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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You will need several items to accomplish this. Take measurements of the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Take note of these measurements so that you don't forget. Preparation It is always best to put up a board on doors and windows prior to a storm or other natural disasters strike. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the chance of a fatality. It requires an enormous amount of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you must know the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. By doing this, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you start the process, the better, as it allows you time to collect and store the required materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and speed of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any ledges that are extended, if appropriate. Divide the width and height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets that you'll require. For instance, 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 to align with the frame of your window to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood that are half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on the top of the seam. Then then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them together. Materials To ensure safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won't break or shatter in strong winds. The most common material used to secure windows is plywood, which is affordable easily available and simple to work with. Pick plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX), as it is more durable and have fewer knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be put in over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather. Once you've identified the position of your windows then measure the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll require. Use a power drill create pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows 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 locations of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud locations using your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached only to these materials can be a danger to safety in severe winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so you know what window it will be covering. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs. Aim to insert the screws into the studs in a way they're about half as deep as the plywood is thick, but be careful not to go too deep and cause damage to the structure of your house. In addition to securing your windows, you should install a “No Trespassing” notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are secured 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 reside or plan to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the threat of storms, it's best to board up all your doors and windows. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood panels are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll also require other tools, such as a drill (or a hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill) as well as a saw, tape, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It's best to do this on site, since it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed, you will need to sand all of them. Once the boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that every screw penetrates at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead attach the plywood to the structure with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the overlapping edges of each panel into bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry before screwing corrosion resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that could take as long as three hours for each window, so it's essential to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you time to finish the project before the storm hits. Maintenance You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows prior to an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other elements. Having the right materials can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. The key is to precisely determine the dimensions of each window you'll have to cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't fall off easily. If you're using plywood be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish. Mark the places where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Make use of a drill to drill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergencies. The next step is to put 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 they are smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath. Apart from keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars will target a building that has a broken window or one that's not secured. They're also more likely to break into the store that has been fenced off than one that isn't. If you're a retailer owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.