Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits The act of boarding up your doors and windows prior to an event can give you measurable protection against damage. To do this, you'll should have a few items on the go. Measure the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements so you don't forget. Preparation It is always best to board up doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will minimize the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of dying. Boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact size of each window to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately this can be simplified by starting the preparations immediately you learn of a storm that could be coming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it easier for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows, according to the severity and imminence of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if appropriate. Divide the total width and the height of your window by two to determine the size of plywood sheets that you'll require. If your window has a width 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 reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws. If the window opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and set them side-byside on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and then place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet, and then through the bracing to join the two. Materials To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are durable and will not break or shatter in high winds. The most common material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength and is free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more durable option. They can be put in over existing windows and provide better protection against glass breakage and storms. 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'll require. Then, use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that might indicate stud locations. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded to these materials alone could become a safety hazard in the event of severe winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering. To affix the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs. In addition to securing your windows, you should place a "No Trespassing" notice on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. 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 or intend to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up your doors and windows. It's a task that can be completed quickly and effectively, but only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm comes. You'll need additional tools which include a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have the power tool), an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut the 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 have to sand them down after they've been put in. Once your boards are set put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with galvanized pan head screws which are driven into the edges of the panels to the masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. The project could take about three hours for each period. It is essential to begin the project as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you time to finish your project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other elements. The right materials can make the boarding up process faster and easier to complete. It is essential 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, be sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish. Mark the places where the screws will need to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, you can use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/christchurch-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ will allow you to safely fix the boards using hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for any future emergencies. Next, install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood, sand the edges to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing. A window that has been boarded up may be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They are also more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one with. This is something that business owners in retail should consider very seriously.