How To Tell The Good And Bad About Boarding Up Windows And Doors
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
The act of boarding up your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few things in your desk.
Measure 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 them.
Preparation
It is recommended to board up your doors and windows before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. emergency boarding up takes lots of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you must know the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards properly. The process can be simplified by beginning the preparations immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute and make it easier for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, as it gives you enough time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling pressured by a rapidly approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows dependent on the severity and intensity of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to take into account the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any sills that are extended in the event that they are required.
Divide the total width and height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you will need. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when screwing in the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood that are each half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then place them side by side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and place it over the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most popular material used to secure windows is plywood, which is cheap accessible and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for extra strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.
Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to create pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads in order to determine stud position. If not, you can look for stud locations using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can cause a safety risk in the event of high winds.
If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you need and join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs in a way they're about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, however, be cautious not to go too far and cause damage to the structure of your house.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impervious to breakage and can deter burglars from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live in or are planning to move to a place that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. It's a task that can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels prior to when the storm arrives.
You'll need other tools as well such as the drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails for those who don't have an electric tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood and make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the height and width of each window's opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they can fit inside the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. It's best to do this on-site, as 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 Be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they're installed. Once you've got 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 the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building using concrete blocks, you can join the plywood using pan head screws that are galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels to bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilots into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that could take as long as three hours for each window, so it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the right materials to board up windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly 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. The most important thing is to accurately take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you'll must cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish.
After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.
The next step is to 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 to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing beneath.
A boarded-up window can also be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. Also, they are more likely to break into stores with a smashed-up window than one without. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.