Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tips That Will Revolutionize Your Life
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You'll require a few items to do this.
First, take measurements of the width and height of the window including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is best 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. Boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute, and make it easier for both you and your staff.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to collect 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 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 trim or framing surrounding each window as and any sills with extended extensions if applicable.
Then, determine the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window's total width and height by 2. For instance, if the 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 help reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are each half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then, place them side by side on the wall. Then, cut Repair My Windows And Doors 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 on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two.
Materials
To ensure safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done using only solid materials that will not break under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is simple to work with, cheap, and readily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against glass breakage and inclement weather.
Once you've determined the location of your window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine how much plywood you'll need. Utilize a power drill to make pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. You could also use your drill to find the stud locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached to these materials may be a danger to safety during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to the wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also place an "No Trespassing" sign on your property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from gaining entry.
Installation
If you live or are planning to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your doors and windows. This project can be accomplished quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits.
You'll also need a few other tools, such as a drill (or nails and a hammer in the event that you don't have the power drill), tape, a saw, a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.
Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they can fit inside the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It's best to do this on site, since it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you'll have to sand them down once they've been put in. After your boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. 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 withstand high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, 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 piece into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours for each window, so it's important to start the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you ample time to complete the task before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
It is recommended to board up your doors and windows prior to the onset of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other causes.
The right materials will make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding an extra layer of protection.
After you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in a disaster or emergency situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergency situations.
Next, install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a job for two people, so be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the frame to the plywood with screws that are corrosion-resistant 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 window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a property that has a broken window or one that is not secured. Additionally, they are more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one without. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.