15 Top Documentaries About Boarding Up Windows And Doors
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 provides measurable protection from damage. To do this, you must have a few things on hand.
Take measurements of the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Take note of these measurements so that you don't forget.
Preparation
It is recommended to board up your windows and doors prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will reduce damage to property and decrease the chance of a fatality. It requires lots of planning to put up windows. You must purchase and measure plywood boards and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It takes time to cut and put in the boards in a proper manner. The process can be streamlined by preparing the boards when you learn of an approaching storm. You can avoid stress in the last minute, and make it easier for you and your employees.
Start by listening to the forecasters for weather and follow the guidelines laid out by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and store them without being overwhelmed by the approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the pending event, you may require large quantities of plywood to cover your windows. To ensure that you have the correct size, make use of a tape measure 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.
Then, calculate the dimensions of the plywood sheets you require by dividing the total window width and height by 2. If your window has a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have a wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet that align with the frame of your window to reduce splitting when you screw into the screws.
To make sure that the window's opening is bigger than what a sheet of plywood can handle, cut two separate sheets that are each half the size of the desired 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 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 For your safety and security, only use materials that are sturdy and will not break or shatter in high winds. The most popular material used to board up windows is plywood, which is affordable easily available and simple to work with. Select plywood that is exterior grade (CDX) since it is stronger and will have less knots and warps. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more robust 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 determined the location of the window openings you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets around the windows at intervals of two inches. Mark the studs on the wall before attaching the plywood to ensure that the boards are secured. If you have wood siding on your home, look for nailheads to determine the stud position. Otherwise, you can probe for stud positions with your drill. The screws should be driven into the framing, not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk in strong winds.
If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces which are each half the size you need and join them together with 2 by 4 inches of lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know which window it will be covering.
Make sure you use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing as well as 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 both the sheathing as well as the studs.
It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite on your primary windows. These transparent shields adhere to existing glazing to safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking into.
Installation
If you live in or plan to move to an area that is prone to hurricanes and are worried about the possibility of a storm, it's best to board up your doors and windows. It's a task that can be completed quickly and effectively but only if take the time to measure and cut your plywood panels before the storm arrives.
You'll also require other tools, like drills (or a hammer and nails for those who don't own an electric drill), tape, a saw, a level, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to apply sealant to the plywood and make it waterproof.
Start by measuring the height and width of each window's opening, and then cutting the plywood sheets so that they can fit inside the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. This is best done on site because you can control the exact dimensions.
Cut the boards to the size you want using a circular or track saw. After installation, you will need to sand all of them. After your boards are set then screw the 3" stainless steel hanger screws into the posts that frame each window. Use washers on each bolt and wing nuts to ensure they are secured. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs by at least 2 inches to ensure that the board is strong enough to resist high winds.
If you're building using concrete block, you can attach the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that overlap of each panel into masonry blocks or cinder blocks. It is also necessary to drill pilots into the masonry before screwing corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This project can take three hours for each time period. It is important to begin as soon as an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete your 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 a severe storm. This will help you to avoid costly repairs and safeguard your home from further damage caused by rain, wind flying objects, and other elements.
The right tools will make the boarding up process easier and faster to complete. The most important thing is to accurately take measurements of the dimensions of the windows you'll need to cover. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to come off easily. If you're using plywood, be sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish.
Note the locations where the screws are going to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Use a drill to predrill holes at 12-inch intervals in the plywood. This will allow you to securely attach the boards to hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. After the storm has gone away and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but leave them in place for future emergencies.
The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. Be prepared to work in pairs. If you're using plywood make sure you sand the edges to ensure they're smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then use corrosion-resistant screws to attach the plywood using the pilot holes. If your home is covered with shingles made of vinyl it is recommended to nail the plywood to the shingles instead of the wood framing underneath.
In addition to keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarded-up window is also a good way to prevent burglary. Burglars are more likely to target a property that has a broken window or one that is not secured. Additionally, they are more likely to break in the store with a boarded up window than one without. If you're a business owner, this is something you must take seriously.