A How-To Guide For Boarding Up Windows And Doors From Start To Finish
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Boarding up your doors and windows prior to an event can give you an effective protection against damage. You'll need a few items to do this.
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 cover your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will reduce property damage and reduce the risk of death. Boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards in a proper manner. The process can be streamlined 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 staff.
Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you time to gather and store the needed materials without feeling strained by a rapidly approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and intensity of the storm. To ensure you get the correct size, make use of a tape measure determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure you consider the framing or trim around each window as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.
Then, determine the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total height and width by 2. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilots holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a larger 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. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between 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 then through 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 popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. A more durable option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the position of your window openings take measurements of the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to create pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads in order to determine stud location. You can also use a drill to find the locations of studs. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing rather than the sheathing or trim; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials may become an hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them using two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you can identify which window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. To attach 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.
In addition to securing your windows, you should put up an "No Trespassing" sign on the property and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you reside or plan to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms, it's best to board up all your doors and windows. It's a task that can be done quickly and efficiently but only if make the effort to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also require a few other tools, such as drills (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own the power drill) and tape, a saw, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on the spot since you will can control the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed, you will need to sand them down completely. them. Once you've put your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that could take as long as three hours for each window, so it's important to start the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows prior to an extreme storm. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other causes.
The right tools can make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.
Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during an emergency or in the event of a disaster. Once boarding up commercial property www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk has passed and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, take off the hanger bolts but keep them in place for future emergency situations.
Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood make sure you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
Besides keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure that has a broken window or one that's not secured. They're also more likely enter an establishment that's been fenced off than one that isn't. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.