Damaging rain is an inevitable part of any hurricane. So, if your home doesn’t have hurricane windows, you will need to buy some supplies in advance to keep your windows and home safe. Plywood-covered windows are inexpensive options and less likely to break or blow out, preventing a dangerous scenario from getting worse. The following steps will help you know how to board up windows for a hurricane.
When You Need to Board Up Windows for a Hurricane
It’s better to start boarding up windows very soon. The good news is that you can reuse plywood for every storm. If you already have plywood, begin boarding up the windows as soon as you are informed about imminent hurricane landfalls. Again, don’t wait too long since mounting plywood might be quite risky in the winds preceding the storm.
Safety Considerations
Plywood sheets are hefty; therefore, it’s advisable to get assistance. When boarding up large windows, you need to use the ladder; try to find someone to steady it. It’s also preferable to lift and hold the plywood in place with the help of others as you fasten the sheets to the window.
When you board up windows for a hurricane, keep all power tools easy to access since speed and efficiency are paramount. Don’t forget to follow power tool safety procedures and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Also, stay away from windows during the storm, even after boarding them up. Although plywood offers another layer of protection, it does not guarantee safety.
Tools for boarding up windows for security
- Circular saw
- Eye protector
- Chalk line
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hearing protection
- Two sawhorses
- Power drill
- Drill and driver bits (masonry bits, if needed)
- Permanent marker
Materials for boarding up windows for security
- Paint roller
- Exterior water sealer
- Sliding barrel latches (for masonry)
- 5/8-inch plywood sheets
- 3-inch stainless or galvanized exterior screws.
An important note
If you cannot find 5/8-inch plywood sheets, use any thin sheets available; they might not offer the expected protection, but they are far better than nothing at all.
Boarding up windows from the inside
For this purpose, use films over the glass from the inside. Though it is not as good as boarding up windows from the outside, it at least keeps the glass in place if the window breaks due to strong storms. You can also use glass window clips to stay your windows shut.
Board-up windows for a hurricane: Instructions
- Accurate measurements: Measure the height and width of each window accurately, and then add 8 inches to each measurement to consider each 4-inch of overhang on all sides. If windows protrude from the bottoms, add only 4 inches to the overall height of the windows.
- Mark the plywood: Mark each sheet with a number or description to enable you to reuse them for the next hurricane.
- Cut each plywood to length: Set the circular saw’s blade depth to be a bit deeper than the plywood’s thickness and then cut along the chalk lines carefully.
- Drilling for screws: Drill a series of holes around the entire sheet, 12 inches apart, keeping the drill three inches from the edge to provide a strong-hold by sitting right on top of the wall’s framing. Please note that the bigger hole will enable the screws to hold the boards more firmly.
- Seal the plywood: If you have enough time to board up windows for a hurricane, seal each plywood sheet with a water-sealing treatment and paint roller. If you don’t have time, seal the plywood immediately after the storm.
- Nail the plywood to the house: Lift the plywood with assistance, centering it over the window aperture. Drive a screw partially through the plywood and into the outer wall, starting at the top on both sides before working across the bottom. Once every screw is in place, firmly tighten each one while taking care to avoid poking the screw head through the plywood.
How to Board Up Windows for a Hurricane on a Brick House
To board up windows for a hurricane (in masonry houses), cut the plywood to fit the windows on the stone surfaces. Next, install heavy-duty sliding barrel latches—one at each corner—similar to those used on garden gates. At each corner, drill a corresponding hole using a masonry bit to provide a slot for the latches’ bolts.
The Best Alternative to Boarding Up Windows
Hurricane fabrics: one of the best ways to board up windows for a hurricane
One popular alternative to plywood is the deflective barrier called “hurricane fabric.” It is a piece of bouncy fabric (like a trampoline) and its installation and removal is an easy task. The only thing you need to do before the storm happens is to clip it into place over doors and windows. After the storm passes, you can simply unclip and fold it.
Security Window Film
Security window film is a good way to strengthen and board up windows for a hurricane. Please take note that the strength of security window film does not compare with the strength of plywood and cannot help stop the glass from breaking during a storm.
The window film is an inflexible Mylar that coats the top of the existing glass and keeps it from shattering. Additionally, it stops water, wind, and storm debris from entering the building, averting further damage as well as reducing the danger of injury from flying glass fragments.
Storm panels: a good option for boarding up windows for security
When a storm is coming, you can protect the glass surrounding doors and windows by installing storm panels, which are often corrugated metal or plastic sheets, attached to the framing or siding.
The idea is essentially the same as boarding up windows, but this can be a more convenient choice because they are custom-fit and pre-cut panels.
Moreover, there are clear plastic storm panels that don’t completely block your view and still provide natural light. Compared to plywood boards, they are also far more beautiful.
Hurricane Shutters: The expensive option to board up windows for a hurricane
One of the most expensive alternatives to boarding up windows is to use a hurricane shutter. Though it is the most expensive, it’s also the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing option. All you need to do is to lower them into the proper position with a hand crank or press a button before a storm. Hurricane shutters fit in with the architecture of your property and may even enhance it.
They have different designs, like:
- Bahama shutters
- Accordion shutters
- Roll-down hurricane shutters
- Colonial-style louvered shutters
Laminated Security Glass
Laminated security glass is an invisible and impact-resistant option to board up windows for a hurricane. It offers excellent storm damage prevention while looking and feeling like regular windows, and is more frequently used in coastal areas.
The laminated security glass may be a powerful enough barrier to prevent all damage in some storms. Even if a piece of storm debris does break the glass, it will still be strong enough to continue shielding your windows and house.
When You Need a Professional
If you live in a place where hurricanes are very common, you need to prepare yourself to board up windows for a hurricane. If your windows are large enough, you’ll probably need a professional team to cover all your windows safely. EsnaGlass is a reputable company in the field of window replacement that can meet all your expectations and make you satisfied by providing the safety you expect.
