10 Unexpected Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tips

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your windows and doorways before an event can give you an effective protection against damage. You'll need several items to accomplish this. First, measure the window's height and width, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget them. Preparation It is best to cover your doors and windows before the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires an enormous amount of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you need to be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. Moreover, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations as soon as you hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid stress at the last minute and make it easier for you and your staff. Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and store them without feeling rushed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may need massive quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Make use of a tape to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to take into account the framing or trim that surrounds each window as and any sills with extended extensions in the event that they are required. Next, calculate the size of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing the total window height and width by 2. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to avoid splitting when you screw into the screws. If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood that are half as big as the window you want to use. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Then, cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (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 into the bracing to join the two. Materials To ensure security and safety for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap, readily available and easy to work with. Pick plywood that is exterior grade (CDX), as it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are more durable options. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against glass breakage and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've identified the location of your window openings, measure the width and height of each one to determine how much plywood you'll require. Then make use of a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. You can also use your drill to locate the stud locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. emergency boarding up luton attached only to these materials can be a danger to safety during severe winds. If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know what window it will be covering. To affix the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and studs. Try to drive the screws into the studs so that they are about half the depth of the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too far and damage the underlying structure of your house. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are secured to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and doors. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home. Installation If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best course of action is to board up your windows and doors before the possibility of a storm is afoot. It's a task that can be done quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure and cut your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits. You'll need other tools as well such as drills, saws (or nail-driven hammer in the event that you don't have the power tool) and the level, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof. Start by measuring the height and width of each window's opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit inside the frames, with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. This is best done on-site because you are more in control of the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they're installed. After your boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to anchor them. Make sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. If you're building using concrete block, you can attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each panel to form bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take anywhere from three to four hours for each window, so it's essential to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you time to finish your project before the storm hits. Maintenance You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows before an extreme storm. This can save you money on repairs and shield your home from further damage resulting from rain, wind, flying debris, and other elements that could impact windows. The appropriate materials will make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it won't come off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish. Mark the locations where the screws will need to be placed into the board after you have measured the OSB or plywood. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to safely attach the boards to hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm has gone away and you've received all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergency situations. The next step is to place the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down 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 to the wood framing. A window that has been boarded up may be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to attack the store that has been boarded up than one that isn't. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you need to consider seriously.