Activity

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Before a storm hits, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you’ll need to have a few items on your desk.

Take measurements of the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you won’t forget.

Preparation

It is always best to board up doors and windows prior to a storm or other natural disaster hits. This will reduce damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. It takes a lot of planning to board up windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards, and you need to know the specific dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about a storm approaching your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute, and make it easier for you and your employees.

Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, the better, as it gives you enough time to gather and store the required items without being pushed by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Be emergency boarding up 24/7 http://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary.

Divide the total width and height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets you will need. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.

If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Then place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood and then place 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 together.

Materials

To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and will not break or shatter in high winds. The most commonly used material to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap accessible and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be put in over existing windows and offer greater protection against broken glasses and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you’ve identified the position of your windows then measure the height and width of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. You could also use your drill to locate the locations of studs. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be a hazard in strong winds.

If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so you know what window it will be covering.

To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. Try to insert the screws into the studs such they’re about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house.

In addition to protecting your windows, you should also place an “No Trespassing” sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking into.

Installation

If you reside or intend to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm, it’s best to board up your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm arrives.

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

Start by measuring each window opening’s height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within 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 the right size Be aware that you’ll need to sand them down once they’re put in. After your boards are set put the 3 inch stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates 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 block, you could instead join the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This task can take up to three hours per window. It is crucial to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the project before the storm strikes.

Maintenance

It is recommended to secure your doors and windows prior to a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other causes.

The proper materials can make boarding up simpler and faster. The most important thing is to accurately take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you’ll have to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you’re using plywood, make sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a second protective finish.

After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where the screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. This will allow you to safely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. After the storm has gone away and you’ve received all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergency situations.

Then, you can install the plywood panels above the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you’re using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so they don’t scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is clad with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath.

In addition to keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a good method to deter burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that’s not secured. Also, they are more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one with. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.