Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. You will need several items to accomplish this.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Note these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board up your windows and doors before a storm or natural disaster. This will stop property damage and minimize loss of life. It takes lots of planning to board up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you must know the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. The process can be simplified by starting the preparations immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by a storm that is about to hit. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, dependent on the severity and imminence of the storm. To ensure that you have the right size, you can make use of a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to take into account the framing or trim around each window as well as any extended sills in the event that they are required.
Divide the width and height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets you'll need. If your window is wide of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when screwing into the screws.
To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the sheets of plywood and lay it on top of the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two.
Materials
To ensure security and safety, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most popular material used to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. A stronger alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer greater protection against shattered glass and inclement weather.
Once you've identified the location of your windows, measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Then you can use the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the location of studs. You can also use a drill to determine the stud locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded to these materials may be a danger to safety during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half the size and join them using two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to secure the plywood panels to your wall. To attach 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 primary windows. These transparent shields are secured to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and discourage burglars from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live or plan to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. It's a task that can be done quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm comes.
You'll require additional tools, including drills, saws (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have an electric tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on site since you will can control the exact dimensions.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down after they're put in. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that overlap of each panel to form cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. It's a job that can take up to three hours per window, which is why it's crucial to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the required materials to board up doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other elements.
The appropriate materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The key is to precisely measure the dimensions of each window you'll need to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets and think about adding an extra layer of protection.
Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergencies.
Next, install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a job for two people So be prepared before you start. If you're using wood, make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, attach the frame to the plywood with screws that are corrosion-resistant and 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 instead of the wood framing beneath.
In addition to keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a good method to stop burglaries. repairmywindowsanddoors are more likely to target a property with a damaged window or one that's not secured. Also, they are more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one with. If you're a retailer owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.