What Boarding Up Windows And Doors Experts Want You To Know
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm the windows and doors will protect you from damage. To do this, you should have a few things in hand.
Take measurements of 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 don't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to secure windows and doors before the storm or another natural disaster strikes. This will help prevent damage to property and minimize loss of life. It requires a lot of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards and you must be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by starting the preparations when you first hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing so, you can avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process, the better, as it gives you enough time to gather and store the needed items without being pushed by a fast-approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows, dependent on the severity and speed of the storm. Use commercial boarding up service to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure you consider the framing or trim around each window as well as any extended sills when applicable.
Then, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing your window's total width and height by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to avoid splitting when screwing in the screws.
To make sure that the window's opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can take, 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 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood, and place it on top of the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
Materials
To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are strong and won't break or shatter in strong winds. The most commonly used material to secure windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. A sturdier option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are erected over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and inclement weather.
Once you have identified the location of the window openings, you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then, use the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads in order to determine stud locations. You can also use your drill to find the stud locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk during high winds.
If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them using two by four inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will cover.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. Try to insert the screws into the studs in a way that they are about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house.
In addition to protecting your windows, you should also place a "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into.
Installation
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best course of action is to secure your doors and windows before the possibility of a storm is afoot. It's a task that can be completed quickly and effectively however only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels before the storm comes.
You'll require other tools as well which include drills, saws (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have the power tool) as well as the level, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood and make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It is best to do this 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 size be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they're installed. Once the boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Be sure that each screw is inserted 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 join the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to make pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. It's a project that can take up to three hours per window, so it's essential to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
It is recommended to secure your doors and windows prior to an extreme storm. This can save you from costly repairs and protect your property from further damage resulting from rain, wind, flying debris and other elements that can affect windows.
The proper materials will make boarding simpler and faster. The key is to precisely take measurements of the dimensions of each window you need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.
Note the locations where screws are to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to safely fix the boards using hanger bolts in 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 emergency.
The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood, make sure you sand the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.
A boarded-up window can also be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a locked or broken window. Also, they are more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one with. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.