Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
When a storm is approaching and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors will protect you from damage. To accomplish this, you will must have a few things on your desk.
Find the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Note these measurements to ensure you don't forget them.
Preparation
It is recommended to board up your doors and windows before the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. boarding up doors guildford will help prevent damage to property 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 must be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. The process can be streamlined by starting the preparations when you learn of a storm approaching your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute and make it simpler for you and your staff.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, the better, as it allows you time to gather and store the required materials without feeling pressured by a rapidly approaching storm. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows dependent on the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are necessary.
Next, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing your window's total width and height by two. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet and align them with the frame of your window to avoid splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood that are half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood, and place it on top of the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
Materials
To ensure security and safety For your safety and security, only use materials that are sturdy and won't break or shatter in high winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is inexpensive easily available and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be put in over existing windows and provide better protection against shattered glasses and storms.
Once you've identified the location of your window openings then measure the height and width of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Use a power drill to create pilot holes in the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of 2 inches. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home has wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. You can also use your drill to locate the locations of studs. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials may become dangerous in winds that are strong.
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 using two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece so that you know which window it will be covering.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs.
In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to put up an "No Trespassing" sign on the property and consider installing polycarbonate security glazing like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass and safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from breaking into the house.
Installation
If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one the best option is to board up your windows and doors before the danger of a storm arrives. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm hits.
You'll require other tools as well, including drills, saws (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have a power tool), the level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof.
Begin by measuring each window opening's height and width. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on-site because you have more control over the exact dimensions.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you'll need to sand them down after they're installed. Once your boards are in place put the 3 inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing 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 using concrete blocks, you can instead join the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the overlapping edges of each piece into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours per period. It is crucial to begin the project as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you ample time to finish the project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the right materials to board up windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements.
The right materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to accurately determine the dimensions of each window you have to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it won't come off easily. If you're using plywood ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding an extra layer of protection.
After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals into the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future.
Next, put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person task So, be prepared prior to starting. If you're using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles, and not the wood framing.
A window that has been boarded up may be used to stop burglars. Burglars will target a building that has a broken window or one that's not secured. Also, they are 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.