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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows prior to an event can give you an effective protection against damage. To do this, you'll should have a few items on the go. Take measurements of the height and width of the window, including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget. Preparation It is recommended to put up a cover your doors and windows before the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. The process of boarding up windows requires an extensive amount of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process made simpler by preparing immediately you learn of a possible storm coming in your area. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the needed items without being pushed by a rapidly approaching storm. It is possible that you will require a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, according to the severity and imminence of the storm. To ensure you get the right size, make use of a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure you consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window, as well as any extended sills in the event that they are required. Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the size of plywood sheets that you'll need. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will help reduce the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can take cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edge of the plywood sheets and place it on top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and through the bracing to join the two together. Materials To ensure safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is simple to work with, cheap, and easily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for added strength, and free of knots and warping. A more durable option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over existing windows to provide more protection from glass breaking and inclement weather. Once you've identified the position of your window openings then measure the width and height of each to determine how much plywood you'll need. Then make use of a power drill to create pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate the location of studs. You can also use a drill to find the stud locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached to these materials alone could be a danger to safety in high winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you could cut two pieces of plywood each half of the size needed and join them using two by four inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece to let you know what window it will be covering. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use screws made of corrosion-resistant that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs. You should also consider installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best way to protect yourself is to secure your windows and doors before the threat of a storm approaches. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives. You'll also require other tools, like a drill (or a hammer and nails if you don't have the power drill) and tape, a saw a level, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof. Start by measuring the window's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. This is best done on-site as you can control the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand them down completely. them. Once you've got your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw is able to penetrate 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 block, you could instead attach the plywood to the structure using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that could take as long as three hours per window, which is why it's essential to begin 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 the onset of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other causes. The right tools will make the boarding-up process faster and easier to complete. It is crucial to accurately measure every window. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you're using plywood make sure you use exterior grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish. Once boarding up and burglary repairs have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a emergency situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergency situations. The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared prior to starting. If you're using wood, make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then make use of corrosion-resistant screws join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home is lined with shingles made of vinyl, it's best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath. Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also a great method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely attack a building that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to enter an establishment that's been closed as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retailer owner, this is a matter you need to consider seriously.