Protecting your home from an impending hurricane can be a daunting task. There are so many things to think about, and checklists to make. You want to be sure your home can withstand as much as possible from a storm, not leaving it vulnerable to destruction. One of the main things that must be done is to ensure that your windows are protected from high winds and rain. Here are a few pointers for boarding your windows:
Plan Your Project
First, you will need to take inventory and measurements of each window. Don’t forget to include every door that contains glass; such as french doors and skylights. Measure windows externally, taking care to write down horizontal and vertical width, plus an added eight extra inches to the height and width to provide a four-inch overlapping border on all sides. It may be helpful to create a map of your home and number each opening that will be boarded. You can then also number each sheet of plywood accordingly and keep for next hurricane season.
Gather Your Supplies
Purchase plywood that is at least 5/8 inches thick or greater – exterior grade. You will also need the following tools and hardware:
- Drill and drill bits
- Circular saw
- Hammer and wrench
- Nuts, bolts, washers, wood or masonry anchors
- Work gloves and eye-safety goggles
Start Boarding
On each sheet of plywood, drill holes that are the same diameter as the bolts or screws, 2-inches in from the edges at each corner. Drill these holes at 12-inch intervals around the panel. With a partner, hold the plywood firmly in place over the window opening, and mark where you will drill the mounting holes.
Secure the plywood on all sides of the opening. If you are boarding a window with a sill that extends out at the bottom, secure the plywood on the top and sides of the opening.
In the event that an opening is larger than a sheet of plywood, you will need to join the panels by creating a seam running along the length of the two plywood sheets. You can do this with 2×4 panels. Attach the 2x4s to the outside of the plywood panel with exterior deck screws spaced every 4 inches. Use the widest side of the 2×4 to run the length of the seam.
Additional Tips
On masonry houses, you will need to fit the plywood inside the window opening and drill holes into the masonry rather than the grout joint. The plywood sheets will be held in place with barrel bolts spaced up to 16 inches apart.
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it’s a good idea to screw stainless-steel hanger bolts into the framing every 16 inches, and drill matching holes in the plywood – during the off-season. This will enable you to quickly mount and secure the panels when a storm is approaching. Prime and paint the surfaces and edges to protect them from decay.
Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
As always, don’t forget to review your insurance coverage. Take time before hurricane season to call or stop by your insurance agent’s office, and make sure you understand exactly what is covered under your current homeowner’s policy. Review flooding and windstorm coverage and have your insurance agent go over the details with you. Then make any updates or changes as necessary to make sure your home is protected under the policy that meets your needs.
Mangrove Evacuation Insurance
Last but not least, be sure to check our all new MANGROVE EVACUATION PLAN.
Recent Comments