7 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Boarding Up Windows And Doors
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
When a storm is approaching, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you need to have a few things in hand.
First, take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is recommended to cover your windows and doors prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of dying. It takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards and you must be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations immediately you learn of a possible storm coming in your area. By doing this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff.
Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process, the better, as it gives you enough time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require massive quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure you get the correct size, use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges that are extended, if appropriate.
Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll require. 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 in the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will prevent splitting when you screw in the screws.
If the window opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay 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 plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
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 crack under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive, and readily available. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX), as it is more durable and have less knots and warps. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are more durable options. They can be erected over existing windows and provide better protection against shattered glasses and storms.
Once you've identified the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then you can use the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-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 locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud locations using your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached only to these materials can be a danger to safety in the event of strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you require and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to the wall. 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.
In addition to securing your windows, you should place an "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking in.
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If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or are planning on moving to one the best way to protect yourself is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the threat of a storm approaches. It's a task that can be accomplished quickly and effectively but only if take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also require other tools, such as a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill), tape, a saw a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It is best to do this on-site, as it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size, and remember that you'll need to sand them off once they're put in. Once you've put your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround 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 a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the overlapping edges of each panel to form masonry blocks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to make pilot holes in the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours per window. It is crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to finish the job before the storm hits.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows prior to a severe storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements.
The right materials will make the boarding-up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't fall off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets, and consider adding a protective finish.
Mark the places where the screws will need to be put into the board after you have measured the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them for future emergencies.
The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. This is a job for two people So be prepared prior to starting. If you're using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is covered with shingles made of vinyl, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.
A window that has been boarded up may be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to attack a store that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners should take very seriously.