Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm the windows and doors can protect your home from 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). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is always best to board up doors and windows before an event like a storm or natural disaster strikes. This will minimize the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and then install them properly. Fortunately this can be simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your staff.
Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, as it allows you time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and imminence of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure you consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any extended sills when applicable.
Divide the width and height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you will need. For instance, if the 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 in the plywood sheet and align them with the frame of your window to prevent splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood that are half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then place 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 place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two.
Materials
To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are durable and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. The most popular material used to encase windows is plywood, which is cheap, readily available and easy to work with. Choose 24 hour emergency boarding up that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it will be stronger and contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more durable option. They can be erected over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against glass breakage and storms.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings, you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Utilize a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards will be fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads in order to determine stud locations. You can also use your drill to determine the studs' locations. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can cause a safety risk during strong winds.
If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood 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 cover.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Aim to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or plan to move to one, the best course of action is to board up your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. It's a task that can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if you take the time to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also need a few other tools, including a drill (or nails and a hammer for those who don't own an electric drill) as well as a saw, tape, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on-site since you will can control the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand all of them. Once the boards are set then screw the 3" stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist strong winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each panel into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry, and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours per window. It is crucial to begin the project as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete your project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows prior to the onset of a severe storm. This will save you money on repairs and protect your property from further damage from wind, rain, flying debris and other elements that could impact windows.
The right materials will make the boarding-up process much easier and quicker to complete. The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of the windows you'll need to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly, and that it won't come off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish.
Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts, but save them for future emergencies.
The next step is to install the plywood panels over 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 don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame with screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
A boarded-up window can also be used to deter burglars. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that is not locked. They're also more likely enter an establishment that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you must take seriously.