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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. To do this, you'll need to have a few items on the go. Take measurements of the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Note these measurements so you don't forget them. Preparation It is always best to board up doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disaster hits. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, like 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 it is possible to make the process simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your staff. Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges that are extended, if appropriate. Then, determine the size of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total width and height by two. For example, 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 drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws. For a window opening that is bigger than what a 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. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood, and place it on the top of the seam. 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 ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and will not break or splinter in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is easy to work with, cheap, and readily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) to ensure strength, and free of knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are more durable options. They can be put in over windows that are already in place and offer greater protection against broken glasses and weather conditions that can be severe. 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. Use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If boarding up windows near me has wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. Otherwise, you can probe for stud locations using your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could become a hazard in strong winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from breaking into the house. Installation If you live or are planning to move to an area which is susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm. You'll also need a few other tools, like drills (or an hammer and nails for those who don't own an electric drill) and tape, a saw, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof. Start by measuring the window's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on site as you are more in control of the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the size you want with a track or circular saw. Once installed you'll need to sand down all of them. Once the boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand the force of high winds. If you're building with concrete block, you could attach the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each piece into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to make pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. It's a project that can take up to three hours for each window, so it's crucial to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to board up windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other causes. The appropriate materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well and will not fall off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a protective finish. Once you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a disaster situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergency situations. The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person task So be prepared prior to starting. If you are using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing. A window that is boarded up can be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure with a broken or unlocked window. Also, they are more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one that has no. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.