Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tools To Help You Manage Your Everyday Lifethe Only Boarding Up Windows And Doors Trick Every Individual Should Be Able To

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

boarding up a door up your doors and windows prior to an event can give you the protection you need against damage. You'll require some items to accomplish this.

First, measure the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Write these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them.

Preparation

It is recommended to put up a board on your windows and doors before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will stop property boarding up damage and reduce the loss of life. It takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and install them properly. Fortunately this can be simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm forming in your area. By doing so, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your staff.

Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may require large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure you get 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 around each window, as well as any extended sills if applicable.

Then, calculate the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing the total window height and width by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the frame of your window to avoid splitting when you screw in the screws.

To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and lay 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 place it over the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.

Materials

To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are strong and won't break or shatter in strong winds. The most common material used to secure windows is plywood, which is inexpensive, readily available and easy to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will have less knots and warps. A more durable alternative is hurricane or storm shutters, which are put up over windows that are already in place to provide greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you've identified the location of the window openings, you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate stud locations. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel that is attached only to these materials can cause a safety risk in the event of high winds.

If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half the size and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.

Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to secure the plywood panels to your wall. Aim to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are half the depth of the plywood is thick, but be careful not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your home.

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 safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking into.

Installation

If you live or plan to move to a place that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. It's a project that can be accomplished quickly and effectively however only if you make the effort to measure and cut your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits.

You'll also require other tools, like a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have a power drill) as well as a saw, tape, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring each window's size 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 be aware that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of 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 which are driven into the edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per window. It is crucial to begin the project as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the project before the storm hits.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will save you money on repairs and also protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying debris and other elements that can affect windows.

The right materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is essential to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be removed easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.

Mark the places where the screws will need to be inserted into the board once you have measured the plywood or OSB. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to safely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an 24 hour emergency boarding up or disaster. 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 any future emergencies.

Next, install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared prior to starting. If you're using plywood, ensure that you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is lined with shingles made of vinyl it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing beneath.

A window that is boarded up can be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely target a building with a broken or unlocked window. Also, they are more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one without. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.