It's Time To Upgrade Your Boarding Up Windows And Doors Options
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits the windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you must have a few things in hand.
Find the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Write these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is always recommended to put up a board on doors and windows before a storm or other natural disasters strike. This will limit the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window to cover. It also takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. Fortunately, the process can be simplified by starting the preparations immediately you learn of a possible storm coming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll be able to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and speed of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim around 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 width and height by two. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when screwing into the screws.
To make sure that the window's opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can take, cut two separate 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 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
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To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and won't be damaged or break in high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, affordable and easily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are put up over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and inclement weather.
Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then, use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are securely fastened. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine stud position. You could also use your drill to locate the locations of studs. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could become a hazard in strong 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 plywood panel so that you can identify which window it will be covering.
To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant 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 are bonded to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best way to protect yourself is to secure your doors and windows prior to the danger of a storm arrives. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives.
You'll also require other tools, including a drill (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own a power drill), tape, a saw a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on site as you have more control over the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. After installation it is necessary to sand all of them. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you could instead join the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each window. It is essential to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you time to finish your project 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 avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other elements.
The right tools will make the boarding-up process faster and easier to complete. The most important thing is to accurately measure the dimensions of each window you'll need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure you use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish.
After you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts during an emergency or in the event of a disaster. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergency situations.
Next, install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared before you start. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is covered with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath.
Besides keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarding up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure that has a broken window or one that's not secured. Additionally, they are more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one with. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.