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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Boarding up your windows and doorways before an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You'll require several items to accomplish this. First, measure the window's height and width including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Take note of these measurements so that you won't forget. Preparation It is best to cover your doors and windows prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will stop property damage and reduce the loss of life. Boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact size of each window that needs to be covered. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. Fortunately it is possible to make the process made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute, and make it easier for both you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll be able to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by a storm that is about to hit. 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. Make use of a tape to determine the width and height of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, as well as any ledges with extended edges if they are applicable. Divide the total width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets that you will need. For instance, if the width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes into the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will reduce the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets plywood that are each half as large as the window you wish to cover. Then place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood and 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 safety and security For your safety and security, only use materials that are durable and will not break or shatter in strong winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and easily available. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it is more durable and have fewer knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust option. They can be erected over existing windows and offer greater protection against broken glasses and storms. Once you've identified the location of your windows take measurements of the height and width of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll need. Then make use of the power drill to drill pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that could indicate stud locations. You can also use your drill to find the studs' locations. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could become dangerous in winds that are strong. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet of plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering. To affix 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 attach boarding up windows service to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. In addition to securing your windows, you should also install a “No Trespassing” sign on your property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually indestructible and can deter burglars from breaking into the house. Installation If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or plan to move to one, the best option is to board up your windows and doors before the possibility of a storm is afoot. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm. You'll need other tools as well, including the drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails in the event that you don't have a power tool), an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to 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 a 4-inch overlap on all sides. This is best done on the spot as you have more control over the exact dimensions. Cut the boards to the size you want with a track or circular saw. After installation it is necessary to sand all of them. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3 inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt and wings nuts to anchor them. 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 withstand strong winds. If you're building using concrete block, you can attach the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that are overlapping of each panel to form cinder blocks or masonry blocks. You'll also have to make pilot holes in the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each window. It is important to start the work as soon as a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, you should have the right materials to secure windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This can help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind debris, flying debris and other factors that can affect windows. The appropriate materials will make boarding up simpler and faster. It is crucial to precisely measure the windows. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it won't come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish. Once you have the OSB or plywood taken measurements, mark the locations where screws will go into the board. Then, use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. You can then use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future. Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood be sure to sand the edges of the piece to make them smooth so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using 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 beneath. Apart from keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property that has a broken window or one that's not locked. They're also more likely to attack a store that's been boarded up as opposed to one that's not. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you must take seriously.