10 Boarding Up Windows And Doors-Related Projects To Stretch Your Creativity
Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits
In the event of a storm, boarding up your windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You'll require a few items to do this.
Find the width and height of the window including the frame (not the trim or masonry surrounding the window). Note these measurements so you won't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to put up a cover your doors and windows prior to a storm or natural disaster. This will stop property damage and minimize loss of life. It takes an enormous amount of planning to board up windows. You will need to purchase and measure plywood boards and you must know the exact dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and install the boards properly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations when you first hear of a possible storm forming in your area. You can avoid stress in the last minute and make it simpler for you and your staff.
Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines provided by your local government. The earlier you begin the process, you'll have more time to gather the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may need huge quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of each window opening. Make sure to take into account the framing or trim around each window, as and any sills with extended extensions in the event that they are required.
Next, calculate the size of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by two. If your window has a width of 16 inches, then the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet that align with the window frame underneath to avoid splitting when you screw in the screws.
If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood is able to handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the desired window. Then place them side by side on the wall. Cut a 2 by 4 in (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on the top of the seam. Then screw 2.25 in (5.7cm) screws into the plywood sheet and into the bracing to join the two.
Materials
To ensure security and safety For security and safety, boarding windows and doors should be done using only sturdy materials that will not break under pressure or splinter during high winds. The most common material used to encase windows is plywood, which is inexpensive accessible and simple to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will have less knots and warps. A sturdier option is storm shutters or hurricane shutters, which are erected over windows already in use to offer greater protection against shattered glass and weather conditions that can be severe.
Once you have identified the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of a power drill to make pilot holes into the plywood sheets at two-inch intervals around each window. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure the boards are securely fastened. If you have wood siding in your home, search for nailheads to determine the stud locations. You can also use your drill to locate the studs' locations. Make sure you insert the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim. a plywood panel attached only to these materials could be an hazard during strong winds.
If your window is too large for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are each half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each plywood sheet so you know what window it will be covering.
Use corrosion-resistant screws long enough to penetrate the sheathing and the studs to attach the plywood panels to the wall. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as the studs.
You should also think about installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable, deterring criminals from gaining entry.
Installation
If you reside or intend to move to a place which is susceptible to hurricanes and are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your windows and doors. It's a project that can be accomplished quickly and effectively, but only if you make the effort to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels before the storm comes.
You'll require other tools as well such as a drill, a saw (or an hammer that has nails for those who don't have the power tool) as well as an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, then cutting the plywood sheets so that they fit within the frames with an overlap of 4 inches on all sides. This is best done on site since you will have more control over the exact dimensions.
Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to size be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they're installed. Once you've got your boards place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use emergency boarding up services to secure each bolt and wings nuts. Make sure that every screw is inserted at least 2 inches into the studs to ensure the boarding is sturdy enough to withstand high winds.
If you're building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each piece into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then insert corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. It's a project that could take as long as three hours per window, so it's crucial to begin the process as soon as you hear that a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you ample time to finish the job before the storm hits.
Maintenance
If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors in advance of an extreme storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other causes.
Having the right materials can make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. It is crucial to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB is snugly fitted and won't fall off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding a second protective finish.
Once you have the plywood or OSB measured, mark the spots 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 anchor the boards in a catastrophe situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear to go ahead, remove the bolts but keep them for future emergencies.
The next step is to place the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person task, so be prepared prior to starting. If you're using plywood, ensure that you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, nail the plywood to the frame 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.
A boarded-up window can also be used to discourage burglars. Burglars are more likely to attack a building with a broken or unlocked window. They are also more likely to break into stores with a smashed-up window than one that has no. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.