is expected and then leave them in place until the weather conditions are safe. A reputable boarding up business can complete the task faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to adhere the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. After the storm, they'll take down the boards and restore your property back to its original state. If you are a property owner for a commercial business and you have a window that is broken, it can be a major issue. Not only does it ruin the appearance of your property, but it can cause theft and other security concerns. Boarding up these broken windows will prevent criminals and potential criminals from entering your property until the window can be replaced. It is also recommended to board any vacant property you own. Properties that are vacant are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are easily targets for arsonists, so this is an important step to keep your property safe until it can be used again.