Boarding up a house is an essential step in protecting the property from severe weather conditions, vandalism, and theft. Doing it the right way ensures maximum protection.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about boarding up your house, including why it is necessary, how to do it yourself, when to hire a professional, and how to maintain and inspect your property after boarding it up.
Key Takeaways
- Boarding your house up is necessary to protect it from severe weather conditions, vandalism, and theft.
- Covering doorways and windows with plywood is a great start.
- Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial.
When to Board Up a House
Boarding up a house can be an effective way to secure a property and protect it from various dangers. You may need to board up your house for a variety of reasons, including natural disasters, storms, hurricanes, vandalism, theft, trespassing, and more. Here are some situations when you should consider boarding up your house:
Natural Disasters and Storms
If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters or storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, you should consider boarding up your house. Boarding up your windows and doorways can help protect your property from high winds, broken glass, water damage, and other types of storm damage.
Boarding up your house can also help secure it after it has been damaged by a fire or storm.
Vacant Properties
If you own a vacant property, you should consider boarding up the windows and doorways to prevent vandalism, theft, and trespassing.
Vandalism and Theft
If your property has been targeted by vandals or thieves, you should consider boarding up the windows and doorways to prevent further damage or theft. Boarding up your property can also help deter criminals and protect your property from future incidents.
Property Preservation
If you are in the process of renovating a property, you may need to board up the windows and doorways to protect the property from damage during construction or other work. Boarding up your property can also help preserve the value of the property and protect it from decay or other types of damage.
Why Board Up a House
Secure the Property: Boarding up a house is often a necessary measure to protect it from vandalism, theft, and trespass. It is a common practice to board up windows and doorways of abandoned buildings to prevent unauthorized entry and damage.
Prevent Further Damage: If a property has been damaged by water, fire, or any natural disaster, boarding up the windows and doorways can prevent further damage and decay. It can also protect the property from structural damage caused by high winds.
Prevent Crime: Boarding up a house can prevent crime, such as arson. It can deter vandals and thieves from entering the property and causing damage.
Overall, boarding up a house is an important step to secure it and protect it from damage. Whether it’s due to natural disasters, vandalism, or decay, boarding up windows and doorways can help ensure the safety and security of your house.
Doing It Yourself
Materials and Tools
Before boarding up your house, you will need to gather some materials and tools. Here is a list of things you may need:
Materials: Plywood, Lumber (2x4s), Carriage Bolts, Nuts, and Washers
Tools: Saw, Drill, Tape Measure, Ladder, Safety Glasses and Gloves
Make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools before starting the boarding up process. It is important to wear safety glasses and work gloves to protect yourself during the process.
Steps
Here are the steps to properly board up your house:
- Measure the windows, doorways, and other openings: Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the windows, doorways, and other openings you intend to board up. Record the measurements.
- Cut the plywood sheets: Use a saw to cut the plywood sheets to the correct size.
- Label the plywood sheets: Label each plywood sheet with the corresponding window or doorway it will be used for. This will make the installation process easier.
- Drill holes: Stack the 2x4s, to be used as bracing, with each plywood sheet, and drill holes through both at the same time. This ensures they line up.
Install: Arrange the plywood sheets on the outside and the 2x4s on the inside. Insert the carriage bolts from the outside, and tighten them down with washers and nuts.
Repeat: Do the same for every window, doorway, and other opening that needs to be secured.
Hiring a Professional
The easy way to board up a house is to simply hire a local professional. They will know the best ways to secure a property, and should be able to handle non-standard issues like boarding up openings that aren’t windows or doorways.
Maintaining and Inspecting the Property
Whether you board up the house yourself or hire a professional, regular maintenance and inspection is crucial. This will help ensure the property remains secure and protected.
Here are some tips for maintaining and inspecting your boarded up property:
Regular Inspections
Schedule regular inspections of your property to ensure that the boarding remains in place and undamaged. Inspect the boarding for any signs of wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Cameras and Lights
Consider installing security cameras or motion-activated lights to deter vandals and thieves.
Health and Safety
Ensure that the property remains safe and free of hazards. Remove any debris or trash that may have accumulated around the property. Make sure that any hazardous materials are properly disposed of.
Conclusion
If you are not interested in boarding up your house, you may consider selling it as-is. We buy houses in any condition, so feel free to reach out to see what we can do for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I board up a window or doorway?
Measure the opening and cut a plywood sheet to size. Label the sheet so you know where it goes. Drill holes in the plywood and the lumber you will use as bracing, by stacking them so that the holes line up. Install the plywood on the outside and bracing on the inside. Use carriage bolts, inserted from the outside, to tighten the plywood to the bracing. Repeat for every opening.
When should I board up my house?
You should board up your house if there is an impending natural disaster, if your house has been abandoned or is otherwise vacant, or if it has been damaged by fire or storm. Boarding up your house can help protect it from damage caused by high winds, debris, and intruders, and can prevent further damage and trespass.