boarding up windows (redirect to dokuwiki.stream) and Doors Before a Storm Hits

The act of boarding up your doors and windows prior to the storm hits can offer an effective protection against damage. You'll need some items to accomplish this.

First, take measurements of the width and height of the window including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget.

Preparation

It is recommended to put up a cover your doors and windows prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. boarding up windows service up windows requires a lot of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. Fortunately it is possible to make the process made simpler by preparing as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, as it allows you time to gather and store the required items without being pushed by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure you get the right size, you can make use of a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to consider the framing or trim around each window as well as any extended sills if applicable.

Next, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing your window's total width and boarding up windows height by 2. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame beneath to avoid splitting when screwing in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood which are each half big as the window you want to use. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Then, cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of 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, boarding up property up windows and doors should be done using only sturdy materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength, and free of knots and warping. A stronger alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you've identified the location of the window openings you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Use a power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine the stud locations. In other cases, you can search for stud positions using your drill. Drive the screws 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 the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you require. join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet so 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 secure the plywood panels to your wall. Try to drive the screws into the studs so they're about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house.

In addition to securing your windows, you should also put up an "No Trespassing" notice on the property and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into.

Installation

If you live in or are planning to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm you should consider boarding up all your windows and doors. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives.

You'll need other tools as well which include a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails in the event that you don't have a power tool), an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring each window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.

Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size, and remember that you'll have to sand them down once they've been put in. Once the boards are set put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilots into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours for each window. It is important to begin as soon as a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm arrives.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner, boarding up windows or business owner, you should have the right materials to secure windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This can help you avoid costly repairs and shield your property from further damage from rain, wind, flying debris and other factors that could impact windows.

Having the right materials will make the boarding-up process much easier and quicker to complete. The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of each window you'll need to cover. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.

After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where screws will go into the board. 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 boarding up near me situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts, but save them for future emergencies.

Next, install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a two-person task, so be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is best to attach 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 to target a building with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely break into an establishment that's been fenced off than one without. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.