The Full Guide To Boarding Up Windows And Doors
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Boarding up your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide an effective protection against damage. You'll require several items to accomplish this.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a put up a board on your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires lots of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you need to know the specific dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. 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 so, you can 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. The earlier you start the process the better, as it gives you enough time to gather and store the needed materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and speed of the storm. To ensure you get the correct size, make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.
Then, determine the size of the plywood sheets 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 make pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will help reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.
For a window opening that is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets, and place it on the 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 security and safety ensure safety and security, use only materials that are durable and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is easy to work with, cheap and easily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A stronger alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.
Once you've identified the location of the window openings, you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then, use a power drill to create pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads in order to determine stud location. You can also use your drill to find the studs' locations. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded to these materials may become a safety hazard in strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood that are each half the size and join them with two by four inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering.
To affix 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. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your windows and door. They are virtually unbreakable and discourage burglars from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best way to protect yourself is to secure your windows and doors before the threat of a storm approaches. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm.
You'll also require other tools, like drills (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill) and tape, a saw an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on the spot, as it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down after they've been put in. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use boarding up doors to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. Be sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building with concrete block, you could attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that can take up to three hours for each window, so it's essential to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the project prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to board up your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements.
The appropriate materials can make boarding up easier and quicker. It is important to measure each window precisely. 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 an extra layer of protection.
Once you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future.
The next step is to install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before you start. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property that has a broken window or one that is not secured. They're also more likely to enter the store that has been boarded up than one without. This is something that retail business owners should take very seriously.