Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. You'll require a few items to do this.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to cover your windows and doors before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will minimize damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. The process of boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards as well as determining the exact size of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. It is possible to speed up the process by preparing the boards immediately you hear of a storm approaching your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute and make it simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it allows you time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent storm, you might require massive quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, you can use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to consider the trim or framing surrounding each window as well as any extended sills in the event that they are required.
Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing your window's total width and height by two. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when you screw into the screws.
If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and then place it on the top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and will not break or shatter in strong winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more durable option. They can be installed over windows that are already in place and offer greater protection against broken glasses and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the location of the window openings then measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll need. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching check , identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine the stud locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions with your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can become a safety hazard in severe winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half of the size needed and join them with two by four inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your house.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also put up a "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows prior to the possibility of a storm is afoot. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm arrives.
You'll need additional tools which include drills, saws (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have a power tool) as well as a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they fit within the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. It is recommended to cut the sheets on the spot, as it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've put your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wing nuts. Make sure that every screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you could attach the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per time period. It is crucial to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage resulting from wind, rain debris, flying debris and other factors that can affect windows.
The right materials will make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you'll have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure you use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a second protective finish.
Note the locations where the screws are going to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a catastrophe 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 wood, make sure to sand down the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame with screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath.
In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also a good method to deter burglaries. Burglars are more likely to take aim at a structure that has a locked or broken window. Additionally, they are more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one with. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.