A Help Guide To Boarding Up Windows And Doors From Beginning To End
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. To do this, you must have a few things on your desk.
Find the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board up your windows and doors before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and put in the boards in a proper manner. The process can be simplified by preparing the boards as soon you hear about the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid stress at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.
Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling pressured by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are necessary.
Divide the width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets you will need. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilots holes into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.
If the window opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. The most commonly used material to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap, readily available and easy to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength, and free of knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are put up over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe.
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. Use a power drill to make pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine the stud location. You could also use your drill to determine the stud locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded to these materials may be a danger to safety in high 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 using two by four inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so you know what window it will cover.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from gaining entry.
Installation
If you live or intend to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be done quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll also need a few other tools, like drills (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill) as well as tape, a saw, a level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the window's height and width. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on-site, as it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they've been put in. Once you've put your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You will also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that can take up to three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the required materials to secure windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other factors.
The proper materials will make boarding up easier and quicker. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't fall off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an additional protective finish.
Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts but keep them in place for future emergency situations.
The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If emergency boarding up services has vinyl shingles on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
A window that is boarded up can be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to attack an establishment that's been boarded up than one that isn't. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.