Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors will protect you from damage. You'll require several items to accomplish this.
First, measure the window's width and height including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget.
Preparation
It is always recommended to put up a board on windows and doors before the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will prevent property damage and reduce the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount 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 put in the boards correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by beginning the preparations immediately you learn of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing this you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you plenty of time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling pressured by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may require large quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable.
Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll need. For example, 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 into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will help reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.
For a window opening that is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and place it over the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only sturdy materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most commonly used material to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. A more durable option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed 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've determined the location of the window openings take measurements of the height and width of each one to determine how much plywood you'll need. Then, use the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads in order to determine stud location. You can also use your drill to determine the studs' locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could become a safety hazard in the event of high winds.
If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you need and join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to attach the plywood panels to your wall. 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.
In addition to protecting your windows, you should also place a "No Trespassing" sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one, the best course of action is to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to the possibility of a storm is afoot. It's a task that can be done quickly and efficiently, but only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels before the storm arrives.
You'll require other tools as well, including drills, saws (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have an electric tool) as well as a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window's opening, and then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit inside the frames, with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It's best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they're installed. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry before screwing corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours for each period. It is important to begin as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. boarding up property will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other causes.
The appropriate materials will make boarding easier and quicker. The key is to precisely determine the dimensions of the windows you need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to be removed easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.
Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. This allows you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergency situations.
The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so that they don't scratch paint or cut. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, 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 boarded-up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely attack an establishment that's been boarded up than one that isn't. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you must take seriously.