Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm the windows and doors will protect you from damage. You will need a few items to do this. Measure the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Write these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them. Preparation It is recommended to put up a board on doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will limit damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. Window board-up requires lots of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. Fortunately, the process can be simplified by starting the preparations as soon as you hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute and make it easier for you and your staff. Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you time to collect and store the necessary items without being pushed by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any extended ledges if applicable. Divide the total width and the height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you will need. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Then place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and then place it on top of 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 security and safety For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and will not break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and readily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. A stronger option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are put up 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 have identified the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then you can use a power drill to create pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southampton-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions with your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel bonded to these materials may be a danger to safety in high winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know what window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to secure the plywood panels to your wall. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs so that they are half the depth of the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your home. In addition to protecting your windows, you should also place an "No Trespassing" notice on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from breaking into the house. Installation If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best course of action is to put up a board on your windows and doors before the possibility of a storm is afoot. This project can be accomplished quickly and effectively but only if make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood before the storm arrives. You'll require other tools as well, including drills, saws (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have a power tool), the level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow 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's best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the size you want with a track or circular saw. Once installed you'll need 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 penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to the masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take up to three hours per window, which is why it's crucial to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you time to finish the project before the storm arrives. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the required materials to secure doors and windows ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other causes. The right tools will make the boarding-up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well and will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding an additional protective finish. Note the locations where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a emergency situation. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts but keep them for future emergencies. The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared prior to starting. If you're using plywood ensure that you sand the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with shingles made of vinyl it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing beneath. A window that has been boarded up may be used to stop burglars. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a window that is broken or one that is not locked. They're also more likely to break into a store that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you must take seriously.