A Step-By'-Step Guide To Picking Your Boarding Up Windows And Doors
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits the windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You'll need some items to accomplish this.
Take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Take note of these measurements so that you don't forget.
Preparation
It is always best to secure windows and doors before the storm or another natural disaster strikes. This will minimize damage to property and decrease the risk of death. Window board-up requires a lot of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards in a proper manner. The process can be simplified by starting the preparations when you learn of an approaching storm. You can avoid stress in the last minute, and make it easier for both you and your staff.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it gives you enough time to gather and store the necessary items without being pushed by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may require massive quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to take into account the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.
Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the size of plywood sheets that you will need. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets 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 edges of the plywood sheets and then place 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, only use materials that are strong and will not be damaged or break in high winds. Plywood is a popular material for boarding up windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and readily available. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX), as it is more durable and contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more durable option. They can be erected over existing windows and provide greater protection against broken glasses and storms.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine stud position. You could also use your drill to find the stud locations. Make sure you drive the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong.
If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you require and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.
To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you live in or are planning to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the threat of storms you should consider boarding up all your windows and doors. It's a task that can be done quickly and effectively but only if make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits.
You'll also require a few other tools, like drills (or nails and a hammer if you don't have the power drill) as well as tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit within the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. It's best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. After installation it is necessary to sand all of them. Once you've got your boards place, screw 3 inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood using pan head screws that are galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each period. It is important to start the work as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you time to finish the task before the storm arrives.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind debris, flying objects and other causes.
The right tools can make the boarding up process faster and easier to complete. It is important to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly and won't come off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a second protective finish.
Mark the locations where the screws will need to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergencies.
The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job So be prepared before you start. If you are using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so that they don't scratch paint or cut. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is covered with shingles made of vinyl, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.
boarding up property www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk boarded-up window can also be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to enter the store that has been closed than one without. If you're a business owner, this is something you should take seriously.