Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To do this, you must have a few items on the go.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will minimize property damage and reduce the chance of a fatality. visit the next website page requires lots of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you must be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it simpler for you and your employees.
Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will be able to gather the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by a storm that is about to hit. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and speed of the storm. To ensure that you have the correct size, use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any extended sills when applicable.
Divide the width and the height of your window by two to determine the number 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 to align with the window frame below. This will reduce the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the window you wish to cover. Place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood and then place it on top of the seam. Then you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together.
Materials
To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and won't break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material to board up windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and easily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength and is free of knots and warping. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are more durable options. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and storms.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings, measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Utilize a power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine the stud locations. You could also use your drill to find the studs' locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached to these materials may be a danger to safety during strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you require and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel 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 sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. Aim to insert the screws into the studs so they're about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and cause damage to the structure of your home.
You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields adhere to the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking into.
Installation
If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes or plan to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows prior to the danger of a storm arrives. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives.
You'll also require a few other tools, like a drill (or nails and a hammer if you don't have the power drill) as well as tape, a saw, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit within the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on site as you can control the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed you'll need to sand all of them. Once you've put your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to secure them. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at a minimum of two 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 by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that overlap of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per window. It is crucial to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the task prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to board up doors and windows ahead of a severe storm. This can save you money on repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying debris, and other elements that can impact the windows.
The appropriate materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well and will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.
Once you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergencies.
Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared before starting. If you're using wood, make sure to sand down the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing.
A boarded-up window can also be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely target a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to enter an establishment that's been closed than one that isn't. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.