How To Properly Board Up Windows For A Hurricane
If a hurricane looms in your area, you'd better board up your windows. It's common practice, but surprisingly few of us actually know how to do this correctly. But, it's definitely an important skill to have under your belt. According to Glass Doctor, hurricanes are usually predicted in advance as opposed to other natural disasters such as earthquakes or tornados. This gives you time to prepare, and one of the first things you should do is board up your windows. Boarding up can make sure your windows are as protected as they are highly vulnerable to the potential damage that wind and debris may cause.
It's also worth mentioning that, according to ASP Windows and Doors, windows that include glass are especially important to have boarded up before a hurricane hits, as shattered glass can pose serious health hazards. So how do you go about boarding up windows? But more importantly, how can you make sure you do so correctly?
When and how to begin
As Forbes suggests, it's best to start as soon as possible. Among the many options, plywood is the most popular and most suitable material for boarding up your windows. It's also wise to purchase some sheets and keep them handy as they can be reused, so don't wait till the storm hits. If there's a warning of a hurricane coming in, begin as fast as possible because handling your plywood will only get more difficult once the wind starts setting in.
Before we continue, you might also be interested to know that, although plywood is a common favorite for many reasons, there are alternatives that you can use as well, Riot Glass notes. A few other options you can use include hurricane fabric, storm panels, hurricane shutters, or laminated security glass. However, plywood is budget friendly and provides excellent protection, making sure you get the most value for money, so we think it's a perfect choice.
A step-by-step guide
As WCMA Net mentions, you want to begin by measuring your windows with the help of a measuring tape. If your window has frames, make sure you include the frame width. Remember to measure both the length and width of your window so you can prepare the exact size of plywood your window will need. Next, prepare your plywood to suit the dimensions of your window. As this material comes in standard sizes, some windows might require you to screw two boards together. Also, remember to add a few inches to the size of your window when cutting the plywood.
You should use a saw to cut the sheets, but if this isn't an option, you can get a professional to cut your board for you. Next, go ahead and start drilling holes into your plywood boards, and proceed to screw your boards in place to protect your windows. Storm Depot notes that if your walls are made of wood, you can use lag screws to hold your plywood board, whereas if your walls are masonry, you can use bolts to secure it.