Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your windows and doorways before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. You will need a few items to do this. First, take measurements of the window's height and width including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements to ensure that you don't lose them. Preparation It is recommended to put up a cover your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will reduce property damage and reduce the chance of a fatality. Window board-up requires a lot of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. Moreover, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing so, you can avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you plenty of time to collect and store the needed materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and speed of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable. Then, determine the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet that align with the window frame beneath to prevent splitting when you screw in the screws. If the window opening is greater than the size of a single 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. Then, cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and 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 For safety and security, boarding up windows and doors should be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most commonly used material to encase windows is plywood, which is cheap accessible and simple to work with. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength and is free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are more durable options. They can be erected over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather. Once you've identified the position of your windows then measure the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll need. Then make use of 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 the boards will be fastened securely. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads in order to determine stud location. You can also use your drill to determine the stud locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials may cause a safety risk in the event of severe winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will cover. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. Aim to insert the screws into the studs such that they are half as deep as 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 protecting your windows, it is also advisable to install a "No Trespassing" sign on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you live or are planning to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll require additional tools, including drills, saws (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have an electric tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window's opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit inside the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It is best to do this on-site, as it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down once they've been put in. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds. If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using pan head screws galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project can take three hours per period. It is essential to begin the project as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm hits. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your doors and windows prior to a severe storm. This can save you money on repairs and also protect your home from further damage resulting from wind, rain, flying debris and other factors that can impact the windows. The right materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish. Once you have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure 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 save them in case of emergency. The next step is to place 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 be sure to sand the edges of the piece to smooth them so that they don't scratch paint or trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing beneath. Besides keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely break into an establishment that's been boarded up as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners must take seriously.