Why Boarding Up Windows And Doors Is Still Relevant In 2024

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits Insuring your doors and windows prior to a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To do this, you need to have a few items on hand. First, measure the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the surrounding trim or masonry). Note these measurements so you don't forget. Preparation It is recommended to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will reduce property damage and reduce the risk of death. It takes an enormous amount of planning to put up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards, and you should know the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by beginning the preparations when you first hear of a storm that could be coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute, and make it simpler for you and your staff. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you will have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without feeling rushed by an approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows, depending on the severity and intensity of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to consider the framing or trim that surrounds each window as well as any sills that are extended in the event that they are required. Then, calculate the size of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total height and width by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If emergency boarding up 24/7 www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is made of wood make pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. This will prevent the chance of splitting when you insert the screws. If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood is able to handle cut two sheets of plywood that are half as big as the window you want to use. 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 then place it on the 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 security and safety, boarding windows and doors should be done with only strong materials that will not crack under pressure or split in high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive and readily available. Choose plywood that is exterior grade (CDX), as it is stronger and will have fewer knots and warps. A stronger option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are installed over windows that are already in place to provide greater protection against shattered glass and the weather that can cause a lot of damage. Once you've identified the location of your window openings then measure the height and width of each one to determine how much plywood you will need. Use a power drill make pilot holes into the sheets of plywood around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching the plywood, you must identify and mark stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home has wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. If not, you can look for stud positions with your drill. Drive the screws into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials may become a safety hazard during strong winds. If the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each half the size you require. join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood so that you know which window it will be covering. Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs that will be used to join the plywood panels to your wall. To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws 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 the existing glass to guard your doors and windows. They are virtually impossible to break, preventing criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best way to protect yourself is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the danger of a storm arrives. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, but only if the plywood panels are cut, measured and labeled prior to the storm arrives. You'll also require other tools, like a drill (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill), a saw, tape, gloves, a level and safety glasses. It's an excellent idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets to ensure they fit inside the frames, with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It is recommended to cut the sheets on site, since it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the desired size using a track or circular saw. Once installed it is necessary to sand all of them. Once the boards are in place, screw the 3-inch stainless hanger screws made of steel into the framing posts around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds. If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using pan head screws galvanized and driven into the overlapping edges of the panels to the masonry or cinder block. You'll also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry, and then screw corrosion-resistant screws through the holes. This project can take three hours for each window. It is crucial to start the work as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will allow you enough time to complete the project before the storm hits. Maintenance You should be prepared to board up your doors and windows before a severe storm. This will help you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other factors. The right tools can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. The most important thing is to take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you'll have to cover. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well and will not fall off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish. After you have the plywood or OSB taken measurements, mark the locations where the screws will go into the board. Then, you can use a drill to drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in an emergency or emergency situation. 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. The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job So, be prepared before you start. If you're using plywood, sand the edges to make them smooth so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, nail the frame to the plywood with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, then attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing. Besides keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also a great way to prevent burglary. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure that has a broken window or one that's not locked. They're also more likely to enter an establishment that's been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.