Plywood hurricane shutters
Plywood hurricane shutters are an economic substitute to commercial shutters and they require a good deal of manual labor to install them. You need to use at least 5/8” exterior grade plywood, which is large enough to work with and strong enough to withstand the impact of flying debris. It is also quite heavy. Additionally, you also have to buy heavy duty 3 or 4” barrel bolts, at the rate of four per panel and inn greater number for larger openings. If you ensure that the plywood hurricane shutters’ material is of good quality, the chance of failure is reduced to that extent in case of a hurricane. As these hurricane shutters will be mounted inside the recess, there must be 2” inset of the window from the outer wall. If the windows and doors don’t have enough inset, the plywood may have to be fastened to the outer wall. This makes them vulnerable to being ripped of by strong winds. Each window and door you want to cover must be carefully measured and a piece of plywood hurricane shutters cut to fit exactly into the opening. A proper fit is very essential to protect the window. Measure the window frames and ensure that they are square. If necessary, cut the plywood to make them fit. This makes it important to mark one side as top and another to face out. Also write on the hurricane shutters which window they are meant to cover.
In case of smaller windows, screw the barrel bolts to the panel, one on each side. In case of larger windows and doors, fixing one bolt every 18” is essential. Larger panels also need handles and braces. This makes them easier to move and manipulate. For panels that cover very large areas like sliding glass doors, a piano hinge can be used to fold, handle and store the panel. Place the plywood hurricane shutters against the window and mark the spot where each barrel bolt slides. After making the marks, drill hoes in the concrete and install the panel properly. Make the necessary adjustments. There are a few basic points to remember about these hurricane shutters. Use 5/8 or ¾” exterior grade plywood and 3 or 4” heavy duty barrel bolts. Once your plywood hurricane shutters are completed, make them waterproof by coating them with varnish or paint. The wood that is cut to fit into the recess is effective because the wind can’t get under it. Also, the wood is fastened at right angles to the force of the wind and both the forces try to push the plywood hurricane shutters into the recess and it is difficult for the wind to pull the fasteners out from the structure. If such precautions are taken, it will help in building strong plywood hurricane shutters.