Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tips That Can Change Your Life
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Boarding up your doors and windows prior to an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You'll need a few items to do this.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements so you don't forget.
Preparation
It is always best to secure windows and doors before the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will limit the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards as well as determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it simpler for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the necessary materials without feeling pressured by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to consider the trim or framing surrounding each window, as well as any sills that are extended in the event that they are required.
Divide the width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll require. For instance, 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 pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent splitting when you screw in the screws.
If the window opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and set them side-byside 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 sheets of plywood and then place 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 together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are sturdy and won't break or splinter in strong winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap, readily available and easy to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free of knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then, use a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are securely fastened. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads in order to determine stud locations. You could also use your drill to determine the stud locations. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing rather than the trim or sheathing; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could be a hazard in strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are each half the size and join them with two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering.
To affix the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. Aim to insert the screws into the studs such they're about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, however, be cautious not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also install a "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from gaining entry.
Installation
If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best option is to put up a board on your windows and doors before the threat of a storm approaches. This project can be accomplished quickly and effectively but only if take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll require additional tools which include a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails for those who don't have an electric tool) as well as the level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the height and width of each window opening, and then cutting the plywood sheets so that they can fit inside the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. It is recommended to cut the sheets 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 the right size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down after they're installed. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also need to make pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This task can take up to three hours per window. It is crucial to begin the project as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, it is essential to have the required supplies to put up a board around windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. window boarding up near me will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other factors.
The right tools can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is important to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to fall off 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 measured, mark the spots where the screws will go into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. This will allow you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts during an emergency or disaster. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future.
The next step is to install 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 attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
A window that has been boarded up may be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a property that has a broken window or one that is not secured. Additionally, they are more likely to break into stores with a smashed-up window than one that has no. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you need to consider seriously.