Is Boarding Up Windows And Doors As Vital As Everyone Says?
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits The act of boarding up your windows and doorways before the storm hits can offer an effective protection against damage. To do this, you must have a few things on hand. First, take measurements of the window's height and width including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget. Preparation It is best to board up your windows and doors prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will prevent property damage and reduce the loss of life. boarding up a door takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards in a proper manner. The process can be streamlined by preparing the boards when you learn of the possibility of a storm affecting your area. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last-minute rush and make the process much simpler for you and your employees. Begin by listening to forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines provided by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by a storm that is about to hit. Depending on the severity of the imminent storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to include the trim or framing around each window, as well as any ledges that are extended, if applicable. Divide the total width and the height of your window by two to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll need. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame beneath to avoid splitting when you screw into the screws. If the window opening is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired 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 edges of the sheets of plywood and lay 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 For safety and security for security and safety, boarding up windows and doors must be done with only strong materials that will not crack under pressure or splinter in high winds. Plywood is a popular material for boarding up windows. It is easy to work with, cheap and easily available. It is essential to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for added strength, and free of knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are more durable options. They can be installed over existing windows and offer better protection against glass breakage and inclement weather. Once you've determined the location of your window openings, measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you will need. Use a power drill create pilot holes in the sheets of plywood around each window at two-inch intervals. Mark the studs on the wall prior to attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine stud location. You can also use a drill to find the studs' locations. Screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached only to these materials can cause a safety risk during high winds. If the size of your window is too big for a single sheet plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you require. join them together with 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will cover. Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are 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 get through both the sheathing and the studs. In addition to protecting your windows, it is also advisable to put up an “No Trespassing” notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are secured to the existing glass and safeguard your windows and door. They are virtually indestructible and deter criminals from gaining entry into your home. Installation If you live or plan to move to a place which is susceptible to hurricanes and you are worried about the threat of storms, it's best to board up your doors and windows. This project can be completed quickly and efficiently however only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm arrives. You'll require additional tools, including a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have an electric tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's a good idea coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by measuring each window's size and height. Then cut the plywood sheets to fit into the frames. It is best to do this on the spot, as it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood. Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. Once installed, you will need 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 at least two inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist strong winds. If you're building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood with galvanized pan head screws driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that can take anywhere from three to four hours per window, which is why it's important to start the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will allow you time to finish your project prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the right materials to board up windows and doors in advance of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other factors. The right materials can make the boarding up process faster and easier to complete. It is important to accurately measure every window. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits well, and that it will not fall off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use exterior-grade sheets and consider adding an extra layer of protection. Once you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the areas where the screws will go into the board. Use a drill to predrill holes at intervals of 12 inches into the plywood. You can then use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a catastrophe situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received the all-clear from local authorities, remove the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for future emergency situations. Next, put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood make sure to sand down the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch paint or trim. Then, use corrosion-resistant screws to join the plywood with the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not to the wood framing. A boarded-up window can also be used to discourage burglars. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a damaged window or one that is not secured. They are also more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one that has no. If you're a retail business owner, this is something you need to consider seriously.