Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Before a storm hits and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You’ll require a few items to do this.

Find the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Write 24 hour emergency boarding up down to ensure you don’t forget them.

Preparation

It is always recommended to secure doors and windows before a storm or other natural disaster strikes. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires an enormous amount of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you should know the exact dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it easier for you and your staff.

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 gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by a storm that is about to hit. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and speed of the storm. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are appropriate.

Then, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window’s total width and height by two. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 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 beneath to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.

For a window opening that is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can take, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two.

Materials

To ensure security and safety For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won’t be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to work with, cheap, and easily available. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is stronger and will have less knots and warps. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more durable option. They can be erected over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather.

Once you’ve determined the location of your window openings take measurements of the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you’ll need. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud locations using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached only to these materials can cause a safety risk in the event of severe winds.

If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you require and join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering.

To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs.

It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are secured over existing glazing and protect your windows and door. They are virtually impervious to breakage and discourage burglars from attempting to break into your home.

Installation

If you live in or plan to move to a place that is prone to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm, it’s best to board up all your doors and windows. This project can be done quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm hits.

You’ll also require other tools, such as a drill (or an hammer and nails for those who don’t own an electric drill) and a saw, tape, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It’s an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring the height and width of each window’s opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit within the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. 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 desired size using a track or circular saw. Once they’re installed it is necessary to sand down 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 as well as wing 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 resist strong winds.

If you’re building with concrete block, you could instead join the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, which is why it’s important to start the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits.

Maintenance

If you’re a homeowner, or business owner, you should have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other causes.

The appropriate materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The key is to precisely measure the dimensions of each window you need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won’t be able to come off easily. If you’re using plywood, make sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a protective finish.

Note the locations where screws are to be inserted into the board once you have measured the OSB or plywood. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to safely attach the boards to hanger bolts during an emergency or in the event of a disaster. After the storm has gone away and you’ve received all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for any future emergencies.

Next, install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared prior to starting. If you’re using wood, make sure you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won’t scratch your paint or trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame with screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl, it’s best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing beneath.

A window that is boarded up can be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a damaged window or one that’s not locked. They’re also more likely break into the store that has been closed than one that isn’t. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.