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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits, boarding up your windows and doors will protect you from damage. To do this, you’ll must have a few things on hand.
First, measure the window’s width and height, including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Take note of these measurements so that you won’t forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board up your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. emergency boarding up service repairmywindowsanddoors will stop property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires a lot of planning to board up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should know the exact dimensions of each window. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. The process can be simplified by beginning the preparations when you learn of a storm approaching your area. You will avoid having to rush 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 provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure you get the correct size, make use of a tape measure determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to take into account the trim or framing surrounding each window, as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.
Next, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window’s total height and width by 2. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilots holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will help reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets of plywood that are each 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 sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet, and then through the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are sturdy and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, affordable and easily available. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it is more durable and have fewer knots and warps. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are erected over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.
Once you’ve identified the position of your window openings, measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you’ll require. Then, use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are securely fastened. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. You can also use a drill to determine the studs’ locations. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be a hazard in strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home.
Installation
If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one the best course of action is to secure your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives.
You’ll need other tools as well which include the drill, a saw (or nail-driven hammer if you do not have a power tool) and a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It’s a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood and make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the window’s width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It is best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you’ll have to sand them off once they’ve been put in. Once the boards are in place put 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 secure them. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you’re building using concrete blocks, you can instead join the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each panel to form masonry blocks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours for each window, so it’s important to start the process when you learn that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you time to finish the task before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
It is recommended to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows prior to the onset of a severe storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other factors.
The right materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it won’t come off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure you 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 measured the OSB or plywood. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. When 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.
The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you’re using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges so they are smooth and won’t scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
Apart from keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely attack a building with a broken or unlocked window. They’re also more likely to enter a store that’s been fenced off as opposed to one that’s not. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.