How To Determine If You're Are Ready For Boarding Up Windows And Doors

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

When a storm is approaching and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors will protect you from damage. You'll need a few items to do this.

First, take measurements of the window's height and width, including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements to ensure you don't forget them.

Preparation

It is recommended to board up your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will help prevent damage to property and minimize loss of life. It takes lots of planning to build a board around windows. You must 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 correctly. Fortunately, the process can be simplified by starting the preparations immediately you learn of a storm that could be coming in your area. If you do this you will stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it allows you time to gather and store the needed materials without feeling pressured by a storm that is rapidly approaching. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and speed of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as and any sills with extended extensions when applicable.

Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll need. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes in the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.

If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets plywood that are half as large as the desired window. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 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 the 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

To ensure security and safety For security and safety, boarding windows and doors should be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most common material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength, and free of knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide greater protection against shattered glass and inclement weather.

Once you've determined the location of your windows then measure the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll need. Then make use of a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate the locations of studs. You could also use your drill to determine the locations of studs. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk during strong winds.

If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood each half the size and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet to let you know which window it will cover.

To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. Try to insert the screws into the studs so that they are about half as deep as the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house.

In addition to protecting your windows, you should place 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 fixed to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually impervious to breakage and discourage burglars from breaking into the house.

Installation

If you live or plan to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the threat of storms, it's best to board up your doors and windows. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood panels are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm.

You'll also need a few other tools, including drills (or nails and a hammer in the event that you don't have the power drill) and tape, a saw an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring the window's height and width. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on-site because you have more control over the exact dimensions.

Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once your boards are set then screw the 3" stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours for each time period. It is essential to start the work as soon as a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you time to finish the task before the storm arrives.

Maintenance

It is recommended to board up your doors and windows prior to a severe storm. This will save you from costly repairs and also protect your home from further damage from rain, wind debris, flying debris and other elements that could impact windows.

The proper materials will make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The key is to precisely determine the dimensions of each window you'll must cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding an extra layer of protection.

Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a disaster 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 on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing.

house boarding up service  that has been boarded up may be used to discourage burglars. Burglars will target a building with a window that is broken or one that is not locked. Additionally, they are more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one without. This is something that retail business owners should take very seriously.