What Is Boarding Up Windows And Doors And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you need to have a few things in hand.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget.
Preparation
It is always recommended to secure windows and doors before an event like a storm or natural disasters strike. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires a lot of planning to put up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you need to be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. The process can be streamlined by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about a storm approaching your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by a storm that is about to hit. Depending on the severity of the imminent storm, you might require massive quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any ledges that are extended, if appropriate.
Next, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window's total height and width by 2. For instance, if the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the frame of your window to avoid splitting when you screw into the screws.
If the window opening is larger than what one 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. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and then place it over 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, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only solid materials that will not break under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most common material used to secure windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier alternative is hurricane or storm shutters, which are installed over windows that are already in place to provide greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then make use of a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. Otherwise, you can probe for stud locations using your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half of the size needed and join them with two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel so that you can identify which window it will be covering.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. Aim 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 far and harm the underlying structure of your house.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and discourage burglars from gaining entry into your home.
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 board up your windows and doors before the possibility of a storm is afoot. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood panels are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm arrives.
You'll also need a few other tools, such as drills (or a hammer and nails if you don't have a power drill), tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It's 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 within the frames. It is best to do this on the spot, as it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. After installation it is necessary to sand them down completely. them. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to anchor them. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
If you are building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with galvanized pan head screws which are driven into the edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours per time period. It is crucial to begin the project as soon as a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you time to finish the task before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you should have the required supplies to put up a board around doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This can save you money on repairs and also protect your property from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying debris and other elements that can affect windows.
The right materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. The key is to precisely determine the dimensions of the windows you need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.
Mark the places where the screws will need to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts in a disaster or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future.
Then, you can install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using wood, make sure to sand down the edges so that they are 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 clad with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of 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. They're also more likely to attack an establishment that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you need to consider seriously.