The Reason Boarding Up Windows And Doors Is Fastly Changing Into The Hottest Trend Of 2024

Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

The act of boarding up your doors and windows before a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To do this, you'll must have a few things in the go.

First, take measurements of the window's height and width including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Note these measurements to ensure that you don't lose them.

Preparation

It is recommended to put up a cover your doors and windows before a storm or natural disaster. This will minimize property damage and reduce the risk of death. It takes a lot of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards, and you should be aware of the specific dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. The process can be streamlined by beginning the preparations immediately you hear of an approaching storm. By doing this, you can stay clear of a stressful last minute rush and make the process much easier for yourself and your employees.

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, as it gives you enough time to gather and store the necessary materials without feeling pressured by a fast-approaching storm. Depending on the severity of the storm, you might require large quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. To ensure you get the right size, you can 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 appropriate.

Then, determine the size of the plywood sheets you need by dividing the total window width and height by 2. 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 into the plywood sheet so that they align with the window frame below. This will reduce splitting when you screw in the screws.

If you have a larger window than a single sheet of plywood can handle, cut two sheets of plywood which are each half large as the window you wish to cover. 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 the connecting edge between the plywood sheets and place it on the top of the seam. Then you can 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 won't break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is a popular material used to encase windows. It is easy to use, affordable, and easily available. It is important to select plywood that is specifically exterior grade (CDX) for extra strength, and free of knots and warping. Hurricane or storm shutters are a more durable option. They can be put in over windows that are already in place and offer better protection against shattered glasses and weather conditions that can be severe.

Once you've determined the location of the window openings, you can measure the height and the width to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill to make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of two inches. Before attaching  24 hour emergency boarding up , determine and mark the locations of studs on the wall to ensure the boards are anchored securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, search for nailheads that may indicate the location of studs. You can also use your drill to determine the stud locations. Be sure to drive the screws into the framing and not the sheathing or trim. A plywood panel that is fastened to these materials could be a hazard in strong winds.

If your window is too big for one sheet of plywood, you can cut two pieces of plywood that are each half the size and join them using 2 by 4-inch lumber. Label each plywood panel to let you know what window it will be covering.

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 the wall. Try to insert the screws into the studs in a way that they are half the depth of the thickness of the plywood but be careful not to go too far and cause damage to the structure of your home.

In addition to protecting your windows, you should put up an "No Trespassing" sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glazing to safeguard your windows and doors and are virtually indestructible, preventing criminals from breaking in.

Installation

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, or are planning to move to one, the best course of action is to board up your windows and doors before the threat of a storm approaches. It's a project that can be done quickly and efficiently however only if you take the time to measure and cut, then label your plywood panels prior to when the storm arrives.

You'll require additional tools which include a drill, a saw (or a hammer with nails in the event that you don't have the power tool) and an erecting level, gloves and safety glasses. It's also a good idea to allow the plywood to be sprayed with sealant to make it waterproof.

Start by measuring the height and width of each window opening, and then cutting your plywood sheets so they fit within the frames with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. It is best to do this on site, since it gives you more control over the exact dimensions of the plywood.

Cut the boards to the size you want with a track or circular saw. Once they're installed it is necessary to sand down all of them. After your boards are in place then screw the 3" stainless hanger screws made of steel into the posts that frame each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as wing nuts. Make sure that each screw penetrates the studs at a minimum of two inches to ensure the board is strong enough to resist high winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can connect the plywood with pan head screws galvanized and that are driven into the overlapping edges of the panels into masonry or cinder block. It is also necessary to drill pilot holes into the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. The project could take about three hours for each period. It is crucial to begin as soon when an alert for hurricanes has been issued. This will give you plenty of time to finish the project before the storm hits.

Maintenance

You should be prepared to put up a security barrier on your doors and windows prior to the onset of a severe storm. This can save you from costly repairs and protect your home from further damage resulting from wind, rain debris, flying debris and other factors that can affect windows.

The right materials will make boarding up more efficient and speedier. The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of each window you have to cover. This will ensure the OSB or plywood fits snugly, and that it will not be able to slide off easily. If you are using plywood, be sure to use exterior grade sheets and consider adding an additional protective finish.

Note the locations where screws are to be inserted into the board once you have measured the plywood or OSB. Then, use a drilling machine to pre-drill holes in the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to anchor the boards in a catastrophe situation. After the storm has passed and you've received all-clear from local authorities, take off the hanger bolts, but keep them in place for any future emergencies.

The next step is to install the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person task So be prepared before you start. If you are using plywood, sand the edges to smooth them so they don't scratch paint or trim. Then, nail the frame to the plywood using corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home has shingles made of vinyl it, attach the plywood directly to the shingles and not the wood framing.

Apart from keeping out rain and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a great method to stop burglaries. Burglars are more likely to take aim at a structure that has a damaged or unlocked window. They're also more likely to break into an establishment that's been boarded up as opposed to one that's not. This is something that retail business owners must take seriously.