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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Before a storm hits the windows and doors will protect you from damage. To do this, you'll should have a few things in the go. First, take measurements of the width and height of the window including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you won't forget. Preparation It is recommended to put up a board on doors and windows before the storm or another natural disaster hits. This will help prevent damage to property and minimize loss of life. It takes a lot of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you need to know the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards correctly. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations as soon you hear about an approaching storm. You can avoid stress at the last minute and make it easier for you and your staff. Start by listening to the weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as and any sills with extended extensions in the event that they are required. Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window's total height and width 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 that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when you screw into the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and then place it on 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. Materials For safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most commonly used material to secure windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. Pick plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it will be stronger and contain fewer warps and knots. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more durable option. They can be put in over existing windows and provide better protection against glass breakage 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. Use a power drill make pilot holes into the plywood sheets around the windows at two-inch intervals. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine the stud location. In other cases, you can search for stud locations using your drill. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can be a danger to safety during strong winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you require. join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so you know what window it will be covering. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs to secure the plywood panels to your wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to get through both the sheathing and the studs. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from gaining entry. Installation If you live or are planning to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are concerned about the storm, it's best to board up your doors and windows. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll also require other tools, like drills (or nails and a hammer in the event that you don't have a power drill) and a saw, tape, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the window's width and height. Then, cut boarding up property to fit into the frames. This is best done on-site as you can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once installed, you will need to sand them down completely. them. Once the boards are in place then screw the 3” stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds. If you are building with 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 bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. It's a job that can take up to three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete your project before the storm hits. Maintenance It is recommended to secure your windows and doors before an extreme storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other factors. The right tools can make the boarding up process much easier and quicker to complete. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a protective finish. Once you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the spots where screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the plywood to the frame using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing. Besides keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarding up window is also a good method to deter burglaries. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a damaged window or one that is not locked. They're also more likely enter the store that has been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.