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Storm season can be a nightmare for coastal homeowners. The severe conditions of tropical storms and hurricanes<\/strong><\/a> bring the threat of damage to homes and danger to civilians. If you live in a storm-prone area, you must act to safeguard your home against treacherous weather conditions. One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by boarding up your windows.<\/p>\n Boarding up your windows before a storm hits is a crucial step in protecting your home and family. High winds, rain, and flying debris can cause significant damage if your windows are left exposed. Traditional hurricane shutters offer great protection, but if your home isn\u2019t equipped with them, you can create makeshift shutters with a few common tools and materials.<\/p>\n Knowing when to board up your windows is important to give you enough time to prepare before the storm arrives. Safety should always be a top priority when boarding up your windows. A clear plan considers all necessary precautions to avoid injuries. Understanding the tools and materials needed, such as plywood, screws, and a power drill, will help you complete the job effectively.<\/p>\n In this article, I\u2019ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering your materials to safely securing your window coverings. I\u2019ll cover when you should start boarding up your windows, the best safety practices to follow, and the steps to protect your windows. This will enable you to be well-equipped to withstand the devastating effects of a storm.<\/p>\n The timing of boarding up your windows is important and can make a big difference when protecting your home. When a storm watch is issued, you should start the process. This gives you time to prepare, gather the materials you need, and secure your home without any pressure. Weather conditions can change quickly, which makes waiting until the last minute to prepare risky. You do not want to be outside during dangerous weather conditions.<\/p>\n Carefully listen to all weather updates and make sure you follow guidelines issued by local authorities. If you begin preparing when a watch is issued, you should have your windows nearly boarded up by the time a storm warning is declared.<\/p>\n It\u2019s better to be careful and board up sooner rather than later. Preparation is key to minimizing damage and keeping your home and family safe. Acting early not only helps protect your property but also gives you peace of mind knowing you\u2019ve done everything possible to safeguard your home from the impending storm.<\/p>\n When boarding up your windows before a storm, safety is a top priority. Take these steps to keep your property and your family safe.<\/p>\n Wear protective gear:<\/strong><\/p>\n Get help:<\/strong><\/p>\n Use power tools safely:<\/strong><\/p>\n Monitor weather conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Stay away from windows during the storm:<\/strong><\/p>\n Check out the lists below for the tools and materials<\/a> you\u2019ll need. You might have a few of these items already on hand. If not, you\u2019ll easily find them for rental or purchase at a local home improvement store.<\/p>\n Now that you know the tools and materials you\u2019ll need to protect your home, I\u2019ll discuss the step-by-step instructions for installing DIY plywood storm shutters. These tips and tricks will give you peace of mind when the next disaster strikes.<\/p>\n The first step is counting and measuring your home\u2019s exterior windows<\/a>. Measure the windows from top to bottom and side to side, noting each measurement as you go. You want your panels to overlap the windows by a few inches. Add 10 inches to the height and width measurements to account for five inches of extra coverage on each side. If your window has a protruding bottom sill, add only five inches to the height measurement.<\/p>\n Buy enough pieces of plywood to cover your exterior windows and measurement needs. If you need bigger panels to cover large windows or exterior doors, you can connect two boards for complete coverage. Connect the plywood panels by drilling them to a two-by-four at the joints. Fasten the panels to the adjoining board with screws placed at 4-inch intervals. Add additional screws if the panels feel wobbly.<\/p>\n Use a circular saw to cut the plywood to size. If you don\u2019t own this power tool, you can rent one from Home Depot<\/a>. Before you begin cutting, make sure you\u2019ve reviewed saw safety tips and general use instructions.<\/p>\n This video explains the basics of using a circular saw:<\/p>\n
\nWhen to Board up Your Windows<\/h2>\n
\nSafety Considerations<\/h2>\n
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\nTools and Materials Needed for DIY Storm Shutters<\/h2>\n
Tools:<\/h4>\n
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Materials:<\/h4>\n
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\nStep 1: Measure the Window Frames<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Cut the Plywood Panels<\/h3>\n