Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Before a storm hits the windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you'll need to have a few items on hand. Measure the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements to ensure that you don't lose them. Preparation It is always best to secure windows and doors before a storm or other natural disaster strikes. This will reduce damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. It takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you need to know the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. Fortunately this can be made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your employees. Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending storm, you might require huge quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable. Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll need. If your window is wide of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws. If the window opening is greater than the size of a single 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. 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 then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them. Materials For safety and security for security and safety, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ and doors should be done with only strong materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is the most common material to board up windows. It is simple to use, affordable, and readily available. Pick plywood that is exterior grade (CDX), as it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are more durable options. They can be installed over windows that are already in place and offer greater protection against broken glasses and inclement weather. Once you have identified the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine stud position. If not, you can look for stud locations using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded to these materials alone could cause a safety risk in strong winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will cover. 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 studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs so that they are about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into. Installation If you reside or plan to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives. You'll also need a few other tools, including a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill), tape, a saw an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on-site because you can control the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down once they've been put in. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to secure them. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete block, you can instead join the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours for each window, so it's essential to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you time to finish the task before the storm arrives. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the required supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind debris, flying objects and other causes. The right tools will make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of each window you'll must cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly and will not fall off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish. Mark the places where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. This will allow you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in a disaster or emergency situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts, but save them in case of emergency. Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before starting. If you're using wood, ensure that you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath. A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely to break into an establishment that's been fenced off than one that isn't. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.