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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows before a storm strikes can provide an effective protection against damage. To do this, you'll should have a few things in hand. First, measure the window's width and height, including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Note these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them. Preparation It is best to put up a board on your doors and windows before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will stop property damage and reduce the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards as well as determining the exact dimensions of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and put in the boards properly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute, and make it simpler for you and your staff. Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you start the process, the better, as it gives you enough time to collect and store the required materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are necessary. Divide the width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll require. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame beneath to prevent splitting when screwing into the screws. If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets plywood that are half as large as the window you wish to cover. Place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood and place it on the top of the seam. Then, 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 break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material for boarding up windows. It is simple to work with, cheap, and readily available. Pick plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more robust option. They can be installed over existing windows and offer greater protection against broken glasses and inclement weather. Once you've identified the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that may indicate stud locations. You can also use a drill to determine the locations of studs. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk during high winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are 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 cover. To affix the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs in a way that they are half the depth of the thickness of the plywood, but be careful not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your house. In addition to protecting your windows, you should also install a “No Trespassing” sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and discourage burglars from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or plan to move to one the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows prior to the danger of a storm arrives. boarding up property repairmywindowsanddoors can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood panels are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm. You'll need additional tools such as a drill, a saw (or nail-driven hammer for those who don't have an electric tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the window's size and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on the spot because you are more in control of the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they're put in. After your boards are set then screw the 3” stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Be sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is strong enough to withstand high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood with galvanized pan head screws that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each time period. It is important to start the work as soon as a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you ample time to finish the project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the required materials to secure windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other elements. The appropriate materials will make boarding up easier and quicker. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of each window you have to cover. 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 make sure you use exterior grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish. Once you have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies. The next step is to install the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a job for two people, so be prepared prior to starting. If you are using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so that they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing beneath. Apart from keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars will target a building that has a broken window or one that's not locked. They're also more likely to break into the store that has been closed than one that isn't. If you're a business owner, this is something you must take seriously.