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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide the protection you need against damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things in your desk. Measure the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget. Preparation It is recommended to secure doors and windows prior to an event like a storm or natural disaster strikes. This will minimize the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, such as purchasing 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 in a proper manner. The process can be simplified by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about the possibility of a storm affecting your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow 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 needed materials without feeling strained by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the storm, you might require large 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 take into account the framing or trim around each window as and any sills with extended extensions when applicable. Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the size of plywood sheets that you'll require. For instance, if the 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 to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will help reduce splitting when you screw in 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 intended window and set them side-byside 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 over 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 safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that won't break under pressure or split in high winds. The most commonly used material to secure windows is plywood, which is affordable accessible and simple to work with. Choose plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) because it is more durable and contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more robust option. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather. Once you've identified the location of your windows then measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll need. Utilize a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine stud location. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can become a safety hazard during severe winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will cover. To affix the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing as well as 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 protecting your windows, you should put up a "No Trespassing" notice on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from gaining entry. Installation If you reside or are planning to move to a region susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm it is recommended to board up all your doors and windows. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm hits. You'll need other tools as well, including the drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails in the event that you don't have the power tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit within the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. This is best done on the spot because you have more control over the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size, and remember that you'll need to sand them off once they've been put in. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to secure them. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure the board is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you're building using concrete block, you can attach the plywood to the building by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the overlapping edges of each panel into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each window. It is crucial to begin as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the task prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. Repair My Windows And Doors will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other factors. The right materials will make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is essential to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB fits snugly 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. Note the locations where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Make use of a drill to drill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using wood, make sure to sand down the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing. A boarded-up window can also be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure with a broken or unlocked window. Additionally, they are more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one with. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.
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