10 Boarding Up Windows And Doors-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Before a storm hits, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you'll should have a few things on your desk.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements to ensure you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board on doors and windows prior to an event like a storm or natural disaster hits. This will stop property damage and minimize loss of life. It takes an enormous amount of planning to put up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. The process can be streamlined by preparing the boards immediately you hear of an approaching storm. By doing so you will stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees.
Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process, the better, as it allows you plenty of time to collect and store the needed items without being pushed by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are necessary.
Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need 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 your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws.
If the window opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (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, 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, only use materials that are sturdy and won't break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, inexpensive, and easily available. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) because it is stronger and will contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are a more durable option. They can be put in over existing windows and provide greater protection against broken glasses and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've determined the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Then you can use a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud locations using your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials may become an hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood that are half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to secure the plywood panels to the wall. To secure 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.
In addition to securing your windows, you should also put up an "No Trespassing" sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are fixed to existing glass and shield your windows and door. They are virtually impervious to breakage and discourage burglars from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best option is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the danger of a storm arrives. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the boards are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm hits.
You'll also need a few other tools, such as a drill (or nails and a hammer if you don't have an electric drill) as well as tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. boarding up doorway 's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, then cutting your plywood sheets so they can fit inside the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on-site since you will have more control over the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand down all of them. Once your boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. Be sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure that the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can instead join the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each piece into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project could take as long as three hours per window, which is why it's important to start the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to complete the task before the storm strikes.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other factors.
The right materials will make the boarding-up process faster and easier to complete. The key is to precisely determine the dimensions of each window you'll must cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be removed easily. If you're using plywood, make sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish.
After you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a disaster situation. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.
The next step is to 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 paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.
In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarding up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. Also, they are more likely to break into the store with a boarded up window than one with. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.