Boarding Up Windows and Doors Before a Storm Hits

24 hour boarding up service near me up your doors and windows before a storm strikes can provide measurable protection against damage. To accomplish this, you will should have a few things in the go.

Find the height and width of the window including the frame (not the trim or the masonry around the window). Note these measurements to ensure that you don't lose them.

Preparation

It is best to put up a board on your windows and doors prior to the occurrence of a natural or stormy weather. This will reduce damage to property and decrease the chance of dying. boarding up windows (visit this web-site) requires an extensive amount of preparation, including buying and measuring plywood boards, and determining the exact dimensions of each window to cover. It also takes time to cut the boards and install them properly. Fortunately, the process can be made simpler by preparing as soon as you hear of a possible storm coming in your area. You can avoid stress at 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 begin the process, you'll have more time to collect the materials and keep them in storage without being overwhelmed by an approaching storm. You may require a substantial amount of plywood to cover your windows according to the severity and imminence of the storm. Make use of a tape to determine the height and width for each window opening. Be sure to take into account the framing or trim around each window, as and any sills with extended extensions if applicable.

Divide the total width and the height of your window by 2 to determine the number of plywood sheets you'll require. If your window measures a width of 16 inches, Boarding up windows the thickness of each sheet is 8 inches. If you have wood exterior, drill pilot holes in the plywood sheet to align with the window frame underneath to reduce splitting when screwing in the screws.

For a window opening that is larger than what one sheet of plywood can accommodate cut two sheets that are each half the size of the intended window and lay them side-by-side on the wall. Then cut a piece of 2 by 4 inches (5.1 by 10.2 cm) lumber to the length of the connecting edges of the plywood sheets and place it over 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 safety and security, boarding up windows like a drill (or an hammer and nails in the event that you don't have the power drill) and tape, a saw, an apron, gloves and safety glasses. It is a good idea to coat the plywood with sealant, as well, to make it waterproof.

Begin by measuring the window's size and height. Then, cut your plywood sheets to fit inside the frames. It is recommended to cut the sheets on-site, as it allows you to control the precise dimensions of the plywood.

Cut the boards to the desired size using a circular or track saw. After installation, you will need to sand down all of them. Once you've got your boards in place, screw 3-inch stainless steel hanger bolts into the framing studs of each window. Use washers on each bolt, and wings nuts to secure them. Make sure that every screw penetrates at least 2 inches deep into the studs, to ensure that the boarding up company is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds.

If you're building using concrete blocks, you can attach the plywood using pan head screws galvanized and which are driven into the edges of the panels into bricks or cinder blocks. You'll also need to drill pilot holes in the masonry and then screw corrosion resistant screws into the holes. This task can take up to three hours per window. It is essential to start the work as soon when a hurricane warning has been issued. This will give you enough time to complete the task before the storm arrives.

Maintenance

If you're a homeowner or business owner, you must have the necessary materials to board up windows and doors ahead of an extreme storm. This will help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from further damage caused by wind, rain flying objects, and other elements.

Having the right materials will make the boarding-up process faster and easier to complete. It is important to measure each window precisely. This will ensure that the plywood or OSB will fit snugly and won't be able to fall off easily. If you're using plywood, make sure you use exterior grade sheets and consider adding a protective finish.

Mark the locations where screws are to be placed into the board after you have taken measurements of the OSB or plywood. Then, you can use a drill to pre-drill holes into the plywood at 12-inch intervals. Then, you can use hanger bolts to secure the boards in a catastrophe situation. When the storm has passed and the local authorities have given the all-clear, take out the bolts, but save them in case of emergency.

The next step is to put the plywood panels on top of the windows. This is a job for two people So, be prepared before starting. If you're using plywood make sure you sand the edges so they are smooth and won't scratch your paint or trim. Then, attach the plywood to the frame with 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 instead of the wood framing underneath.

Apart from keeping out the elements of weather and water elements, a boarded up window is also an effective method to deter burglaries. Burglars are more likely to attack a building that has a locked or broken window. They're also more likely attack the store that has been closed than one without. This is something that business owners in retail should take very seriously.