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 need to have a few things on your desk. First, measure the width and height of the window including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget. Preparation It is recommended to board up doors and windows before an event like a storm or natural disaster hits. This will stop property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires a lot of planning to build a board around windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should know the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. Fortunately, the process can be simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. By doing this, you can avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by the approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any ledges that are extended, if applicable. Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window height and width by 2. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when screwing in the screws. If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood that are half as big as the window you want to use. Place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 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, 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, boarding up windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most commonly used material to encase windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are erected over windows that are already in place to provide more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've identified the location of your window openings then measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you'll need. Use a power drill make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the locations of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached only to these materials can become a safety hazard in high winds. If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to the wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs. In addition to protecting your windows, you should also put up an "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from gaining entry. Installation If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes or plan to move to one, the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows before the threat of a storm approaches. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm. You'll need other tools as well which include the drill, a saw (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have the power tool) as well as the level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by measuring the window's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on site as you can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once they're installed you'll need to sand all of them. Once your boards are in place 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 is able to penetrate the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each time period. It is essential to begin as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you ample time to complete the task before the storm arrives. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the required supplies to put up a board around doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This will save you from costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying debris, and other elements that can affect windows. The right materials will make the boarding-up process easier and faster to complete. The key is to precisely determine 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 be removed easily. If you're using plywood, be sure you use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a second protective finish. Mark the places where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This allows you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during an emergency or disaster. After the storm has gone away 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 place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're 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, oldham boarding up windows to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing. A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building with a broken or unlocked window. Additionally, they are more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one without. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.
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