Whether you’re preparing for a long vacation, renovating your property, or safeguarding it from impending storms, how to board up a vacant 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 vacant 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!
