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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm, boarding up your windows and doors will protect you from damage. To do this, you must have a few things on the go. Find the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget. Preparation It is always best to secure windows and doors before the storm or another natural disaster strikes. check out here will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, including purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact size of each window 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 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 much easier for yourself and your employees. Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling pressured by a fast-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. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Make sure you consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any extended sills in the event that they are required. Divide the total width and the height of your window by two to determine the size of plywood sheets 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, drill pilots holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets, and place it on top of 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 sturdy and will not break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material for boarding up windows. It is simple to work with, cheap and easily available. Pick plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is more durable and have less knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be put in over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against glass breakage and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've identified the position of your window openings, measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you will need. Then you can use the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that might indicate the locations of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing rather than the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could be an hazard during strong winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces that are each half the size you require. join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you can identify which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to the wall. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs such they're about half the depth of 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 such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving 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 task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll require additional tools such as a drill, a saw (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have an electric tool) and a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the height and width of each window's opening, and 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, as it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand all of them. After your boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Be sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete block, you could instead join the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each panel to form cinder blocks or masonry blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per time period. It is crucial to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm strikes. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other causes. The right materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. 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 are going to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to safely attach the boards to hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts but keep them in place for future emergencies. Next, install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing. A window that has been boarded up may be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a building with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely to attack a store that's been boarded up than one without. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.