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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few items on the go. First, take measurements of the window's height and width including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you won't forget. Preparation It is best to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. Boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. The process can be streamlined by preparing the boards when you learn of a storm approaching your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it easier for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without feeling rushed by a storm that is about to hit. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim around each window, as and any sills with extended extensions if applicable. Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you will need. 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 in the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will help reduce the chance of splitting when you insert the screws. If the window opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can take, cut two separate 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 sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two together. Materials To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are sturdy and will not be damaged or break in strong winds. The most popular material used to secure windows is plywood, which is inexpensive, readily available and easy to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A stronger alternative is hurricane or storm shutters, which are put up over windows that are already in place to provide greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've determined the location of your window openings take measurements of the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the locations of studs. You could also use your drill to find the studs' locations. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel attached only to these materials may become an hazard during strong winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each half the size you require. join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet so you know what window it will cover. 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. Aim to insert the screws into the studs so they're about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too far and cause damage to the structure of your house. In addition to securing your windows, it is also advisable to install a "No Trespassing" notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and deter criminals from attempting to break into your home. Installation If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best option is to secure your windows and doors before the threat of a storm approaches. It's a project that can be accomplished quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm arrives. You'll also need a few other tools, such as drills (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have a power drill) as well as a saw, tape, gloves, a level 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 your plywood sheets to ensure they fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on the spot because you are more in control of the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed it is necessary to sand all of them. After your boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the 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're building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood using pan head screws galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each time period. It is crucial to begin as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you ample time to finish the project before the storm arrives. Maintenance You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows before an extreme storm. boarding up services hackney repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other factors. The appropriate materials will make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you'll have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish. Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where screws will go into the board. Then, you can use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This allows you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. 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 a need in the future. The next step is to install the plywood panels above the windows. This is a two-person task So be prepared before starting. If you're using wood, make sure you sand the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing. In addition to keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a great way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a window that is broken or one that's not secured. They are also more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one that has no. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.
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