15 Best Documentaries On Boarding Up Windows And Doors
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Insuring your doors and windows before an event can give you measurable protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things in hand.
Find the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is recommended to board up your doors and windows before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. Window board-up requires lots of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and then install them properly. The process can be streamlined by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about an approaching storm. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute, and make it simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by the approaching storm. 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. To ensure you get the correct size, use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are appropriate.
Then, determine the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height by two. If your window is wide of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when screwing into the screws.
For a window opening that is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are durable and will not be damaged or break in high winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are more durable options. They can be put in over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against glass breakage and inclement weather.
Once you've identified the location of your window openings take measurements of the height and width of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Use a power drill drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud locations using your drill. Make sure you drive the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel attached only to these materials may become dangerous in winds that are strong.
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 using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let 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 the wall. Make boarding up windows near me repairmywindowsanddoors to insert the screws into the studs in a way they're about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too far and damage the underlying structure of your house.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also install an "No Trespassing" sign on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking into.
Installation
If you live or are planning to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels before the storm comes.
You'll also need a few other tools, like a drill (or a hammer and nails if you don't have an electric drill), a saw, tape, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window's size and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on site as you have more control over the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. Once installed you'll need to sand them down completely. them. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3 inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to anchor them. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
If you are building with concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project can take up to three hours for each window, so it's crucial to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to finish the job before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
It is recommended to secure your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other elements.
The right materials can make boarding up easier and quicker. It is crucial to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an additional protective finish.
Mark the locations where screws are to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies.
The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So be prepared prior to starting. If you're using wood, ensure that you sand the edges so that they are 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.
Besides keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded up window is also an effective method to deter burglaries. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to break into the store that has been closed as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you should take seriously.