What Freud Can Teach Us About Boarding Up Windows
The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows Protecting your home from storm damage is feasible with board up windows. However, it's labor-intensive and must be done with the help of another person. Before you begin the process, measure your windows precisely to ensure that the plywood fits snugly. Also, make sure that you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards. Seals Windows It's a tried-and reliable method of protecting your home from storm. It's a fairly simple process that requires just a few tools and some time to complete however, it can be extremely effective. The purpose of boarding up windows is a primary purpose that is to stop the glass from breaking due to debris during a storm or other severe weather. The boarding is typically made from plywood, and is secured to the window frame with either a screw or nail. There are other materials that could be used to board up windows, like duct tape or zip ties, but plywood is cheap and easy to work with and is a great option. To begin the boarding process, take measurements of the width and height of each window. This information will help you cut a 5/8-inch thickness of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. Make sure that the dimensions of the plywood meet the dimensions of the window frame, and leave 1 inch of space There is a gap of 4 inches between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow expansion. After the plywood is cut to size, you can screw it into the desired position using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are made to attach to the studs in a house, and can be purchased at a variety of hardware stores or home improvement centers. The holes in the plywood should be drilled to correspond with the diameter of the hanger bolts, and should be spaced at least 2 inches apart on all sides. After the storm has passed and the plywood has been removed, the hanger bolts can be removed and reattached to the studs of the house. It is important to start the process of boarding your home as soon as you can, once a hurricane watch is issued. This will allow you to ensure that you have sufficient plywood to safeguard your home and allow you to spot any issues prior to the storm hits. The entire process should take about 30 minutes for each window, and should be completed by two people. Stopping break-ins One of the primary reasons why property owners use the practice of boarding up windows is that it acts as a deterrent to burglars. Burglars tend to target homes that they know they can easily enter. If they see a property that is boarded up, they might be hesitant before trying to get in. Boarded-up windows also prevent burglars having access to the house. This is an important security advantage. A good way to protect your the property is to board up windows. If you live in an area that is susceptible to extreme weather, boarding windows can help protect your home from damage. By covering windows with plywood, you can prevent rain, snow, and other debris from entering. This can save you money on costly repairs and replacements. When you're deciding on the best way to board up your windows, it is important to choose the right materials. The best choice is exterior-grade plywood, which is able to withstand the elements. You will need drills for drilling holes into the plywood as well as screws caulk or putty for sealing the holes. Make sure to take measurements of the window openings prior to when you begin and mark where screws will be put. Also, note down which house boarding up service is for each door or window. Once you've got all the supplies, it's the time to board up your windows. Although boarding up windows can help prevent burglaries, this method is not foolproof. Even though the boarding can be difficult to install, it is possible for burglars to find ways around it. If you only rely on boarding your windows, you might overlook other security measures which could protect your property. Installing security fencing is one of the most effective methods to deter burglaries. This is a great solution for vacant homes and can be a complement to boarding your windows. However, this solution is not suitable for commercial or residential buildings which want to maintain the curb appeal. Reduces Heat Loss In addition to keeping your home safe from burglaries, boarding up windows can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Window glass that is inefficient is responsible for about two-thirds the loss of heat in homes or buildings. Convection, radiation, and conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm air contacts cold glass that causes the glass to emit heat away from your body and the home. Convection occurs when hot air rises and colder air replaces it. Conduction happens when heat passes through a window's frame, which is often constructed of metal. Windows that break can be a major issue for homeowners and businesses, whether it is because of severe weather or vandalism. The window that is boarded up will hide any rough edges or jagged edges, and allow you to keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is especially crucial for commercial areas that are susceptible to robbery attempts by thieves looking to hide from being observed through the window. There are several alternatives to plywood boards to protect against storm damage however, they do not offer the same degree of security as a solid piece of wood covering windows. For example roll-down hurricane shutters can be popular for insulating homes in storms, but they can cause a safety risk if they are not properly anchored and require a long time to install and remove. Another alternative is to make use of strips of self-stick rubber weather seal that you cut to fit the window's dimensions. Seals can be pressed in place to close gaps allowing cold air to get in and warm air to leave. Consider installing windows that are energy efficient with low-e coatings on glass that allows the sun's heat to flow through while blocking other forms of heat transfer. Consider draft stoppers. This is simply a tube of fabric that sits on the bottom of your windows and stops cold, escaping air. These options are more expensive than a complete window replacement, but they can reduce your energy costs over the long haul. Saves Money While it might be costly to board up windows in the event of an emergency, you will actually save money in the long run. By sealing your windows and doors with boards, you can reduce drafts that cause heat to escape from your home or commercial property. As a result you will pay lower energy bills in the winter months. Boards are readily available and inexpensive and are a good option for temporary protection against the ravages of a storm. Before you are able to use them as a security for your property you'll need to measure every window. Take measurements horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the width and height of both to ensure a snug fit and to allow for expansion in a hurricane. A saw is needed to cut the OSB or plywood, and drilling tools are required to mount the boards. To get the best results, you should install the boards before an expected storm and then wait until the conditions are safe. A reputable boarding up business can do the job faster and more efficiently than anyone trying to do it on their own. They employ hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to your property, preventing any damage to the frames. They can also remove the boards after the storm passes and return your property to its original condition. If you're a property owner for a commercial business and you have a window that is broken, it can be a major issue. It can not only ruin the appearance of your property, but also lead to burglaries and other security issues. Boarding up the broken windows will keep criminals and other opportunists away from your property until you are able replace it. 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, therefore this is a crucial step to ensure that your property is secure until it is used again.