Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you need to have a few things in the go.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Write these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them.
Preparation
It is best to put up a board on your windows and doors before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will limit property damage and reduce the risk of death. It requires an enormous amount of planning to build a board around windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, the better, as it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the required materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending storm, you might require massive quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, make use of a tape measure determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if appropriate.
Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll need. For instance, if the 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 prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
For a window opening that is larger than what one sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood and then place it on the top of the seam. Then you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
Materials
To ensure safety and security, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is simple to work with, cheap, and easily available. Pick plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more robust option. They can be erected 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 the amount of plywood you will need. Then you can use the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are secured. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine the stud location. You can also use your drill to locate the studs' locations. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded to these materials may become a safety hazard in strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live or intend to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm you should consider boarding up all your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm hits.
You'll also require other tools, including a drill (or nails and a hammer in the event that you don't have an electric drill) and tape, a saw, a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. Repair My Windows And Doors is best done on site since you will can control the exact dimensions.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the right size be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they've been put in. Once the boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that overlap of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours per window, so it's important to start the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the project before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
It is recommended to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows prior to a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other factors.
The proper materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of the windows you must cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not fall off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure you use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a protective finish.
After you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, you can use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future.
The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded up window is also a great way to prevent burglary. Burglars will target a building with a window that is broken or one that's not locked. They're also more likely attack the store that has been fenced off than one that isn't. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.