The Top Boarding Up Windows And Doors Gurus Do 3 Things
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
Insuring your doors and windows before a storm strikes can provide an effective protection against damage. You will need a few items to do this.
Measure the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Take note of these measurements so that you don't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a board on your windows and doors before a storm or natural disaster. This will stop property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It takes lots of planning to build a board around windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should know the exact dimensions of each window. Moreover, it takes time to cut the boards and install them correctly. The process can be simplified by preparing the boards when you learn of an approaching storm. By doing this you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your staff.
Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it gives you enough time to gather and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. Depending on the severity of the imminent storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all your windows. To ensure you get the right size, 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 appropriate.
Then, determine the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window has a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have an exterior made of wood, you should drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to prevent splitting when you screw into the screws.
If you have a larger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets of plywood that are each half as large as the desired window. Place them side by side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (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 then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.
Materials
For safety and security For security and safety, boarding windows and doors should be done with only strong materials that will not break under pressure or splinter in high winds. The most popular material used to secure windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. Choose plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it is stronger and will have less knots and warps. A more durable alternative is storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows already in use to offer more protection against glass shattering and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you've identified the location of the window openings, you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud locations using your drill. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the trim or sheathing; a plywood panel attached only to these materials could become an hazard during strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet of plywood, cut two pieces that are each half the size you require. join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood piece so that 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. Try to insert the screws into the studs so that they are half the depth of the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your house.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass similar to DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glass and shield your windows and doors. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home.
Installation
If you live in or intend to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are concerned about the storm, it's best to board up all your windows and doors. It's a project that can be completed quickly and effectively but only if make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood before the storm arrives.
You'll also require a few other tools, including a drill (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill), tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant and make it waterproof.
Start by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. This is best done on site since you will have more control over the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the desired size with a track or circular saw. Once installed, you will need to sand them down completely. them. Once you've got your boards place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. 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 strong winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood using pan head screws galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. The project could take about three hours per period. It is crucial to begin as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you time to finish the task before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary supplies to put up a board around doors and windows ahead of an extreme storm. This can save you from costly repairs and shield your home from further damage from rain, wind debris, flying debris and other elements that can affect windows.
The proper materials can make boarding up easier and quicker. The most important thing is to accurately measure the dimensions of the windows you'll need to 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 make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection.
Once emergency boarding up cost www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of a need in the future.
The next step is to install the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood then sand the edges to smooth them so they don'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 has vinyl shingles on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing.
Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also an effective way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a window that is broken or one that's not locked. They are also more likely to break in a store with a boarded-up window than one without. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.