Recessed Window Covering. These are windows set back into the wall as viewed from the outside.
Windows smaller than 4' by 8' may be protected by covers made of 1/2" thick plywood. Verify that this method will not impede the opening of the window; it's screen or usability as a fire escape. We are preparing a frame of aluminum angle to hold the piece of plywood against the window. For the top, cut a piece of aluminum angle smaller than the window width. About every 12", using at least 2" long screws or lagbolts, drill and screw through the aluminum, upwards into the window box. This piece will be permanent; allowing the plywood be pushed up between it and the window. For the bottom, a similar piece of angle holds the plywood in place. It's screws and the piece will be removable and stored between storms. Depending on the window's height, you may want a piece of angle on each side of the window. Also, one or more stiffeners of 1"x3" wood may be cross the window's plywood. After preparing, I suggest that each piece be labeled, the wood protected with a wood sealer. If not protected, plywood will warp when wet and may rot. It is convenient to use lagbolts with the same size hex heads. Then only one wrench is needed.
_____# plywood pieces
_____# bottom angles
_____# left angles
_____# right angles
_____# 2" screws or lagbolts
_____# 3" screws or lagbolts
_____ Wrench(s) for lagbolts
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
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Flush Window Covering. These are windows that have their outside flush with the wall.
Windows smaller than 4' by 8' may be protected by just bolting pieces of 1/2" thick plywood over them. On cement, block or brick walls, lagbolts with lead expansions work well. At lease 1' wider and taller than the window, placed so that the plywood has at least 6" on each side of the window. Drill through the corners (at least 2: in from the edge of the wood, and then drill into the wall and place the expansions in the holes. I use 3" lagbolts through large washers into 1/2" lead expansions. No more than 20" between the bolts, this has worked fine for me. For framed construction, you will should locate the studs in the wall and verify that the bolts enter these studs. Stud placement will dictate the size of your plywood covering. Depending on the window's height, you may want to provide one or more stiffeners of 1"x3" wood crossing the window's plywood. After preparing, I suggest that each piece be labeled and protected with a wood sealer. If not protected, plywood will warp when wet and may rot. Try to use bolts with the same size heads. Then only one wrench need be used.
Doors are handled in the same way. In one case I bolt the plywood right through the door jam, using nuts epoxied to the outside of the plywood. This is tightened from the inside of the house.
_____ # plywood pieces
_____ # 1"x3" stiffeners
_____ # lagbolts
_____ # washers for lagbolts
_____ Wrench(s) for lagbolts
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
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Box, Windows, Dormers & other Covering. These windows and even doors which will require special consideration and construction to protect then.
Remember that the idea is more to protect the vulnerable area from being struck with flying debris than from the wind itself. The outside of your protection should be as smooth as is possible. An exposed 2"x4" might fail if one of it's sides is struck. I feel that it is best to place the 2"x4" on the inside of any box-like cover and bolting into it from the exterior. Again, label each piece, the protected it with a wood sealer.
_____ # plywood pieces
_____ # 1"x3" stiffeners
_____ # 2"x4" stiffeners
_____ # lagbolts
_____ # washers for lagbolts
_____ Wrench(s) for lagbolts
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
Porches, Carports and outbuildings all need to be protected. These may need 5/8" plywood or even more substantial material.
Remember that the idea is more to protect the vulnerable area from being struck with flying debris than from the wind itself. The outside of your protection should be as smooth as is possible. Again, label each piece, the protected it with a wood sealer.
_____ # plywood pieces
_____ # 1"x3" stiffeners
_____ # 2"x4" stiffeners
_____ # lagbolts
_____ # washers for lagbolts
_____ Wrench(s) for lagbolts
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
_____ _____________
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