Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows prior to an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You'll require several items to accomplish this. Find the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements so you don't forget them. Preparation It is recommended to put up a board on your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will minimize property damage and reduce the chance of a fatality. Window board-up requires a lot of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. The process can be streamlined by starting the preparations when you learn of a storm approaching your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute, and make it easier for both you and your employees. Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by a storm that is about to hit. Depending on the severity of the event, you may need large quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure you consider the trim or framing surrounding each window as well as any extended sills in the event that they are required. Divide the width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll require. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilots holes into the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will prevent splitting when you screw in the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood and then place it on the top of the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two. Materials To ensure safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that won't break under pressure or split in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, affordable and easily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. A sturdier option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and the weather that can cause a lot of damage. Once you've determined the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud positions with your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong. If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ to let you know what window it will be covering. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs in a way they're about half as deep as the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your house. In addition to securing your windows, it is also advisable to install an "No Trespassing" sign on your property and think about installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to protect your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best option is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the possibility of a storm is afoot. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently but only if take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm comes. You'll also require a few other tools, like drills (or an hammer and nails if you don't have the power drill), tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on-site as you can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. After installation it is necessary to sand them down completely. them. 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 to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist strong winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood using galvanized pan head screws which are driven into the edges of the panels to the masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that can take up to three hours per window, so it's essential to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm strikes. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This can save you from costly repairs and also protect your property from further damage resulting from rain, wind, flying debris, and other elements that can impact the windows. The right materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. The key is to precisely measure the dimensions of each window you'll must cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well 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 an extra layer of protection. Note the locations where the screws will need to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them in case of emergency. The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared before starting. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame with screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing beneath. A boarded-up window can also be used to stop burglars. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that's not secured. Also, they are more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one with. If you're a business owner, this is something you must take seriously.