The Top Boarding Up Windows And Doors Gurus Do 3 Things
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Boarding up your doors and windows before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. To do this, you'll need to have a few things on hand.
Find the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is always recommended to put up a board on doors and windows before the storm or another natural disaster hits. This will limit property damage and reduce the chance of dying. The process of boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards as well as determining the exact size of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations immediately you learn of a possible storm forming in your area. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and imminence of the storm. To ensure you get the right size, you can make use of a tape measure determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure you consider the trim or framing surrounding each window, as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.
Divide the width and the height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets you'll require. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet and align them with the frame of your window to prevent splitting when screwing in the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are 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 of 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.
To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are strong and won't break or splinter in strong winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, affordable and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. A stronger option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the location of your windows then measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll need. Use a power drill drill pilot holes in 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 the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. You can also use your drill to find the studs' locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded to these materials alone could cause a safety risk in high winds.
If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each half the size you require. join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood sheet so you know what window it will cover.
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. Aim to drive the screws into the studs such they're about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are secured to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you live or intend to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the storm you should consider boarding up your doors and windows. It's a project that can be done quickly and effectively but only if take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also need a few other tools, such as a drill (or nails and a hammer for those who don't own the power drill), a saw, tape, a level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It's best to do this on the spot, as it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed it is necessary to sand all of them. After your boards are set then screw the 3" stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.
If you're building with concrete block, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each time period. It is important to begin the project as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm strikes.
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. This will save you money on repairs and also protect your property from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying debris and other elements that can impact the windows.
The proper materials can make boarding up easier and quicker. The key is to precisely take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you need to 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 you use exterior grade sheets, and consider adding a protective finish.
Mark the locations where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have measured the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to safely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during an emergency or in the event of a disaster. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future.
Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So be prepared prior to starting. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars will target a building with a window that is broken or one that's not secured. They're also more likely to attack the store that has been closed than one without. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.