Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tools To Make Your Daily Life Boarding U…

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

The act of boarding up service up your doors and windows prior to the storm hits can offer the protection you need against damage. To accomplish this, you will need to have a few things in your desk.

First, take measurements of the window's width and height, including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget.

Preparation

It is recommended to put up a put up a board on your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will minimize damage to property boarding up and decrease the chance of dying. Boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window that needs to be covered. It also takes time to cut the boards and install them properly. The process can be simplified by preparing the boards immediately you hear of an approaching storm. By doing so, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your staff.

Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may need large quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and Boarding up windows width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any extended ledges if appropriate.

Divide the width and height of your window by two to determine the size of plywood sheets you'll need. If your window measures 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 frame of your window to reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood and then place it on the top of the seam. Then, screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two.

Materials

To ensure security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done using only sturdy materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is a popular material to board up windows. It is easy to work with, cheap and readily available. Choose plywood that is exterior grade (CDX), as it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. A stronger option is hurricane or storm shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you've determined the location of your window openings take measurements of the height and width of each to determine how much plywood you'll need. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud positions with your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing; A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could become a hazard in strong winds.

If the size of your window is too big for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you need and join them with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.

Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to secure the plywood panels to your wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs.

You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields bond over the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking into.

Installation

If you reside or intend to move to an area susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. It's a project that can be completed quickly and effectively but only if take the time to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.

You'll require other tools as well, including drills, saws (or a hammer with nails if you do not have an electric tool) as well as a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.

Start by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on site as you are more in control of the exact dimensions.

Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they've been put in. Once your boards are in place then screw the 3" 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 each screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand the force of high winds.

If you are building with concrete blocks, you can join the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilots into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that can take up to three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm hits.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you should have the necessary supplies to put up a board around windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other elements.

The proper materials will make boarding up a door simpler and faster. It is essential to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well and won't come off easily. If you're using plywood make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.

After you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Utilize a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a catastrophe situation. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them in case of emergency boarding up.

Next, put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to make them smooth so that they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not to the wood framing.

In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded-up window is also a good method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely target a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They are also more likely to break in stores with a smashed-up window than one with. If you're a retailer owner, this is something you should take seriously.