Activity

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 a few items to do this.

Measure the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Write these measurements down to ensure that you don’t lose them.

Preparation

It is always recommended to put up a board on doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will minimize the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. It requires an enormous amount of planning to put up windows. You have to buy 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 put them up them correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations immediately you hear of a storm approaching your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.

Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, as it allows you time to gather and store the required materials without feeling pressured by a storm that is rapidly approaching. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and speed of the storm. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to consider the trim or framing surrounding each window, as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.

Then, determine the size of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window’s total height and width by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when you screw into the screws.

For a window opening that is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 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 you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.

Materials

To ensure 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. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is easy to work with, cheap and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you’ve determined the location of your windows, measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you’ll require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the locations of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Make sure you drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong.

If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you require and join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel so that you know which window it will be covering.

To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. Aim to drive the screws into the studs so they’re about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and cause damage to the structure of your house.

In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to put up an “No Trespassing” sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into.

Installation

If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best course of action is to secure your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. It’s a task that can be done quickly and efficiently but only if make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm hits.

You’ll also require a few other tools, including drills (or an hammer and nails if you don’t have an electric drill), tape, a saw an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It’s a good idea coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof.

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

Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. After installation you’ll need to sand them down completely. them. After your boards are set put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to anchor them. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.

If you’re building using concrete block, you could instead attach the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the overlapping edges of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, so it’s important to start the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the project before the storm arrives.

Maintenance

It is recommended to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows before a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage resulting from wind, rain debris, flying debris and other factors that could impact windows.

Having the right materials will make the boarding-up process faster and easier to complete. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of the windows you have to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you’re using plywood, be sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a second protective finish.

Mark the locations where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drilling machine to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. 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 keep them in place for future emergencies.

The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you’re using wood, make sure to sand down the edges so that they are smooth and won’t scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame with screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.

Besides 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 locked or broken window. They’re also more likely break into the store that has been closed than one without. If boarding up houses Repair My Windows And Doors ‘re a retailer owner, this is something you should take seriously.