5 Must-Know Boarding Up Windows And Doors Practices For 2024
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
When a storm is approaching and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. You will need some items to accomplish this.
First, measure the window's width and height, including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is best to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will limit the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by preparing the boards immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. By doing this you will stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will be able to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent storm, you might require huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure you consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as and any sills with extended extensions in the event that they are required.
Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window's total height and width by 2. If your window is wide of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the frame of your window to reduce splitting when you screw into the screws.
If the window opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and then place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two.
Materials
To ensure security and safety ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and won't break or shatter in high winds. The most commonly used material to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. A sturdier option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer greater protection against shattered glass and inclement weather.
Once you've determined the location of your windows, measure the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill create pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards will be fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine the stud position. You could also use your drill to determine the studs' locations. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing rather than the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could become an hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half the size and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each sheet of plywood so you know what window it will cover.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Aim to insert the screws into the studs in a way they're about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too far and cause damage to the structure of your house.
In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to install a "No Trespassing" sign on your property and think about installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from gaining entry.
Installation
If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best course of action is to board up your doors and windows prior to the danger of a storm arrives. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm.
You'll require other tools as well such as a drill, a saw (or a hammer with nails for those who don't have an electric tool) and a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on-site since you will have more control over the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the size you want using a track or circular saw. Once they're installed it is necessary to sand all of them. Once the boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wings nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with galvanized pan head screws driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that could take as long as three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete your project prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.
Maintenance
It is recommended to secure your windows and doors before an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other factors.
The right tools will make the boarding up process faster and easier to complete. boarding up windows www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a second protective finish.
After you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergencies.
The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won'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 has shingles made of vinyl on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely to enter an establishment that's been closed than one without. This is something that business owners in retail should consider very seriously.