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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things on your desk. First, measure the width and height of the window including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you won't forget. Preparation It is always recommended to secure doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will minimize damage to property and decrease the chance of a fatality. It requires 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 exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. The process can be simplified by starting the preparations when you learn of an approaching storm. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your staff. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll 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 storm, you might require massive quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, you can use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary. Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will prevent splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the window you wish to cover. 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 then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them. Materials To ensure security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that won't break under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. A stronger option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are put up over windows already in use to offer greater protection against shattered glass and the weather that can cause a lot of damage. Once you've determined the location of your window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine how much plywood you'll require. Then you can use the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. You can also use your drill to find the locations of studs. 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 an hazard during strong winds. If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half the size and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. Aim to insert the screws into the studs in a way that they are about half the depth of the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or are planning to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to secure your windows and doors before the danger of a storm arrives. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm hits. You'll also require a few other tools, including drills (or nails and a hammer for those who don't own the power drill) and a saw, tape, a level, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof. Begin 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 an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on site as you are more in control of the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they're put in. Once the boards are set put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wings nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist strong winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilots into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each time period. It is crucial to begin the project as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm arrives. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your doors and windows before 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 flying objects, and other causes. The proper materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. It is essential to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be removed easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection. Note www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk where the screws are going to be inserted into the board once you have measured the plywood or OSB. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This allows you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared prior to starting. 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 using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing. A boarded-up window can also be used to stop burglars. Burglars will target a building that has a broken window or one that is not locked. They're also more likely to break into the store that has been closed than one that isn't. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.