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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your windows and doorways before an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You'll need a few items to do this. Find the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget. Preparation It is recommended to board up doors and windows before an event like a storm or natural disaster strikes. This will stop property damage and will minimize the loss of life. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, such as buying and measuring plywood boards as well as determining the exact size of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. It is possible to speed up the process by starting the preparations as soon you hear about an approaching storm. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your employees. Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll be able to gather the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure you get the correct size, use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary. Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window 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 a wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to align with the frame of your window to prevent splitting when screwing into the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two 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 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and then place it over 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. Materials To ensure safety and security ensure safety and security, use only materials that are sturdy and won't break or splinter in strong winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and easily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for added strength, and free from knots and warping. A stronger option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are erected over existing windows to provide more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe. 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. Utilize a power drill to 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 securely fastened. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could become a hazard in strong winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you need 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 your wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing as well as the studs. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. boarding up company near me are bonded to existing glass and shield your windows and doors. They are virtually impervious to breakage and can deter burglars from breaking into the house. Installation If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best course of action is to board up your doors and windows prior to the danger of a storm arrives. This project can be completed quickly and effectively however only if you make the effort to measure and cut your plywood panels prior to when the storm comes. You'll also require a few other tools, such as drills (or nails and a hammer if you don't have the power drill), a saw, tape, a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood, as well, to make it waterproof. Start by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they can fit inside the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. This is best done on-site since you will can control the exact dimensions. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size, and remember that you'll have to sand them off once they're installed. After your boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wing nuts to secure them. Be sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand the force of high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with galvanized pan head screws that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours per time period. It is crucial to begin as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm strikes. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the necessary materials to board up windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and shield your property from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying debris, and other elements that can impact the windows. The right materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and won't come off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a protective finish. Once you have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. This will allow you to safely attach the boards to hanger bolts during an emergency or disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts but keep them in place for any future emergency situations. The next step is to install the plywood panels above the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood with corrosion-resistant screws 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 to the wood framing. Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a great method to stop burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that's not locked. They're also more likely break into the store that has been closed than one that isn't. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you must take seriously.