Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Boarding up your windows and doorways before a storm strikes can provide the protection you need against damage. To do this, you should have a few things in hand.
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 won't forget.
Preparation
It is always recommended to board up doors and windows before an event like a storm or natural disaster strikes. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations as soon you hear about 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 easier for yourself and your employees.
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 gives you enough time to collect and store the necessary items without being pushed by a rapidly approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows dependent on the severity and intensity of the storm. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as and any sills with extended extensions in the event that they are required.
Divide the total width and height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets that you will need. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to prevent splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood that are each half as large as the desired window. Then place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and easily available. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. A stronger alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows that are already in place to provide greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the position of your window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you will need. Use a power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials may become a safety hazard in high winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you require and join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet so you know what window it will cover.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into.
Installation
If you reside or intend 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 doors and windows. This project can be done quickly and effectively however only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also need a few other tools, including drills (or an hammer and nails for those who don't own a power drill), tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.
Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they fit within the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on site as you can control the exact dimensions.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you'll need to sand them down once they've been put in. Once your boards are in place then screw the 3" stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can 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 need to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take up to 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 plenty of time to finish the project before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the right supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other causes.
The right tools can make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.
After you have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for any future emergencies.
The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before you start. If commercial boarding up service are using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, nail the plywood to the frame using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarding up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely target a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to break into a store that's been boarded up than one without. If you're a retailer owner, this is something you must take seriously.