The email you entered is already receiving Daily Bits Emails!
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. To do this, you must have a few things on hand. First, measure the window's width and height, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget them. Preparation It is recommended to put up a cover your windows and doors prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will limit the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. Window board-up requires a lot of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact size of each window to cover. Moreover, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them properly. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations immediately you hear of an approaching storm. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for both 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 will have more time to gather 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 dependent on the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable. Next, calculate the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total width and height by two. For instance, if the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when screwing in the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and then 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 together. Materials To ensure security and safety For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won't be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material for boarding up windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and readily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free of knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more robust option. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against glass breakage and storms. Once you've determined 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 the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing rather than the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel fastened only to these materials may become dangerous in winds that are strong. If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. Aim to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are about half the depth of the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house. In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to place an "No Trespassing" sign on your property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into. Installation If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll also need a few other tools, such as a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have a power drill) and tape, a saw gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof. Start by measuring each window's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It's best to do this on site, since it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the size you want using a track or circular saw. Once emergency boarding up solihull Repair My Windows And Doors installed it is necessary to sand down all of them. After your boards are in place then screw the 3" stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours per time period. It is crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary materials to board up doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other causes. The right materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you'll need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to come off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an additional protective finish. Mark the places where screws are to be inserted into the board once 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. This will allow you to safely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during an emergency or in the event of a disaster. After the storm has gone away and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies. The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, make sure you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath. A boarded-up window can also be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to target a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to enter a store that's been fenced off than one without. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you need to consider seriously.
Member since: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/solihull-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/
