Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things on hand.
First, measure the width and height of the window including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Write these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will minimize damage to property and decrease the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. If you do this, you can avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by the approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any extended sills when applicable.
Divide the total width and height of your window by 2 to determine the size of plywood sheets that you'll require. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 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 splitting when you screw in the screws.
To make sure that the window's opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and set them side-byside on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood, and place it on the top of the seam. Then you can 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 for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or split in high winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive and readily available. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and have less knots and warps. A sturdier option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and inclement weather.
Once you've identified the location of your windows, measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. You can also use your drill to find the studs' locations. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials may become an hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are half the size and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you can identify which 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 the wall. To secure 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.
In canvey-island boarding up services to securing your windows, it is also advisable to install an "No Trespassing" sign on the property and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are secured over existing glazing and protect your windows and doors. They are virtually unbreakable and discourage burglars from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you reside or plan to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the threat of storms you should consider boarding up all your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm arrives.
You'll need other tools as well, including the drill, a saw (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have a power tool) as well as a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on-site, as it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood.
Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. After installation it is necessary to sand down all of them. Once you've put your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wings nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building with concrete block, you can instead join the plywood to the building by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel to form cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also need to make pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours per window. It is crucial to begin the project as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you time to finish the task prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, it is essential to have the required supplies to put up a board around windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements.
The right tools will make the boarding up process faster and easier to complete. It is essential to measure each window precisely. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.
Mark the locations where the screws will need to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a disaster situation. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergency situations.
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 they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that 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.
Besides keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarding up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely break into a store that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.