7 Effective Tips To Make The Most Of Your Boarding Up Windows And Doors

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Insuring your doors and windows prior to an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You'll require several items to accomplish this.

First, measure the window's height and width including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget.

Preparation

It is always best to secure doors and windows prior to a storm or other natural disaster strikes. This will help prevent damage to property and will minimize the loss of life. Boarding up windows requires lots of preparation, including purchasing and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered.  repairmywindowsanddoors  takes time to cut the boards and install them properly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will be able to gather the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require massive quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure you get the right size, make use of a tape measure determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any extended ledges if applicable.

Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height 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 wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet and align them with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.

If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets plywood that are half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and place it over the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.

Materials

To ensure safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not break under pressure or split in high winds. The most common material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap, readily available and easy to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX), as it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. A more durable option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are put up over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and inclement weather.

Once you've identified the location of your windows take measurements of the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill make pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are securely fastened. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the location of studs. You can also use your drill to determine the studs' locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded to these materials alone could be a danger to safety during severe winds.

If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will cover.

To affix the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. Make sure to drive the screws into the studs so that they are half as deep as the thickness of the plywood, however, be cautious not to go too far and damage the underlying structure of your home.

In addition to securing your windows, you should also place a "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 windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from breaking into the house.

Installation

If you live or plan to move to a region which is susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the threat of storms, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm hits.

You'll also require other tools, including a drill (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own an electric drill) and tape, a saw, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring each window opening's size and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on site because you can control the exact dimensions.

Cut the boards to the size you want using a track or circular saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand down all of them. After 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 anchor them. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to withstand high winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood with pan head screws that are galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each period. It is crucial to begin as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you time to finish the project before the storm hits.

Maintenance

You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows before a severe storm. This can help you avoid costly repairs and protect your property from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying debris, and other elements that can affect windows.

The right materials will make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is crucial to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be removed easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets, and consider adding an extra layer of protection.

Mark the places where screws are to be placed into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. Once 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 emergency situations.

Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, ensure that you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.

In addition to 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 with a window that is broken or one that's not secured. They're also more likely to enter a store that's been fenced off than one without. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.