How To Board Up Windows For A Hurricane

While impact-resistant windows and storm shutters are the best and safest way to protect your home during a hurricane, not everyone can get those professionally installed before a storm strikes. Should you find yourself needing some last-minute reenforcement, plywood can provide some additional protection when installed properly.

Here's how the Federal Alliance For Safe Homes recommends doing it yourself:

Step 1: Map It All Out

Start by counting and measuring every window and door that are made of glass (don't forget French doors, sliding glass doors or skylights). To be extra safe, count on also covering up any vents on your house that could allow wind or water to enter your home if damaged.

You should be measuring inside the exterior trim horizontally and vertically from just under the top trim down to the windowsill. Then, add 8 inches to both your vertical and horizontal measurements to give each window or door 4 inches of overlapped covering on each side.

When trying to calculate how many sheets of plywood to buy, keep in mind that most sheets measure 4 feet by 8 feet, and make sure you're buying exterior-grade plywood that is at least 5/8-inch thick.

Step 2: Gather All Necessary Tools And Hardware

In order to install plywood coverings to your windows, you'll need:

• Circular saw, drill and drill bits
• Hammer and wrench
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Nuts and bolts (in different sizes depending on if you have a wood frame or masonry home)
• Wood or masonry anchors
• Large washers

Note: Wood structures require lag screws and plastic-coated permanent anchors, while masonry homes will need expansion bolts and galvanized permanent expansion anchors, according to FLASH.

Step 3. Start Assembling (Preferably With Some Help)

Below are FLASH's instructions for properly installing your plywood coverings:

1. First drill holes in the same diameter as the bolts or screws, 2-inches in from the edges of the plywood at each corner and at 12-inch intervals around the panel.

2. Next hold the plywood firmly in place over the opening to mark where to drill mounting holes. If the window sill extends out at the bottom, secure the plywood on the top and sides. If the window sill is flush to the wall, secure the plywood on all four sides.

3. For windows 3 feet by 4 feet or smaller installed on a wood frame house, use 1/4-inch lag screws and plastic coated permanent anchors.The lag screws should penetrate the wall and frame surrounding the window at least 1 3/4 inches. For larger windows, use 3/8-inch lag screws that penetrate the wall and frame surrounding the window at least 2 1/2 inches.

4. For windows 3 feet by 4 feet or smaller installed on a masonry house, use 1/4 inch expansion bolts and galvanized permanent expansion anchors. The expansion bolts should penetrate the wall at least 1 1/2 inches. For larger windows, use 3/8-inch expansion bolts that penetrate the wall at least 1 1/2 inches.

5. If a window or door is larger than a sheet of plywood, you will need to join the panels with 2x4 bracing along the entire seam. Attach the 2x4s to the outside of the plywood panel with 10 gauge, 2 inch long galvanized screws (exterior deck screws) spaced every 4 inches. Use the widest side of the 2x4 to run the length of the entire seam.

6. When you’re done, mark each panel with the name of the opening so you will quickly know where to install it when a storm is approaching.

7. Store the panels, washers and nuts together in a location away from the elements. Consider waterproofing the panels with paint or a sealant.

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Photo: Bruce Smith of the Associated Press