Putting up Plywood

[Downdraft]

Probably a little late for this post but I've seen so many people put up plywood incorrectly lately. First off, don't put it up flush against the glass. Secondly, remember to drill holes in the center of it to let the air escape. Otherwise you build up a vacuum between the board and the glass and it can still blow out your windows. A circle of holes couple of inches apart is all you need. Hope you don't need this tip for the rest of the year but if you do remember it.

[SeaBrz_FL]

Great tip, Downdraft! I remembered to make my "overlap cut" 5-6 inches beyond the window size, but did forget to drill pressure holes in the center.

Thanks!!

[tronbunny]

thanks..
Here's a link to the NHC's tips:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/shutters.shtml

Also, I have used the Plylox clips...
My wood doesn't quite get up against the glass.
I can't vouch for how effective they clips are, because we didn't get much from Frances, and hope I never can.
But my Mom, in West Volusia, got some nasty tonado-like winds that dropped dozens of trees 1-3 foot diameter, and had no damage to her windows that had been covered with Plylox method.

[jes]

Thanks. I'll get my guy that is taking mine down to drill the holes. I thought you were supposed to insert the wood into the window cavity -- isn't that against the window? I have noticed the workmen don't like a female telling them how to do their job, but I learn so much on this board. What about those holes in all my window frames from the screws. Don't they also need to be filled or should I just leave them be. This is all getting to be quite expensive.

[ameriwx2003]

I have used the Plylox window clips and they are easy and worked great. I highly recommend these:):)



http://www.plylox.com/

[Downdraft]

Fill the wholes and never put the board directly against the window. Plywood has a lot of give in it and the shock of being struck will be transmitted to the glass. Fill the holes after the season to keep moisture out of the frame.

[shorrock]

The best guide that I have found on the web yet is Lowe's interpertation of the APA (American Plywood Assocation) guide for the shutters. We built some following the guides for greater than 80" here in Boynton Beach, and they didn't bust an inch in the wind here.

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=Safety/hurricanePrep.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavSafetySecurity