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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits In the event of a storm and your windows are smashed, boarding them up and doors can protect your home from damage. To do this, you'll should have a few things on your desk. First, measure the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the trim around it or masonry). Note these measurements down so you don't forget them. Preparation It is always best to secure windows and doors before a storm or other natural disaster hits. This will stop property damage and minimize loss of life. Boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, like buying and measuring plywood boards, and identifying the exact size of each window to cover. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them correctly. Fortunately it is possible to make the process simplified by starting the preparations immediately you learn of a possible storm forming in your area. If you do this you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff. Start by listening to the forecasters of the weather and following the guidelines laid out by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to gather and store the needed materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require huge quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure you get the right size, you can use a tape measure to determine the height and width of each window opening. Be sure you consider the framing or trim around each window as well as any sills that are extended in the event that they are required. Then, calculate the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing the total window width and height by 2. For example, 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 pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame below. boarding up services kingston repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will prevent the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws. If you have a bigger window opening than one sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the window you wish to cover. Place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood 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, only use materials that are durable and won't break or splinter in strong winds. The most common material used to board up windows is plywood, which is cheap easily available and simple to work with. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) to ensure strength, and free from knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more durable option. They can be erected over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against glass breakage and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you've identified the location of the window openings you can determine the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then make use of a power drill to create pilot holes into the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that might indicate the location of studs. In other cases, you can search for stud positions with your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel bonded only to these materials can become a safety hazard in severe winds. If the size of your window is too large for a single piece of plywood, cut two pieces that are each the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each sheet of plywood so you know what window it will be covering. To affix the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are sufficient in length to penetrate both the sheathing and studs. Try to insert the screws into the studs in a way that they are half as deep as the plywood is thick, but be careful not to go too deep and harm the underlying structure of your house. In addition to securing your windows, you should put up an “No Trespassing” notice on the property and think about installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are bonded to the existing glass to guard your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking in. Installation If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best option 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, however only if the boards are measured, cut and labeled prior to the storm. You'll also require other tools, such as a drill (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill), tape, a saw gloves, a level and a pair of safety glasses. It is a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring the window's height and width. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit within the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on the spot, as it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood. Utilize a circular or track saw to cut the boards to the right size, and remember that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've put your boards in place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to secure them. Be sure that each screw penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs to ensure that the boarding is strong enough to withstand strong winds. If you are building with concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using 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 job that can take anywhere from three to four 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 strikes. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, it is essential to have the right materials to secure doors and windows ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage that could be caused by rain, wind, flying objects and other elements. The appropriate materials can make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to measure the dimensions of the windows you'll need to cover. This will ensure that the OSB or plywood is fitted snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish. Mark the locations where the screws are going to be put into the board after you have measured the plywood or OSB. Make use of a drill to drill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts in an emergency or in the event of a disaster. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts but keep them in case of emergency. The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you are using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so they won't scratch paint or cut. Then, nail the frame to the plywood using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has vinyl shingles on it, nail the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing. Apart from keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also an effective method to stop burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a window that is broken or one that is not locked. They're also more likely attack the store that has been fenced off as opposed to one that's not. If you're a business owner, this is something you must take seriously.