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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows prior to an event can give you the protection you need against damage. To do this, you'll need to have a few things in your desk. First, take measurements of the width and height of the window including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget. Preparation It is recommended to put up a board up your doors and windows before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. Window board-up requires an extensive amount of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. Fortunately this can be made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure you get the right size, you can use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges that are extended, if appropriate. Next, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing your window's total width and height by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame underneath to avoid splitting when you screw in the screws. If the window opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood and place it on top of 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 For safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors should be done with only strong materials that will not crack under pressure or split in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material for boarding up windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and easily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for extra strength, and free of knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've identified the position of your windows, measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to create pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching Read Alot more , determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine the stud locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing rather than the trim or sheathing; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could become dangerous in winds that are strong. 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 with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood sheet to let you know which window it will cover. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs such that they are half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your home. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and discourage burglars from attempting to break into your home. Installation If you live in or are planning to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms you should consider boarding up all your doors and windows. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm. You'll also require other tools, including a drill (or an hammer and nails if you don't have the power drill), a saw, tape, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof. Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit within the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It's best to do this on site, since it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size Be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they're put in. Once your boards are set put the 3 inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wings nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist strong winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. 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 period. It is important to begin the project as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you should have the required materials to secure windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will save you money on repairs and also protect your property from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying debris, and other elements that can impact the windows. The right materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure you use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish. Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. 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 save them in case of a need in the future. Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so that they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing. A window that has been boarded up may be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a window that is broken or one that is not secured. They're also more likely to enter a store that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you must take seriously.