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Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits When a storm is approaching the windows and doors provides measurable protection from damage. You'll require some items to accomplish this. First, measure the width and height of the window, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you don't forget. Preparation It is best to put up a board on your windows and doors before an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will limit damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. The process of boarding up windows requires a lot of preparation, such as purchasing and measuring plywood boards and determining the exact dimensions of each window to be covered. Additionally, it takes time to cut the boards and install them properly. The process can be streamlined by beginning the preparations when you learn of an approaching storm. By doing so you will avoid a stressful last minute rush and make the process easier for yourself and your staff. Begin by listening to forecasters for weather and following guidelines issued by your local government. If you start earlier in the process, you will have more time to gather the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. You may need a large amount of plywood to cover your windows depending on the severity and intensity of the storm. To ensure you get the right size, make use of a tape measure determine the height and width of each window opening. Make sure to consider the framing or trim around each window as and any sills with extended extensions if applicable. Then, determine the dimensions of the plywood sheets you need by dividing your window's total width and height by two. For example, if the width of your window is 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet should be 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood make pilot holes in the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will reduce splitting when you screw in the screws. If the window 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 lay them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 in (5.1 x 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length of the connecting edge between the sheets of plywood 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 security and safety For your safety and security, only use materials that are strong and will not break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is the most commonly used material used to encase windows. It is simple to use, inexpensive, and readily available. It's important to choose plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free from knots and warping. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more robust option. They can be put in over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and weather conditions that can be severe. Once you have identified the location of the window openings you can take measurements of the height and width to determine the amount of plywood you will require. Then, use the power drill to drill pilot holes in the plywood sheets at 2-inch intervals around each window. Before attaching the plywood, determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure that the boards will be fastened securely. If you have wood siding on your property, search for nailheads to determine stud locations. You can also use a drill to determine the studs' locations. The screws should be driven into the framing, not into the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel attached only to these materials can cause a safety risk in the event of severe winds. If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, cut two pieces of plywood that are half of the size needed and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each plywood panel so that you can identify which 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. Aim to drive the screws into the studs so they're about half the depth of the plywood is thick, however, be cautious not to go too far and damage the underlying structure of your house. It is also worth considering installing polycarbonate security glass such as DefenseLite on your windows that are primary. These transparent shields are secured to the existing glass and safeguard your doors and windows. They are virtually impervious to breakage and can deter burglars from breaking into the house. Installation If you live or intend to move to a region that is prone to hurricanes and you are worried about the storm it is recommended to board up all your doors and windows. This task can be completed quickly and efficiently, however only if the boards are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm arrives. You'll need additional tools which include drills, saws (or an hammer that has nails if you do not have an electric tool) and a level, gloves, and safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant in order to make it waterproof. Start by measuring each window opening's size and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It is best to do this on-site, as it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood. Use a circular saw or track saw to cut the boards to size Be aware that you'll have to sand them down after they've been put in. Once you've got your boards place, screw 3 inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs that surround each window. Use washers to secure each bolt and the wing nuts. Make sure that each screw gets through the studs at a minimum of 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 which are driven into the edges of the panels into the masonry or cinder block. You'll also have to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion-resistant screws into the holes. This project could take as long as three hours per window, so it's essential to begin the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will allow you ample time to finish the project before the storm hits. Maintenance If you're a homeowner, or business owner, you should have the necessary materials to secure windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will allow you to avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other elements. Having 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 that the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, make sure to use sheets made of exterior grade, and consider adding an additional protective finish. Mark the places where screws are to be inserted into the board once you have measured the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. This allows you to securely fasten the boards with hanger bolts during a disaster or emergency situation. Once the storm has passed and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of a need in the future. The next step is to put the plywood panels over the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared prior to starting. If you're using wood, ensure that you sand the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame using screws that are corrosion-resistant and fit into the pilot holes. If your home is lined with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles rather than the wood framing beneath. In addition to keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded-up window is also a great method to deter burglaries. Burglars are more likely take aim at a structure with a broken or unlocked window. They're also more likely attack an establishment that's been closed than one without. This is something that business owners in retail must take seriously.