Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Boarding up your doors and windows before an event can give you the protection you need against damage. You will need several items to accomplish this.

First, take measurements of the window’s width and height, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you won’t forget.

Preparation

It is best to cover your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. It takes a lot of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you should be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in 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. By doing this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it allows you time to collect and store the needed items without being pushed by a fast-approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and intensity of the storm. 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 take into account the trim or framing surrounding each window, as and any sills with extended extensions if applicable.

Divide the total width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets you’ll require. If your window has a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will prevent 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 intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Then cut a piece 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 over the seam. Then you can 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 be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, affordable and readily available. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows that are already in place to provide more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you’ve determined the location of the window openings, measure the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you will need. Utilize a power drill to drill pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads in order to determine stud location. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached only to these materials can cause a safety risk in the event of strong winds.

If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet to let you know which window it will be covering.

To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs.

It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from breaking into the house.

Installation

If you reside or plan to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. It’s a task that can be completed quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.

You’ll also require a few other tools, like a drill (or an hammer and nails for those who don’t own a power drill) and tape, a saw gloves, a level and safety glasses. It’s also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring each window’s size and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on site since you will can control the exact dimensions.

Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. Once they’re installed you’ll need to sand all of them. Once the boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to secure them. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.

If you’re building with concrete blocks, you can instead join the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It’s a job that can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, so it’s essential to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm strikes.

Maintenance

If you’re a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the required materials to board up doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and shield your home from further damage resulting from rain, wind, flying debris and other factors that can affect windows.

The proper materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of the windows 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 ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about 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 into the plywood. service for boarding up windows can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them for future emergencies.

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 your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.

A window that has been boarded up may be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to take aim at a structure with a broken or unlocked window. They’re also more likely to enter a store that’s been boarded up than one without. If you’re a retail business owner, this is something you must take seriously.