Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th in the US, with storm activity having increased significantly since the 1980s, according to data from the US Global Change Research Program. While hurricane shutters and panels offer great protection, not everyone can afford their cost and it may be difficult to install alone, which is why many homeowners opt for DIY protecting in the form of boarded up windows.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to board up your home’s windows, including a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, how to install on different types of homes, and what hurricane hardware you’ll need to get the job done — just in time for hurricane season.
The first step in boarding up your windows is to understand how to adjust the process based on the structure you’ll be protecting. Depending on the construction materials used on your home, including stucco, brick, masonry, wood, or aluminum, you may risk cracking, chipping, or denting the exterior during installation.
We don’t recommend installing plywood window boards without the aid of professionals. However, if you’ll be relying on DIY hurricane protection, here’s how the material of your home may impact boarding your windows:
Nailing Surface: Wood frame houses typically provide solid nailing surfaces for plywood, making it relatively straightforward to secure the boards with nails or screws.
Fitting: Plywood can be cut to fit snugly against the wooden siding or exterior trim. Removing or adjusting wooden trim might be necessary to achieve a flush fit.
Brace Installation: Wood frames easily accommodate the installation of 2-by-4 braces inside the windows and doors for added stability.
Edge Fitting: In brick or masonry homes, ensure plywood is cut to align precisely with the brick molding or edge of the masonry to avoid gaps.
Drilling Considerations: As brick is weak and prone to crumbling, when you’ll need to drill into your home’s mortar joints. Drilling into mortar may require specific masonry drill bits and anchors, making the process more labor-intensive compared to wood.
Securing Boards: Attaching plywood may require heavy-duty screws or anchors, as nails will not hold in masonry. Consider pre-drilling holes for ease and precision.
Surface Protection: Care should be taken to avoid damaging the siding, which can be prone to cracking or denting.
Attachment Methods: Instead of nails, which could damage the siding, consider using screws or specialized anchors designed for siding materials.
Sealing: Ensure that the edges of the plywood are tightly sealed against the siding to prevent water infiltration and wind from getting under the board.
Surface Vulnerability: Stucco can crack or chip if not handled carefully during installation.
Mounting Techniques: Use screws with wall anchors designed for stucco to ensure a secure attachment without causing damage.
Additional Padding: Consider using a soft barrier like foam or felt between the board and stucco to minimize damage.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can board up your windows to minimize the risk of damage from high winds and flying debris. This comprehensive approach will help ensure your home remains safe and secure throughout the storm. Here’s what you need to know:
Plywood: 1/2-inch CDX, exterior grade. (For more severe storms, consider thicker plywood of 3/4-inches and up)
Braces: 2-by-4 construction-grade lumber, 8 feet.
Hurricane Hardware, including stainless steel carriage bolts 3/8-inch (coarse thread) by 12 inches, with nuts and flat washers
Nails: 1 5/8 inches (6D) galvanized or stainless steel ring-shank nails.
Measuring Tape
Saw for cutting plywood (alternatively, measure and ask a store associate to cut the plywood for you when you purchase it)
Begin by assessing your home for vulnerable openings, focusing on all ground-level windows and doors, as these are the most accessible to wind and debris. Include entry points that can be reached from porches, decks, or other elevated structures.
For windows and doors over 10 feet high, though harder to reach, it's crucial to ensure plywood is securely nailed or screwed around their entire perimeter. Take into account any unique architectural features, like bay windows or sliding doors, which may require custom-sized boards or bracing.
When installing plywood on windows, you’ll need to measure the exterior height and width of your window (diameter for circular windows found in older houses).
From those measurements, you’ll need to add 4+ inches to both the height and width to ensure that your plywood extends beyond the window to be fastened to the house’s exterior structure. If your window sill extends beyond your home’s exterior, you can skip adding the additional inches to your height measurement.
When you’ve finished measuring, cut plywood using a saw to fit window and door openings snugly, flush with exterior frames. Mark each plywood board with the location of the window you’ll be installing it over.
When boarding up windows with plywood, braces should be used for larger windows or for higher Category storms that will send debris flying at very high speeds. However, if you are boarding smaller windows as a precaution, plywood of a sufficient thickness may not require additional bracing.
To install bracing, cut 2-by-4 braces to fit horizontally across the window and door openings. For windows, place braces approximately one-third from the top and bottom. For doors, place braces in the center and one-half distance from the center to the top and bottom.
Begin by drilling 3/8-inch holes in the plywood to accommodate carriage bolts. Pre-assemble braces to streamline the installation process, ensuring that they will fit securely.
Nail the plywood every 12 inches along the perimeter of each opening. Additionally, insert carriage bolt assemblies through the exterior braces to ensure that the boards remain securely in place during harsh weather conditions.
If the boards will be installed for an extended duration, consider painting or staining the exterior surfaces of the plywood to blend with the house’s color. Once the boarding process is complete, a prominently displayed "No Trespassing" sign can help deter unauthorized access.
While boarding up windows with plywood is a common and effective method of protecting your home during hurricanes, there are several other options available that may suit your needs, including:
Storm shutters are a permanent solution that can be quickly deployed in the event of a hurricane. Options include roll-down, accordion, Bahama, and colonial shutters, each offering varying degrees of ease of use and aesthetic appeal.
Hurricane hardware, including fasteners such as sidewalk bolts and wedge anchors, are designed with This category of hardware is designed to reinforce window protections like storm shutters and panels, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Installing impact-resistant windows provides continuous protection without the need for deployment before each storm. These windows are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, offering both safety and convenience.
Hurricane window films are transparent coatings applied to existing glass to help hold it together upon impact. While they do not prevent shattering, they can reduce the risk of injury from flying glass shards.
Made from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel mesh, security screens are installed over windows to provide protection from debris while maintaining visibility and airflow.
Lightweight and clear, polycarbonate panels offer a reusable alternative to plywood. They are easy to install and remove, making them a solid option for repeated use.
Protecting your home during hurricane season involves making the right choices in materials and hardware. At The Fastener Depot, we're more than just a supplier of premium hurricane hardware; we're a family-run business committed to providing personalized support to help you secure your home effectively.
With our wide range of reliable fasteners and expert advice, you can be confident in your hardware selections. Whether you're new to hurricane preparations or an experienced DIY enthusiast, let us guide you to the right solutions.
Explore our high-quality hurricane hardware and fasteners at The Fastener Depot, and ensure your peace of mind this hurricane season. Contact us today for professional advice and find the perfect fasteners to meet your needs
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