Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Insuring your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide the protection you need against damage. You'll require some items to accomplish this.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board on your windows and doors prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and reduce the loss of life. emergency boarding up 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 that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards in a proper manner. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by a storm that is about to hit. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and imminence of the storm. 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 with extended edges if they are necessary.
Divide the total width and height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll need. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when screwing into 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 of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges 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 then through the bracing to join the two.
Materials
For safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors should be done with only strong materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap accessible and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows already in use to offer greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the location of your window openings, measure the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll need. Then, use a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are secured. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine the stud position. In other cases, you can search for stud positions with your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached only to these materials can become a safety hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half the size and join them using 2 by 4 inches of 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 as well as the studs to secure the plywood panels to the wall. Aim to drive the screws into the studs such that they are half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your home.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you live or plan to move to a place susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently but only if make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm comes.
You'll require other tools as well, including the drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have the power tool) and the level, gloves and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It's best to do this on site, since it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building with concrete block, you could instead join the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You'll 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 crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you ample time to complete the task before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the right materials to board up doors and windows ahead of a severe storm. This will save you money on repairs and also protect your property from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying debris and other elements that can affect windows.
The right materials will make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a protective finish.
Note the locations where screws are to be put into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. You can then 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 from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergency situations.
The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a job for two people So be prepared prior to starting. If you're using wood, make sure you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
In addition to keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also an effective method to stop burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a window that is broken or one that is not secured. They're also more likely to enter the store that has been fenced off than one without. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you must take seriously.