Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm the windows and doors can protect your home from damage. To accomplish this, you will must have a few items on the go.
First, take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget.
Preparation
It is always best to put up a board on windows and doors before a storm or other natural disasters strike. This will help prevent damage to property and minimize 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 need to be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards properly. Fortunately this can be made simpler by preparing immediately you learn of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing so, you can avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, the better, as it gives you enough time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are appropriate.
Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height by 2. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet and align them with the frame of your window to avoid splitting when screwing into the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are 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 edges of the sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are strong and will not break or splinter in strong winds. Plywood is the most common material for boarding up windows. It is easy to work with, cheap, and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength, and free from knots and warping. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the position of the window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing rather than the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel attached only to these materials may become dangerous in winds that are strong.
If the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you require. join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will cover.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs.
In addition to protecting your windows, you should also put up an "No Trespassing" sign on your property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from gaining entry into your home.
Installation
If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one, the best option is to board up your windows and doors before the danger of a storm arrives. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently however only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm hits.
You'll require other tools as well which include drills, saws (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have the power tool), a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's a good idea apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring each window's width and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It's best to do this on the spot, as it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Cut the boards to the size you want with a track or circular saw. After installation, you will need to sand down all of them. Once your boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use emergency boarding up camden to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that every screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead join the plywood to the building by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the overlapping edges of each piece into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per period. It is essential to start the work as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you time to finish 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 windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will save you from costly repairs and also protect your home from further damage from wind, rain debris, flying debris, and other elements that can affect windows.
The right materials will make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish.
Note the locations where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future.
The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
A window that has been boarded up may be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to break into an establishment that's been fenced off than one without. This is something that retail business owners should take very seriously.