cyclereport67

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 will protect you from damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things in hand. First, measure the window's height and width, including the framing (not the trim or masonry). Keep these measurements in mind so you won't forget. Preparation It is best to put up a board on your doors and windows prior to an event like a hurricane or natural disaster. This will reduce the risk of property damage and also reduce the risk of death. It requires lots of planning to build a board around windows. You have to buy and measure plywood boards and you must know the specific dimensions of each window. It also takes time to cut the boards and put them up them properly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing when you first hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You will avoid having to rush in the last minute and make it easier for you and your staff. Begin by listening to weather forecasters and following the guidelines set by your local government. The earlier you start the process the better, since it allows you plenty of time to collect and store the necessary materials without feeling strained by a storm that is rapidly approaching. Depending on the severity of the event, you may require massive quantities of plywood to cover all of your windows. Use a tape to measure the height and width of each window opening. Be sure to include the framing or trim around each window, and any extended ledges if necessary. Then, determine the dimensions of the sheets of plywood you require by dividing your window's total width and height by 2. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If your exterior is made of wood drill pilot holes into the plywood sheet to ensure it is aligned with the window frame below. This will reduce the possibility of splitting when you screw in the screws. To make sure that the window's opening is greater than the size of a single sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the desired window and place them side-by-side on the wall. Cut a piece 2 by 4 inches (5.1 10.2 cm) 10.2 cm) of lumber to the length the connecting edge between the two sheets of plywood and then place it on the top of the seam. Then 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, only use materials that are sturdy and will not break or shatter in high winds. Plywood is the most common material to board up windows. It is simple to use, affordable and readily available. Pick plywood that is of the exterior grade (CDX) because it will be stronger and contain fewer warps and knots. Storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters, are a more durable option. They can be erected over existing windows and offer better protection against shattered glasses and inclement weather. Once you've determined the location of the window openings then measure the width and height of each to determine the amount of plywood you'll require. Use a power drill make pilot holes in the plywood sheets around each window at intervals of 2 inches. Before attaching the plywood, identify and mark the stud locations on the wall to ensure that the boards are fastened securely. If your home is constructed with wood siding, look for nailheads that could indicate the locations of studs. You can also use a drill to find the stud locations. Drive the screws into the framing, not the trim or sheathing. A plywood panel attached to these materials alone could cause a safety risk in severe winds. If the size of your window is too large for a single sheet plywood, cut two separate pieces that are each the size you need and join them using 2 by 4 inch lumber. Label each piece of plywood to let you know what window it will be covering. To attach the plywood panels to the wall, make use of corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to get through both the sheathing as well as the studs. Try to drive the screws into the studs so they're about half as deep as 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 also place a “No Trespassing” sign on the property, and consider installing polycarbonate security glass like DefenseLite over your primary windows. These transparent shields are bonded to existing glass and shield your doors and windows. They are virtually unbreakable and can deter burglars from attempting to break into your home. Installation If you live in a region susceptible to hurricanes, or are planning on moving to one the best way to protect yourself is to put up a board on your doors and windows before the threat of a storm approaches. This task can be accomplished quickly and efficiently, however only if the plywood sheets are cut, measured, and labeled before the storm. You'll also need a few other tools, including drills (or an hammer and nails for those who don't own a power drill) as well as a saw, tape, an apron, gloves and a pair of safety glasses. It's also a good idea for the plywood to be coated with sealant to make it waterproof. Begin by measuring each window opening's width and height. Then cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It is best to do this on the spot, as it allows you to control the exact dimensions of the plywood. Utilize boarding up services sale or track saw to cut the boards to the right size be aware that you'll need to sand them down once they're installed. Once you've got your boards place, screw three-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs around each window. Use washers to secure each bolt as well as the wing 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 using concrete block, you can instead join the plywood to the building with galvanized pan-head screws pushed through the edges that are overlapping of each panel into bricks or cinder blocks. You will also need to drill pilots 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, which is why it's important to start the process when you learn that a hurricane watch has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the project prior to the time when the storm is expected to hit. Maintenance If you're a homeowner or business owner, it is essential to have the necessary materials to board up windows and doors ahead of a severe storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your property from further damage from wind, rain, flying debris, and other elements that could impact windows. The right materials can make boarding up simpler and faster. It is crucial to accurately measure every window. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be removed easily. If you are using plywood, make sure you use sheets of exterior grade and think about adding a protective finish. Mark the locations where screws are to be placed into the board after you have measured the OSB or plywood. Then, use a drill to pre-drill holes in the plywood at intervals of 12 inches. This allows you to securely fix the boards using hanger bolts in an emergency or disaster. After the storm is over and the local authorities have given you the all-clear, remove the bolts but keep them in case of emergency. Then, you can put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a two-person job, so be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood make sure to sand down the edges so that they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, you can attach the frame to the plywood with corrosion-resistant screws that fit into the pilot holes. If your home is covered with vinyl shingles it is best to attach the plywood to the shingles, not the wood framing beneath. Besides keeping out water and other weather elements, a boarding up window is also a great method to deter burglaries. The burglars will be more likely to target a structure with a window that is broken or one that is not secured. They're also more likely to attack an establishment that's been closed than one without. If you're a business owner, this is a matter you should take seriously.