How to Use Plywood for Hurricane Protection
Plywood is a common choice for hurricane shutter materials. Often, plywood panels are simply nailed to the outside of windows and doors to protect homes from high hurricane winds. However, hurricane experts recommend a different method of plywood panel installation. According to Stan Goldenberg of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, installing plywood shutters to fit snugly inside the window or door frame is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners in hurricane zones. These shutters were effective even in the highest winds of Hurricane Andrew, and are relatively easy to install. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 5/8 or 3/4 inch exterior plywood
- 3-4 inch heavy-duty barrel bolts
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Varnish or paint (optional)
- Pen and paper
- Permanent marker
Instructions
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Measure all windows and doors to be covered and record measurements. This will allow you to purchase only the necessary amount of plywood.
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2
Purchase materials. Marine plywood, 5/8 inch to 3/4 inch, is best. Be sure to purchase sturdy barrel bolts. You will need at least four per window, or one for every 18 inches.
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Cut plywood to fit into the recess between the exterior of windows/doors and the inside frame. It should be quite snug.
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4
Screw barrel bolts into the plywood. For small or medium sized windows, you only need one bolt on the middle of each side (a total of four bolts). For larger areas, be sure to use one bolt every 18 inches.
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Line up the barrel bolts with the wall surrounding the plywood panel, and mark where they will go into the wall. Be precise, since these markings will determine where you drill holes into the wall.
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Drill holes into marked spots. This is where you will insert the barrel bolt into the wall in order to secure the plywood panel. Make sure they fit.
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Write where each panel goes on the plywood (for example, "master bedroom window" or "back screen door").
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Paint or varnish each panel to make it waterproof, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
For step-by-step photo instructions, visit http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index2.html.
If you do not have at least a 2-inch inset between the exterior and interior walls, you will have to place panels on the outside of the windows or doors. Instead of using barrel bolts, use lag bolts, washers, and lead anchors to secure the shutters. Also, rather than cutting the shutter to fit the window, you will need to cut them about four inches larger on each side, to completely cover the window. For more information, see FEMA's instructions on hurricane wind protection in References.
