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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your doors and windows prior to the storm hits can offer an effective protection against damage. You'll need a few items to do this. Measure the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements down to ensure that you don't lose them. Preparation It is always recommended to secure doors and windows prior to an event like a storm or natural disasters strike. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it simpler for you and your employees. Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape to measure the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable. Divide the width and height of your window by 2 to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll need. For example, if 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 help reduce the possibility of 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 intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood, and place it on the top of the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet, and then through the bracing to join the two together. Materials For safety and security, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only solid materials that won't break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most common material used to secure windows is plywood, which is inexpensive, readily available and easy to work with. Select plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be installed over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against glass breakage and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've determined the location of the window openings, you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that might indicate stud locations. 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 that is attached only to these materials can become a safety hazard in severe winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you require and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you can identify which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. Aim to insert the screws into the studs so they're about half the depth of the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too deep and damage the underlying structure of your house. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are secured over existing glazing and protect your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you reside or intend to move to a place susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the possibility of a storm you should consider boarding up all your doors and windows. This project can be done quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits. You'll also require other tools, like drills (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have an electric drill), tape, a saw, gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof. Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit within the frames, with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on the spot because you have more control over the exact dimensions. Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you'll have to sand them off once they're installed. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to anchor them. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood using pan head screws that are galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that could take as long as three hours per window, which is why it's important to start the process when you learn that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm arrives. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your windows and doors before an extreme storm. This can help you avoid costly repairs and protect your property from further damage from rain, wind, flying debris and other factors that could impact windows. The right tools can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. The key is to precisely take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you must cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a second protective finish. Mark the places where the screws are going to be inserted into the board once you have measured the plywood or OSB. Then, use emergency boarding up services Repair My Windows And Doors drilling machine to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This allows you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. Once the storm has passed and you've received the all-clear by authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts but keep them in place for any future emergencies. Then, you can install the plywood panels above the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood make sure you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to connect the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing beneath. Besides keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also an effective method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely to take aim at a structure that has a locked or broken window. Also, they are more likely to break into stores with a smashed-up window than one with. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.