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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. You'll require a few items to do this. Measure the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Write these measurements down to ensure you don't forget them. Preparation It is recommended to board up doors and windows prior to a storm or other natural disaster hits. This will limit property damage and reduce the risk of death. Window board-up requires lots of preparation, like purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and then install them correctly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees. Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the imminent event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure that you have the right size, you can make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as well as any extended sills when applicable. Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window has a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. For a window opening that 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 set them side-byside on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge 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. huddersfield boarding up To ensure security and safety for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and readily available. Pick plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. A stronger option is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are put up over existing windows to provide greater protection against shattered glass and inclement weather. Once you've determined 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 the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. You can also use a drill to determine the stud locations. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be a hazard in strong winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. Try to drive the screws into the studs so they're about half as deep as the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too far and harm the underlying structure of your house. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from gaining entry. Installation If you live or are planning to move to a place susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the possibility of a storm it is recommended to board up your doors and windows. It's a project that can be completed quickly and efficiently but only if take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm hits. You'll also need a few other tools, such as drills (or nails and a hammer in the event that you don't have the power drill) as well as tape, a saw gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof. Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. It's best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they're put in. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to anchor them. Be sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds. If you're building using concrete block, you could instead join the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each piece into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours per window, so it's essential to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you plenty of 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 prior to the onset of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other factors. The right tools will make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish. Note the locations where the screws are going to be inserted into the board once you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person task So, be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood, make sure you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing. Apart from keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a good method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely to target a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely to attack an establishment that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.