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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm the windows and doors will protect you from damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things in your desk. First, take measurements of the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget. Preparation It is always best to secure windows and doors before the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will limit property damage and reduce the chance of a fatality. It takes lots of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you must know the specific dimensions of each window. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. By doing this you will stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, as it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the required materials without feeling strained by a fast-approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows dependent on the severity and speed of the storm. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Make sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if appropriate. Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window height and width by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when screwing into the screws. If the window opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (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 then, 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, only use materials that are durable and won't be damaged or break in strong winds. Plywood is a popular material for boarding up windows. It is easy to work with, cheap, and readily available. service for boarding up windows that is exterior grade (CDX), as it will be stronger and have fewer knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are more durable options. They can be put in over existing windows and provide better protection against shattered glasses and storms. 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. Use a power drill drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine stud locations. If not, you can look for stud locations using your drill. Make sure you drive the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could be dangerous in winds that are strong. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces which are each half the size you require and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood sheet to let you know which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs. 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 windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from breaking into the house. Installation If you live in or plan to move to an area which is susceptible to hurricanes and are concerned about the possibility of a storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives. You'll require additional tools such as drills, saws (or nail-driven hammer in the event that you don't have a power tool) as well as an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the height and width of each window opening, then cutting the plywood sheets so that they can fit inside the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on-site since you will are more in control of the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. After installation you'll need to sand down all of them. Once you've got your boards place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to secure them. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can instead join the plywood to the structure by using galvanized pan-head screws that are driven through the overlapping edges of each panel into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project can take three hours per time period. It is crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete your project before the storm arrives. Maintenance You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your windows and doors before a severe storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain debris, flying objects and other elements. The right materials will make boarding easier and quicker. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of each window you must cover. This will ensure the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly and will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding an extra layer of protection. Note the locations where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have measured the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a catastrophe situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them for future emergencies. The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job So be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, nail the plywood to the frame with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath. In addition to keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars will target a building with a damaged window or one that is not locked. Also, they are more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one with. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you must take seriously.