How To Install Plywood On Windows For Hurricane

Protect with Plywood¹

Hal S. Knowles Three, Craig Miller, Kathleen C. Ruppert, Karla A. Lenfesty, and Barbara Haldeman ²

This publication is function iii of 6 in the Didactics + Activity = Air current Harm Mitigation series. For the rest of the series, visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_wind_damage_mitigation.

Proper storm protection requires time and money. Just if yous practice not have the time to rent a commercial contractor or you need to keep costs low, properly installed plywood shutters can provide reasonable protection for your firm.

Because of the temporary nature of plywood shutters, the panel weight, and the installation labor required, we recommend using them as a last resort. Come across the 2nd publication in this serial, Install Window Shutters (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae411), to review other options.

Effigy 1. Plywood is strongest in the direction of its wood grain.
Credit: Plant for Business organisation & Habitation Safety

Are all plywood shutters the same?

No. There are many means to install plywood shutters. All the same, we suggest y'all use one of two principal methods. Nosotros recommend using butt bolt plywood shutters for physical block homes with windows inset 2 or more inches from the exterior wall. Overlapping plywood shutters are best for windows inset less than ii inches.

Butt Commodities Plywood Shutters

Needed Materials

• Minimum 7/sixteen-inch-thick plywood (iii/four-inch is recommended.)

• 3- or four-inch barrel bolts

• Drill

• Circular saw

Effigy two. Barrel bolt plywood shutter.
Credit: Barbara Haldeman, UF/IFAS PREC

Basic Installation Directions

Cut the plywood to fit snugly in each window indentation. Connect multiple sheets with 2 × 4s or sturdy hinges for big openings. Screw barrel bolts to each plywood shutter, using one commodities for every 12 inches of vertical plywood. Marker the locations for commodities holes in the wall. Characterization each panel with "Top" and "Bottom" and the window it fits. Drill the holes. Plug the holes when not in use.

Overlapping Plywood Shutters

Needed Materials

• Minimum 7/16-inch-thick plywood (iii/4-inch is recommended)

• Nails (less secure) or screws/bolts (more secure) at least 2 inches long

• Lead or stainless-steel sleeve wall anchors (practise non use plastic)

• Hammer (for nails) and/or drill (for screws)

• Forest shims (if necessary)

• Circular saw

Figure 3. Overlapping plywood shutter.
Credit: Barbara Haldeman, UF/IFAS PREC

Basic Installation Directions

Cutting the plywood to overlap each window opening by 4 inches or more than. Connect multiple sheets with 2 × 4s or sturdy hinges for large openings. Drill matching holes through the plywood and the wall. Characterization each panel with "Top" and "Bottom" and the window information technology fits. Hammer sleeve anchors into wall holes. Spiral (or bolt) the plywood into the anchors. Plug the holes when not in utilise.

Bug to Consider

Avoid Oriented Strand Lath

It takes 30% thicker oriented strand board (OSB) to equal the bear upon forcefulness of plywood. Nosotros recommend using plywood.

Plan Ahead

Plywood is cheap, convenient, and available at most hardware stores. Withal, purchase your plywood before a storm approaches. Your local hardware store may run out if you look until the terminal minute.

Store Properly

Plywood requires proper storage to prevent woods damage. Florida's hot, humid climate can warp or degrade plywood, making the shutter unusable. It is best to waterproof your plywood shutters with a sealant or pigment, and store them in a cool, dry identify. Keep the shutter hardware (the bolts and screws) in a labeled container with the shutters. Storing plywood flat may besides help prevent warping. Never shop wet plywood.

Sentry Out for Termites

Cull a storage location that keeps the plywood shutters off the ground. This helps reduce the potential for termite damage.

Characterization the Shutters

About homes have a variety of window types and sizes. Clearly marking each of your plywood shutters so you know which window it fits and which side is upward. You may consider making a drawing of your business firm and mark each window on it with a special number to match your shutter labels.

For more detailed, Florida-specific guidelines on a diverseness of plywood shutter designs, visit the APA (Engineered Forest Clan) website (https://www.apawood.org/hurricane-shutter-designs).

Other Resources

APA—The Engineered Wood Association: Publications. Employ "hurricane shutters" as a search term, or type "T460" into the search box on the page to download a gratis copy of the association'south 2013 publication, Hurricane Shutter Design Considerations for Florida. (Registration may be required; in that location is no cost to register.) https://www.apawood.org/hurricane-shutter-designs

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Hurricane Inquiry Division: Flyers. Instructions for building plywood hurricane shutters: https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/flyers/BuildingWoodenShutters.pdf

Source: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE412

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