Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

boarding up service near me up your windows and doorways before a storm strikes can provide the protection you need against damage. You'll require some items to accomplish this.

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

Preparation

It is always recommended to secure doors and windows before the storm or another natural disasters strike. This will prevent property damage and minimize loss of life. It requires an enormous amount of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you should be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. Fortunately this can be simplified by beginning the preparations immediately you learn of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid a stressful rush at the last minute and make it easier for both you and your employees.

Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and store them without feeling rushed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may need large quantities of plywood to cover your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to take into account the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as and any sills with extended extensions when applicable.

Divide the width and height of your window by 2 to determine the size of plywood sheets you'll need. 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 to align with the frame of your window to prevent splitting when you screw into the screws.

If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle cut two sheets of plywood that are each half as big as the window you want to use. Place them side by side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and then place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet, and then through the bracing to join the two together.

Materials

To ensure security and safety, boarding up windows and doors should be done using only sturdy materials that won't break under pressure or splinter in 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 of the exterior grade (CDX) because it will be stronger and contain fewer warps and knots. A stronger alternative is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows already in use to offer more protection from glass breaking and the weather that can cause a lot of damage.

Once you've identified the location of the window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine how much plywood you will need. Utilize a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are secured. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. You could also use your drill to determine the stud locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials may be a danger to safety in high winds.

If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you require. join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood panel so that you can identify which window it will be covering.

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. Try to drive the screws into the studs so that they are about half as deep as the plywood is thick, boarding up windows and doors but be careful not to go too deep and cause damage to the structure of your house.

In addition to securing your windows, it is also advisable to put up an "No Trespassing" notice on the property and consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are secured to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually impervious to breakage and deter criminals from breaking into the house boarding up service.

Installation

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or are planning on moving to one, the best way to protect yourself is to board up your doors and windows prior to the threat of a storm approaches. This project can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if you take the time to measure, cut and label your plywood panels prior to when the storm hits.

You'll also require other tools, such as drills (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have a power drill) and a saw, tape, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring the window's width and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. This is best done on the spot as you have more control over the exact dimensions.

Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. Once they're installed you'll need to sand all of them. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to ensure they are secured. Be sure that each screw is inserted at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand strong winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood using galvanized pan head screws which are driven into the edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. You will also need to drill pilots into the masonry, and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. It's a job that can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, so it's important to start the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the task before the storm hits.

Maintenance

You should be prepared to secure your doors and windows before the onset of a severe storm. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements.

The appropriate materials will make boarding up door simpler and faster. The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of the windows you'll must cover. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets, and consider adding an extra layer of protection.

Note the locations where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have taken measurements of the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency boarding up cost situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received the all-clear by local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, boarding up windows and doors but leave them in place for future emergencies.

Then, you can install the plywood panels above the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood ensure that you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, you can attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing underneath.

A window that has been boarded up may be used to stop burglars. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure that has a damaged or unlocked window. They are also more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one without. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.