Whether you’re preparing for a long vacation, renovating your property, or safeguarding it from impending storms, properly boarding up your house is essential to prevent unauthorized access, protect against damage, and maintain the structural integrity of your home. Boarding up a house might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and approach, it can be a manageable project. In this guide on how to board up a house, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of boarding up your house effectively.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and tools to ensure a smooth boarding-up process:
- Plywood: Choose sturdy plywood sheets that are at least 5/8 inch thick for optimal strength.
- Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for a secure fit.
- Circular Saw or Hand Saw: A circular saw is preferable for cutting plywood, but a hand saw can also work.
- Nails or Screws: Use corrosion-resistant nails or screws to secure the plywood.
- Hammer or Screwdriver: Depending on your choice of fasteners.
- Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection while cutting and fastening materials.
- Markers or Pencils: For marking measurements on the plywood.
- Crowbar: To remove existing trim or moldings if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide on how to board up a house:
1. Measure Windows and Doors: Begin by measuring the dimensions of the windows and doors you intend to board up. Record the measurements accurately to ensure the plywood fits securely.
2. Gather Your Plywood: Purchase plywood sheets based on your measurements. It’s a good idea to buy a little extra to account for any mistakes or irregularities.
3. Cut the Plywood: Using a circular saw or hand saw, carefully cut the plywood to match the measurements you took. Remember, accuracy is key.
4. Remove Trim (If Necessary): If there’s any trim, molding, or existing window treatments around the windows and doors, carefully remove them using a crowbar. This step ensures the plywood fits flush against the wall.
5. Position the Plywood: Hold the plywood sheet over the window or door to ensure it fits properly. It should cover the entire opening without any gaps.
6. Mark Fastener Locations: With the plywood in place, use a pencil or marker to indicate where the fasteners will go. These should be spaced evenly along the perimeter of the plywood, about every 6 to 8 inches.
7. Pre-drill Holes: Before attaching the plywood, pre-drill small holes at the marked locations. This prevents the plywood from splitting when you drive in nails or screws.
8. Attach the Plywood: Position the pre-drilled plywood over the window or door again. Start fastening the plywood by driving nails or screws through the pre-drilled holes. Work from the center outward to ensure even pressure. If you’re using nails, make sure they’re driven in at an angle for better security.
9. Check Stability: After securing the plywood, give it a gentle push to ensure it’s stable and properly attached. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a snug fit.
10. Repeat for Each Opening: Repeat the process for all the windows and doors you want to board up. Double-check the stability of each piece.
11. Reinforce if Needed: If you anticipate extreme weather conditions, you might want to reinforce the boarded-up areas with additional fasteners. This extra step can provide extra protection against strong winds and debris.
12. Label Openings: Consider labeling the plywood sheets corresponding to each opening. This can be helpful if you need to remove them quickly in an emergency or during renovations.
By following this step-by-step guide, Guard Dog Secure has shown you how to board up your house to secure it against unauthorized access, weather-related damage, and other potential threats. Properly boarded windows and doors not only provide physical protection but also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is well-prepared for any challenges that may come its way.
Of course, this activity can get quite expensive and is extremely labor intensive. I’d you would like a free, no-obligation to have Guard Dog Secure Vacant Property Board Up Service in Los Angeles do it for you, fill in the form below!