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Those who live in coastal region in the Southern U.S. hump all too well about the damage and death a hurricane can do . While there may be no unfailing manner to make indisputable a homesurvives a hurricanecompletely untouched , there are measures you could take to prevent hurricane damage . For windows , in particular , one of the best ways to protect them is to cover them with durable sheeting or panels .

Homemade windowpane storm covers can be made fromplywoodusing common tools many DIYers will already have in a shed or a garage , and the materials can be purchase at an low-cost price of between $ 25 and $ 50 per windowpane , depending on the size needed . in advance , check how to room up a window to harbor your home from potential damage before the next big one hits .

boarded up windows

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The Best Plywood for Hurricane Window Protection

Thickness is key when prefer plyboard forhurricaneprotection . Any room - up window that use thin than 5/8 - in , 21/32 - inch , or 3/4 - inch plywood wo n’t be able to withstand objective thrown by hurricane winds . While most score of plywood will help , CDX or RTD plywoodrated for exposure are the best pick for making DIY storm covers for window .

How to Board Up Windows

The steps below will explain how to plug a window using sheets of plywood and basic tool , include how tomeasure , cut , and put in these panels . The pedagogy also contain tips for reusing these panel , so you may board up your window any time a hurricane is draw close . This method only covers boarding window up from the exterior ; while window can be get on up from at heart , it ’s not as effective .

Tools & Materials

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Be sure to wearsafety glasses , glove , and other necessary protective equipment when operate power saws and drills . While the stride for installing hurricane gore over window are similar disregardless of what eccentric of windows you have , installation can variegate look on your plate ’s siding . Plus , it ’s helpful to ask one or two helper for assistance when set up the dialog box , too .

STEP 1: Measure the windows.

Use atape measureto assess the width and tiptop of the window opening on a woodwind physique home . Add 8 inches to each measurement to allow the plyboard boards to overlap the window by 4 inches on each side . The panels should be no thinner than 5/8 - column inch , 21/32 - inch , or 3/4 - column inch in thickness .

STEP 2: Cut the panels.

Using the property you accept from step one , use acircular sawortrack sawto cut the plywood panels to size , gain sure to account for the overlap . For window that are larger than a sheet of plywood , use a 2×4 board to connect two panel together .

Secure the 2×4 to both piece of plywood at the seam with 2½-inch screws spaced every 4 to 6 inches . To make certain each panel is pair to the right window , label each window board with a lasting marking as you cut each one and guide an pointer indicating which destruction goes up .

STEP 3: Prep the panels for installation.

After cutting the panels , use a pencil , mag tape measuring , and4 - foot levelto draw a full-strength line 2 column inch from each edge of the panel . If your home has vinyl group siding , draw the line 3¼ inches in from the boundary to ensure the fixing hits the frame surrounding the windowpane when you deploy the panel .

Mark practice location along the course at 12 - in intervals and at each corner . Drill hole at each location using a bit that ’s slenderly minor than the screw or bolt you plan to use to confiscate it .

STEP 4: Prep the window for installation.

start by asking a helper to place the control board into location over the window , making certain it ’s properly align . Then , use a pencil to set pickle locations through the predrilled holes in the plywood . Mark the corner of the panel on to the house surface using a pencil , then remove the gore .

Next , use the drill to make pilot golf hole that are about 2 inches deep at each drill cite point using a recitation moment that ’s slightly smaller than the fastener . If you’redrilling into brick , you ’ll demand to apply a masonry drill bit . For vinyl group , check that you ’re bore into the studs that frame the window shell .

STEP 5: Install the panels.

Use 3 - inch - retentive 3/8 - inch lag screw to secure large panel . For modest panels , 2½-inch long 1/4 - inch lag screws will do . If you ’re installing the boards over a family with brick sidetrack , usemasonry screws .

Place the panels back into position over the windowpane , using the recess marks made in the former step to line it up . apply a power drill and the fixing to ensure each piece of plyboard to the windowpane .

Tips for Making Reusable Hurricane Window Protection

If you live in a hurricane - prone neighborhood , then it may make signified to make reusable window boards to avoid stimulate to purchase and make new ones every time a hurricane threaten . By using the same jury each time , you are also limiting the vesture and bust on your window skeleton from repeatedly instal and absent fastener in different positioning .

Your windowpane panels will last longer if you coat them with an exterior paint orwood sealer . you may alsoinstall clips on the panelsthat make it easy to pop the boards in and out , eliminating the need to fasten the panels right away to the window frame each time you want to put in them . Hurricane windowpane clips are an peculiarly good theme for household with vinyl group railroad siding , as they eliminate the indigence to fill cakehole result by fasteners .

Final Thoughts

Boarding up windows is an efficacious way to prepare a home for the mellow winds of a hurricane , and it ’s an inexpensive choice to installing hurricane shutter . By using the method acting distinguish above , you may learn how to get on up a window properly . When completing this project , remember to use the right fasteners and method to suit the type of turnout on the base . Also , whenever using power tools such as a practice session or circular adage , verify to fag out safety goggles .

Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

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boarded up windows

Photo: istockphoto.com

boarded up windows

Photo: istockphoto.com

boarded up windows

Photo: istockphoto.com

boarded up windows

Photo: istockphoto.com

boarded up windows

Photo: istockphoto.com

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