Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. You'll require some items to accomplish this.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a cover your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will minimize the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. It requires lots of planning to board up windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. The process can be streamlined by starting the preparations when you learn of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. If you do this, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees.
Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent 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. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if applicable.
Next, 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 your exterior is made of wood, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will help reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets of plywood that are half as large as the desired window. 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 edge of the plywood sheets and place it over 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
To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are durable and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. The most common material used to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable, readily available and easy to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be erected over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and storms.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can cause a safety risk during strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you can identify which window it will be covering.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. 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.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and discourage burglars from attempting to break into your home.
Installation
If you live in or plan to move to an area which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms it is recommended to board up your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm.
You'll also require other tools, like a drill (or an hammer and nails for those who don't own the power drill) as well as tape, a saw a level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on the spot because you are more in control of the exact dimensions.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they've been put in. Once the 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 the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building using concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the overlapping edges of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
It is recommended to board up your doors and windows before the onset of a severe storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other factors.
The proper materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to be removed easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a second protective finish.
Note the locations where the screws will need to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. 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 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're using wood, ensure that you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on 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 stop burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a locked or broken window. Additionally, emergency boarding up middlesbrough are more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one with. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you should take seriously.