How to Make Plywood Hurricane Shutters
If you live in a part of the country that experiences frequent high winds and hurricanes, you need hurricane shutters on your home. The best ones are easy to install, affordable and offer protection from the wind. Plywood hurricane shutters meet all three of those criteria. Plywood hurricane shutters can either be permanent or temporary; you can store temporary shutters until you need them and then quickly attach them to the house. Plywood shutters offer substantial weight to protect windows and doors from flying objects. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood
- Circular saw
- Barrel bolts
- Screwdriver
- Handle
- Drill and drill bits
- Varnish
- Paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Measure the window opening. Don't assume it is square. Make a template of each corner to help get a tight fit in the corners, if necessary.
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2
Cut 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood to the exact dimensions of the window opening, using a circular saw. If you are making several shutters, write which window they match onto the wood. Label which edge of the wood is up, as well.
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3
Attach barrel bolts to the mid-point of each side of the plywood panel. Use the screws that come in the barrel bolt's assembly package. Space barrel bolts 18 inches apart on larger panels.
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4
Attach a handle to the center of larger hurricane shutters to make them easier to handle. Use the screws that come with the handles.
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5
Drill four small holes in the center of the plywood panel to relieve pressure on them during a wind storm.
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6
Hold the plywood in place in the window. Mark the location of where you need to attach the barrel bolt receivers on the window sill. Drill pilot holes in the window sill in the location you marked. Attach the barrel bolt receiver, using screws from the package.
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7
Attach the plywood shutters to the window opening to check their fit.
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8
Varnish or paint the shutters with two coats to make them water-resistant. Transfer any markings to the topcoat of the paint or varnish. Store the finished shutters in a dry area to prevent warping.
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Tips & Warnings
Before investing in plywood shutters, check with your local building codes to see if they meet local guidelines.
These directions work best when the windows are inset at least 2 inches from the exterior wall. If you mount the shutters entirely on the exterior wall, the wind may catch them and pull them off.
If your hurricane shutter installation must be outside of the window frame, use lag bolts instead. Anchor the receivers on the house at least 1¾ inches deep.
If you cannot handle the weight of the shutters, use another option to protect you and your home during a hurricane.
