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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Before a storm hits the windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You will need a few items to do this. First, take measurements of 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 doors and windows before the storm or another natural disaster hits. This will minimize property damage and reduce the chance of dying. Window board-up requires an extensive amount of preparation, including purchasing and measuring plywood boards and identifying the exact size of each window to be covered. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about a storm approaching your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by 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. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, dependent on the severity and imminence of the storm. To ensure that you have the right size, you can make use of a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure you consider the framing or trim around each window, as well as any extended sills if applicable. Then, calculate the size of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total width and height by two. For instance, 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 reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. If the window opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 in (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 into the bracing to join the two together. Materials To ensure security and safety, only use materials that are strong and will not break or splinter in strong winds. The most common material used to secure windows is plywood, which is affordable, readily available and easy to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and have less knots and warps. Repair My Windows And Doors is hurricane or storm shutters, which are erected over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and inclement weather. Once you've identified the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to create pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards will be fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate stud locations. If not, you can look for stud positions using your drill. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could become an hazard during 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 require and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will cover. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to the wall. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs so that they are about half as deep as the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you reside or are planning to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the storm you should consider boarding up all your windows and doors. It's a project that can be done quickly and effectively however only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm comes. You'll also require a few other tools, like a drill (or nails and a hammer if you don't have the power drill) as well as tape, a saw, a level, gloves and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof. Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they can fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on the spot as you can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. After installation it is necessary to sand them down completely. them. Once the boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Be sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand strong winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with galvanized pan head screws driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each period. It is important to begin as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you time to finish your project before the storm arrives. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the right materials to secure windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and also protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying debris and other factors that could impact windows. The right tools can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is crucial to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection. Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or disaster situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts, but save them for future emergencies. The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using wood, make sure you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your 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, not the wood framing underneath. Apart from keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded up window is also a great method to deter burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that is not locked. They're also more likely to break into a store that's been boarded up than one that isn't. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you must take seriously.