When a storm or hurricane is on the horizon, boarding up your windows becomes one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your home from damage. Strong winds, flying debris, and heavy rains pose serious risks to the integrity of your windows, which can lead to further interior damage and safety hazards. Taking the time to board up your windows properly can safeguard not only your property but also the people inside. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of boarding up your windows, from gathering the right materials to ensuring the boards are securely in place.
Materials You’ll Need
Plywood: 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch thick. Sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and flying debris.
Measuring Tape: For accurately measuring the dimensions of your windows.
Pencil or Marker: To mark measurements on the plywood.
Circular Saw or Handsaw: For cutting the plywood to the correct size. Circular saws offer precision and speed, while handsaws can be used for smaller tasks.
Drill and Bits: Essential for pre-drilling holes in the plywood and securing it to the window frame.
Screws or Lag Bolts (2-3 inches long): Strong enough to anchor the plywood securely into the window frame.
Safety Gear: Safety glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips and gloves to avoid splinters and provide a firm grip.
Ladder: Necessary for boarding up windows that are out of reach, especially on higher floors.
Step 1: Measure the Window
Accurately measure the height and width of each window from the outer frame, not just the glass, as the plywood needs to cover the entire frame.
Add 4 inches to each side of the measured window dimensions. This extra margin will ensure that the plywood overlaps the window frame adequately and provides full protection.
Ensuring the plywood fits snugly over the window frame prevents wind from getting behind the board, which could dislodge it during a storm.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
Mark the plywood with a pencil or marker according to the window measurements you’ve taken. Ensure that you include the extra 4 inches on all sides.
Use a circular saw (or handsaw) to cut the plywood. Circular saws offer faster, cleaner cuts, but handsaws can be an alternative if power tools are unavailable.
Check for precision while cutting to ensure the plywood covers the window without gaps. Uneven or jagged edges could compromise the board’s ability to protect the window properly.
Step 3: Pre-Drill Holes in the Plywood
Pre-drill holes around the perimeter of the plywood before installation to make it easier to drive screws or bolts into the window frame.
Drill the holes about 12 to 16 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures the plywood is evenly secured.
Position the holes near the edges so the screws will penetrate the window frame rather than just the siding. This prevents the plywood from being blown off easily during strong winds.
Avoid splitting the wood by making sure holes are not too close to the edge.
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Step 4: Position the Plywood Over the Window
Lift the plywood carefully and position it over the window so that it overlaps the frame evenly by about 4 inches on each side.
Ensure the plywood is centered and flush against the frame. Misalignment can leave parts of the window vulnerable or allow wind to get behind the plywood.
Clamps or an extra set of hands can help keep the plywood in place while you begin securing it. Large or heavy pieces may require assistance to hold steady during installation.
Step 5: Secure the Plywood to the Window Frame
Insert screws or lag bolts through the pre-drilled holes using a drill. Begin by securing the corners first to anchor the plywood in place.
Screws should penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the window frame to ensure they hold the plywood securely in place.
Work your way around the edges, driving screws into every pre-drilled hole. This ensures the plywood is attached evenly and firmly across the entire surface of the window.
Double-check each screw for tightness and make sure the plywood is not wobbling or loose at any point. A secure fit is critical for storm protection.
Step 6: Reinforce the Plywood (Optional)
Add additional bracing using 2×4 boards across the plywood for extra strength, especially for larger windows or in areas with extreme weather.
Horizontal or vertical braces can be attached to the plywood and screwed into the window frame. These braces help distribute the force from wind or debris, reducing the chance of the plywood breaking or being dislodged.
Reinforcement is ideal for windows facing the brunt of a storm or for homes located in high-risk areas, such as coastal regions that frequently experience hurricanes.
Step 7: Repeat for All Windows
Repeat the boarding-up process for all windows in your home, ensuring that every vulnerable point is covered. This includes small windows and basement windows, as even the smallest opening can allow debris or wind to cause damage.
Plan enough time to complete the boarding process, especially if you have a large number of windows. Ensure that each window is properly measured, cut, drilled, and secured.
Thoroughness is key. Even one unsecured window can compromise your home’s safety during a storm, allowing wind or debris to enter and cause significant damage.
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Safety Tips
Wear protective gear: Always use safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and wood chips when cutting or drilling. Gloves are essential for preventing splinters and providing a better grip on the plywood.
Use a ladder safely: Ensure the ladder is placed on stable ground and is tall enough to reach the windows comfortably. Have a spotter to hold the ladder steady when boarding up second-story windows.
Avoid rushing: Working hastily can lead to accidents, injuries, or mistakes in measurements and installation, which can compromise the effectiveness of the plywood during the storm.
Consider having help: A second person can make the process much easier, especially when handling large pieces of plywood or working at higher elevations.
When to Board Up Your Windows
It’s essential to board up your windows well in advance of any predicted storms or extreme weather conditions. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of running into supply shortages or working in unsafe weather conditions.
Monitor weather reports closely and take action as soon as a serious threat is identified. Procrastination can leave you scrambling to secure your home under time pressure, potentially leading to mistakes or incomplete protection.
Have all necessary materials ready ahead of time, so you’re not caught off guard by an impending storm.
Removing the Plywood
Wait until it’s safe to remove the plywood after the storm or threat has passed. Don’t rush the process, as the weather may still be unstable.
Unscrew the plywood and save both the screws and boards for future use. Label each piece with the window it fits to make reinstallation easier in future situations.
Store plywood properly in a dry, sheltered area to prevent warping or damage. Proper storage ensures that the plywood remains usable for future storm protection efforts.
Conclusion
Boarding up your windows is a vital part of storm preparedness that can significantly reduce damage to your home during extreme weather events. By following these steps, you can ensure that your windows are well-protected and your home remains as safe as possible during storms. Early preparation, careful measurements, and secure installation are key to ensuring your boarded-up windows can withstand the challenges of a storm. Protecting your property in this way provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to keep your home and family safe.
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