How To Choose The Right Boarding Up Windows And Doors On The Internet

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

Boarding up your doors and windows prior to an event can give you measurable protection against damage. You will need several items to accomplish this.

Take measurements of the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry that surrounds the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget.

Preparation

It is always recommended to secure windows and doors before an event like a storm or natural disaster strikes. This will prevent property damage and will minimize the loss of life. It requires an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you must be aware of the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. It is possible to speed up the process by beginning the preparations immediately you hear of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. You can avoid a stressful rush in the last minute, and make it easier for both you and your staff.

Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you begin the process the better, since it gives you enough time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a rapidly approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need 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 height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, and any extended ledges if applicable.

Divide the total width and height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets that you will need. For  emergency boarding up cost Repair My Windows And Doors , if width of your window is 16 inches the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilots holes in the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will prevent the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws.

To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and set them side-byside on the wall. Cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and then place it on top of the seam. Then, drive 2.25 in (5.7 cm) screws through the bracing and into the plywood sheet to join them.

Materials

To ensure safety and security, only use materials that are durable and won't break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is the most common material used to encase windows. It is easy to work with, cheap and readily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically designed for exterior use (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are more durable options. They can be erected over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against shattered glasses and storms.

Once you've determined the location of the window openings, you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the walls with studs prior to attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are secured. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions with your drill. Be sure to insert the screws into the framing, not the sheathing or trim; a plywood panel fastened only to these materials could become dangerous in winds that are strong.

If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each plywood sheet to let you know which window it will be covering.

To secure the plywood panels to the wall, use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. Aim to drive the screws into the studs such that they are about half as deep as the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too far and damage the underlying structure of your home.

You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields are fixed over existing glazing and protect your windows and door. They are virtually unbreakable and discourage burglars from gaining entry into your home.

Installation

If you live or intend to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are concerned about the threat of storms it is recommended to board up your doors and windows. It's a project that can be done quickly and efficiently but only if take the time to measure and cut your plywood before the storm arrives.

You'll require additional tools which include a drill, a saw (or a hammer with nails for those who don't have a power tool) and a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring the window's height and width. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It is best to do this on-site, as it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood.

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 place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at least two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood to the building using galvanized pan-head screws driven through the edges that overlap of each panel into cinder blocks or masonry blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that can take up to three hours for each window, so it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you time to finish the project prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit.

Maintenance

It is recommended to board up your doors and windows prior to the onset of a severe storm. This will allow 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 materials will make boarding more efficient and speedier. It is essential to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't be removed easily. If you're using plywood, ensure that you are using exterior-grade sheets and think about adding a protective finish.

After you have the OSB or plywood measured, mark the areas where screws will be inserted into the board. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes into the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This will allow you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from authorities in your area, remove the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergency situations.

The next step is to install the plywood panels over the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so they don't scratch paint or damage trim. Then, attach the frame to the plywood using screws that are corrosion-resistant that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing underneath.

In addition to keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property with a damaged window or one that's not secured. They're also more likely attack a store that's been boarded up as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners should consider very seriously.