Boarding Up Windows And Doors - Fkwiki.Win - Before a Storm Hits

When a storm is approaching the windows and doors can protect your home from damage. You will need several items to accomplish this.

First, measure the window's height and width, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Write these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them.

Preparation

It is always recommended to put up a board on doors and windows prior to the storm or another natural disaster strikes. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. The process of commercial boarding up service up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, including purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window to cover. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing immediately you learn of a possible storm coming in your area. By doing so, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your staff.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines laid out 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 a storm that is about to hit. Depending on the severity of the storm, you might require massive quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as well as any sills that are extended if applicable.

Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by two. For example, if width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilots holes into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will reduce the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood that are each half as large as the desired window. Then, 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 sheets of plywood and lay it over the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two.

Materials

To ensure safety and security, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or split in high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and easily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free of knots and warping. A sturdier alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.

Once you've identified the position of the window openings then measure the width and height of each to determine how much plywood you will need. Use a power drill drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be an hazard during strong winds.

If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood each half the size and join them using two by four inches of lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which 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. Make sure to insert the screws into the studs in a way that they are about half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your home.

In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to put up a "No Trespassing" sign on your property boarding up, and consider installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed to the existing glass and safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually impervious to breakage and can deter burglars from gaining entry into your home.

Installation

If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one, the best option is to board up your doors and windows before the possibility of a storm is afoot. It's a project that can be completed quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm comes.

You'll also require other tools, like a drill (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own a power drill) and a saw, tape, a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood and 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 the spot since you will have more control over the exact dimensions.

Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll have to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand strong winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours per period. It is important to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying objects and other causes.

The right materials will make the house boarding up service up process faster and easier to complete. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.

After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will be inserted 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 secure the boards in an emergency boarding up cost or emergency situation. After the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies.

The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood, sand the edges to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or damage trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing.

A boarded-up window can also be used to deter burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a locked or broken window. They are also more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one with. If you're a business owner, this is something you must take seriously.