Notes

Why Boarding Up Windows And Doors May Be More Dangerous Than You Thought
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Insuring your doors and windows before the storm hits can offer measurable protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few things in the go.

Find the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Take note of these measurements so that you don't forget.

Preparation

It is best to put up a board on your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and reduce the loss of life. It takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you must know 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 preparing the boards immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your employees.

Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows dependent on the severity and imminence of the storm. To ensure you get the right size, use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be 24 hour emergency boarding up to consider the trim or framing surrounding each window as and any sills with extended extensions if 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 the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the frame of your window to reduce splitting when screwing in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood which are each half big as the window you want to use. 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 edges of the sheets of plywood and lay it over 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, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only solid materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and readily available. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is more durable and have fewer knots and warps. A more durable alternative is hurricane or storm shutters, which are erected over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and inclement weather.

Once you've identified the location of your windows take measurements of the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you will need. Utilize a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of two inches. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads in order to determine stud location. In other cases, you can search for stud positions with your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials may become dangerous in winds that are strong.

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

Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. Make sure to insert the screws into the studs such they're about half the depth of the plywood is thick, but be careful not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house.

You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glass and shield your windows and door. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home.

Installation

If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes or are planning to move to one the best course of action is to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. This project can be done quickly and efficiently but only if make the effort to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.

You'll also require a few other tools, like a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill), tape, a saw, a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring the window's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It's best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.

Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. After installation it is necessary to sand down all of them. After your boards are set then screw the 3" stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to secure them. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand the force of high winds.

If you're building with concrete block, you can instead join the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours for each period. It is important to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This can save you money on repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying debris and other factors that can impact the windows.

The appropriate materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a second protective finish.

Mark the locations where screws are to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or disaster situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future.

The next step is to install the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath.


A boarded-up window can also be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely enter an establishment that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.

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