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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide an effective protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few items on your desk. First, take measurements of the window's height and width, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Write these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them. Preparation It is best to put up a board on your windows and doors prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, including purchasing and measuring plywood boards as well as identifying the exact size of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. The process can be streamlined by preparing the boards as soon you hear about the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows, according to the severity and imminence of the storm. Use a tape to measure the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary. Then, determine the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by two. 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 in the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are each half as big as the window you want to use. Place them side by side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (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 you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them. Materials For safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material to board up windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and readily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more durable option. They can be installed over existing windows and offer greater protection against broken glasses and storms. Once you've determined the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Utilize a power drill to make pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine stud location. You could also use your drill to find the stud locations. window boarding up near me should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk in strong winds. If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces that are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you know which 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 that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs such that they are half as deep as the plywood is thick, but be careful not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking into. Installation If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to put up a board on your windows and doors before the danger of a storm arrives. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm hits. You'll also require a few other tools, like drills (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own the power drill) and tape, a saw an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the window's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It is best to do this on the spot, as it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. Once installed, you will need to sand all of them. Once the boards are set put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to secure them. Be sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete block, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that can take anywhere from three to four hours for each window, so it's essential to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the task before the storm arrives. Maintenance You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying objects and other factors. The right materials will make boarding up easier and quicker. The most important thing is to accurately take measurements of the dimensions of each window you have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't fall off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a second protective finish. After you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will be inserted into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies. The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood make sure you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to 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 will target a building with a window that is broken or one that is not secured. They're also more likely enter an establishment that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.