Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Insuring your doors and windows before the storm hits can offer the protection you need against damage. To do this, you'll must have a few things on your desk.

Take measurements of the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them.

Preparation

It is best to board up your doors and windows prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. It takes an enormous amount of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you need to know the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid stress at the last minute and make it simpler for you and your staff.

Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines set by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may require large quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure you get the right size, you can make use of a tape measure determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if appropriate.

Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are half as big as the window you want to use. Place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood, and place it on the top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet, and then through the bracing to join the two together.

Materials


To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are strong and will not break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, affordable and readily available. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX), as it is more durable and have fewer knots and warps. A sturdier option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.

Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards will be fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. You could also use your drill to locate the stud locations. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong.

If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel so that you can identify which window it will be covering.

To affix 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. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs.

In addition to securing your windows, you should put up an "No Trespassing" notice on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking in.

Installation

If you live in or plan to move to a place that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm hits.

You'll also require other tools, including a drill (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill) as well as tape, a saw, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring the window's size and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It's best to do this on-site, as it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.

Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the right size Be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they're installed. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3 inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist strong winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each time period. click here to find out more is crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm hits.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the required supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other factors.

The right materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is crucial 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.

Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This allows you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts but keep them in place for future emergencies.

The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person task, so be prepared prior to starting. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath.

A boarded-up window can also be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a building with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely to enter a store that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. This is something that business owners in retail should consider very seriously.