Boarding Up Windows And Doors Tools To Ease Your Daily Lifethe One Boarding Up Windows And Doors Trick Every Individual Should Know
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 should have a few items on your desk.
Measure the width and height of the window, including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is always best to secure doors and windows before a storm or other natural disaster hits. This will prevent property damage and reduce the loss of life. boarding up doors up windows requires lots of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window to cover. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. The process can be simplified by preparing the boards when you learn of a storm approaching your area. You will avoid having to rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.
Begin by listening to weather forecasters and observing the guidelines of your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it allows you time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. 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. To ensure you get the right size, you can make use of a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable.
Divide the total width and the height of your window by two to determine the amount of plywood sheets that you'll require. If your window is wide of 16 inches, 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 you screw in the screws.
If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Then, place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on the top of 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
For safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material for boarding up doors up windows. It is simple to use, affordable, and readily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for added strength and is free of knots and warping. Storm shutters or hurricane shutters are more durable options. They can be put in over existing windows and provide better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather.
Once you've identified 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 create pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. You could also use your drill to determine the locations of studs. Screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could be a danger to safety in the event of severe winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half the size and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each sheet of plywood to let you know which window it will cover.
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 the wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and the studs.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to protect your windows and doors and are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in.
Installation
If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes or plan to move to one the best option is to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to the possibility of a storm is afoot. This project can be done quickly and efficiently however only if you make the effort to measure and cut your plywood before the storm comes.
You'll require additional tools which include a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails for those who don't have an electric tool), an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.
Begin by taking measurements of the width and height of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit within the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on-site as you have more control over the exact dimensions.
Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to the proper size Be aware that you'll need to sand them off once they're installed. Once your boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless steel hanger screws into the framing posts around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to anchor them. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding up service is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
If you're building with concrete block, you could instead attach the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. You'll also have to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project can take up to three hours for each window, so it's important to start the process immediately after you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits.
Maintenance
You should be prepared to secure your windows and doors before a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by wind, rain, flying objects and other causes.
The proper materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. It is important to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to be removed easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.
After you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to safely fasten the boards with 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 leave them in place for any future emergencies.
Next, install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or damage trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is clad with shingles made of vinyl it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath.
A window that is boarded up can be used to discourage burglars. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that's not secured. They're also more likely to attack an establishment that's been closed than one without. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.