Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before a storm strikes can provide the protection you need against damage. You'll need a few items to do this.
First, take measurements of the width and height of the window including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them.
Preparation
It is always best to secure doors and windows before the storm or another natural disaster strikes. This will help prevent damage to property and minimize loss of life. It requires lots of planning to build a board around windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. Moreover, it takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations as soon you hear about the possibility of a storm affecting your area. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it easier for you and your employees.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, as it allows you time to gather and store the required materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and intensity of the storm. To ensure you get the right size, make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary.
Divide the width and the height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets you will need. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilots holes into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood that are half as big as the window you want to use. 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 sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together.
Materials
To ensure security and safety ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and will not be damaged or break in high winds. The most common material used to encase windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength and is free of knots and warping. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the position of your window openings then measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine the stud location. You can also use a drill to locate the stud locations. The screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached to these materials alone could be a danger to safety in the event of high winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you need and join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you can identify which window it will be covering.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also place an "No Trespassing" notice on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are secured over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best way to protect yourself is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the danger of a storm arrives. It's a task that can be accomplished quickly and efficiently however only if you make the effort to measure and cut your plywood panels before the storm hits.
You'll need other tools as well, including the drill, a saw (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have an electric tool) as well as a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It is a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring the window's width and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on site as you are more in control of the exact dimensions.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the right size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down once they're put in. Once the boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds.
If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using galvanized pan head screws that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to the masonry or cinder block. You will also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours per period. It is crucial to begin the project as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your windows and doors before an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind debris, flying objects and other factors.
The right materials can make boarding up simpler and faster. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of the windows you must cover. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish.
Mark the locations where the screws are going to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. This allows you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.
The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person task, so be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or damage trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.
Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also a good method to stop burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a window that is broken or one that's not secured. Additionally, they are more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one without. If you're a retailer owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.