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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your doors and windows before an event can give you the protection you need against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few things on your desk. First, take measurements of the window's height and width including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Write these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them. Preparation It is always best to put up a board on doors and windows before a storm or other natural disaster strikes. This will minimize damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. Boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards as well as identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by starting the preparations when you first hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing this, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff. Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if applicable. Then, determine the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by two. If your window has a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to avoid splitting when screwing in the screws. If the window opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood, and place it on top of the seam. Then you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together. Materials To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won't break or splinter in high winds. The most commonly used material to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) because it will be stronger and contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more durable option. They can be erected over existing windows and offer better protection against glass breakage and storms. Once you've identified the location of the window openings then measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Use a power drill create pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine the stud position. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could be a danger to safety during severe winds. If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you require. join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. Try to drive the screws into the studs in a way they're about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too deep and cause damage to the structure of your home. In addition to securing your windows, you should place an “No Trespassing” sign on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live or are planning to move to an area which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm you should consider boarding up all your doors and windows. It's a task that can be completed quickly and effectively, but only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm arrives. You'll also need a few other tools, including drills (or an hammer and nails if you don't have the power drill) and tape, a saw gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof. Start by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on-site because you have more control over the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the size you want using a track or circular saw. After installation you'll need to sand them down completely. them. After your boards are in place then screw the 3” 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 boarding up service near me that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using pan head screws that are galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. The project could take about three hours per period. It is important to begin the project as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the job before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the required materials to board up windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other factors. The right tools can make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it won't come off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure you use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a second protective finish. Mark the locations where screws are to be put into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This allows you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts in a disaster or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for any future emergencies. The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So be prepared before starting. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing beneath. In addition to keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a great method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely enter a store that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners should take very seriously.