Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
When a storm is approaching, boarding up your windows and doors will protect you from damage. To do this, you'll must have a few things in the go.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is recommended to put up a board up your doors and windows prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of dying. Window board-up requires lots of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may require massive quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, you can use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges that are extended, if necessary.
Next, calculate the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total height and width by 2. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilots holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood that are each half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then, place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won't break or shatter in high winds. The most commonly used material to secure windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are more durable options. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather.
Once you've identified the position of the window openings, measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine stud locations. You could also use your drill to locate the locations of studs. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could become dangerous in winds that are strong.
If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you require and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you know which window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and doors. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you reside or are planning to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives.
You'll require other tools as well such as drills, saws (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have the power tool), an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, and then cutting the plywood sheets so that they can fit inside the frames, with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It is recommended to cut the sheets on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they've been put in. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
If you're building using concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels to bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each window. It is essential to start the work as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the task prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to board up your windows and doors before a severe storm. This can save you money on repairs and shield your home from further damage from rain, wind debris, flying debris and other factors that can impact the windows.
The appropriate materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. It is essential to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish.
After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This allows you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts in a disaster or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.
The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, ensure that you sand the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood with screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building with a broken or unlocked window. Also, they are more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one without. If you're a business owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.