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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. You'll need a few items to do this. First, measure the width and height of the window including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements to ensure you don't forget them. Preparation It is recommended to secure windows and doors before an event like a storm or natural disaster hits. This will limit property damage and reduce the risk of death. It requires lots of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process made simpler by preparing immediately you learn of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees. Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by a storm that is about to hit. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may require large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are necessary. Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets you will need. If your window is wide of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame beneath to prevent splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the window you wish to cover. 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 edge of the plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then you can drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them. Materials To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are sturdy and will not break or splinter in high winds. The most commonly used material to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap accessible and simple to work with. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength and is free of knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are more durable options. They can be erected over existing windows and offer greater protection against broken glasses and storms. Once you've determined the location of the window openings 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, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine the stud position. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials may be a danger to safety in the event of high winds. If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood that are each half the size and join them with two by four inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so you know what 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 the wall. 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. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking into. Installation If you live or are planning to move to a place that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm you should consider boarding up your doors and windows. This project can be completed quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure and cut your plywood panels prior to when the storm arrives. You'll also require other tools, like drills (or an hammer and nails if you don't have an electric drill) and tape, a saw an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood in order to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on the spot since you will can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. After installation you'll need to sand down all of them. Once you've put your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Make boarding up doors repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete block, you could instead attach the plywood to the building by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the overlapping edges of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. The project could take about three hours for each time period. It is important to start the work as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the task prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the required materials to board up windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other causes. The proper materials can make boarding up easier and quicker. It is crucial to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an additional protective finish. After you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. This will allow you to safely attach the boards to hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of 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 use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with vinyl shingles, it's 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 great way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely attack an establishment that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.