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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Insuring your windows and doorways before the storm hits can offer the protection you need against damage. To do this, you’ll need to have a few things on your desk.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements down to ensure that you don’t lose them.
Preparation
It is best to cover your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will reduce damage to property and decrease the chance of a fatality. Window board-up requires a lot of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing immediately you learn of a storm that could be coming in your area. You can avoid stress at 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, you will have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed 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 your windows. To ensure you get the right size, make use of a tape measure determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as well as any extended sills if applicable.
Then, determine the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window’s total width and height by 2. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If http://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame underneath to avoid splitting when screwing into the screws.
If you have a larger window opening than one 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 inches (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, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
Materials
To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are strong and won’t break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is the most common material for boarding up windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and easily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. A stronger alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.
Once you’ve identified the location of the window openings you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you’ll require. Use a power drill drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. If not, you can look for stud locations using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached to these materials may cause a safety risk during high winds.
If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you require and join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to secure the plywood panels to the wall. Make sure 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 home.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and doors. They are virtually impervious to breakage and discourage burglars from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes or are planning on moving to one the best option is to secure your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm hits.
You’ll also require other tools, such as drills (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don’t have an electric drill), tape, a saw a level, gloves and safety glasses. It’s a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the window’s size and height. 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 precise dimensions of the plywood.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you’ll need to sand them off once they’ve been put in. Once you’ve got your boards in place, screw 3 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 each screw is able to penetrate the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you’re building using concrete block, you could attach the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each panel to form masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, so it’s important to start the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you’re a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary supplies to put up a board around doors and windows ahead of a severe storm. This will save you money on repairs and shield your home from further damage resulting from rain, wind, flying debris and other factors that could impact windows.
The right materials will make boarding easier and quicker. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you’ll have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won’t fall off easily. If you’re using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.
Note the locations where the screws will need to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. This will allow you to safely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.
Then, you can install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared before you start. If you’re using plywood make sure you sand the edges to ensure they’re smooth and won’t scratch your paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing beneath.
Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a good method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a window that is broken or one that’s not locked. They’re also more likely enter a store that’s been boarded up as opposed to one that’s not. This is something that retail business owners must take seriously.