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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your doors and windows before an event can give you measurable protection against damage. To do this, you'll need to have a few things on your desk. First, measure the window's width and height including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Write these measurements down so you don't forget them. Preparation It is always recommended to board up windows and doors before the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. It requires a lot of planning to build a board around windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you must be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. The process can be simplified by starting the preparations immediately you hear of a storm approaching your area. By doing so, you can avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your employees. Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure that you have the correct size, make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if applicable. Divide the width and height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets that you'll need. 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 to align with the window frame underneath to avoid splitting when screwing into the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (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 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, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most common material used to board up windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. Select Repair My Windows And Doors that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is more durable and contain fewer warps and knots. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be erected over windows that are already in place and offer greater protection against broken glasses and storms. Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate the location of studs. You could also use your drill to locate the studs' locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel that is attached only to these materials can become a safety hazard during severe winds. If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are half the size and join them with 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 long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs. In addition to securing your windows, you should also put up an “No Trespassing” sign on your property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and discourage burglars from breaking into the house. Installation If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or plan to move to one the best course of action is to secure your windows and doors before the possibility of a storm is afoot. This project can be accomplished quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits. You'll also need a few other tools, including drills (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own the power drill) and a saw, tape, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It is a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on-site because you have more control over the exact dimensions. Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you'll have to sand them off once they've been put in. Once your boards are set, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to secure them. Make sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using pan head screws that are galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours for each time period. It is essential to begin the project as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm hits. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your windows and doors before an extreme storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other elements. Having the right materials will make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of the windows you need to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to fall off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection. After you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the areas where screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts but keep them in place for any future emergencies. Next, install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person task, so be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing beneath. A window that has been boarded up may be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely target a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to enter an establishment that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retail business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.