The Best Ways to Mount a Plywood Hurricane Window

Preparation

• 1

  Check local building codes for hurricane shutters before purchasing supplies. Areas allowing plywood hurricane windows often set specific guidelines for board thickness and fastener type. Be sure to follow these guidelines to the letter.

• 2

  Measure window size to determine amount of plywood required and mounting technique to be used. Take note of the inset depth of the window. An inset depth less than two inches requires overlapping plywood hurricane window mounting. Inset depth of two inches or more requires barrel bolt mounting.

• 3

  Calculate the type and number of fasteners needed. On masonry, use two-inch masonry screws with sleeves and washers. For wooden homes, use 12 penny nails or wood screws. To figure the amount of fasteners needed, measure the window. For a window less than four feet wide, space fasteners every six inches. On a window wider than four feet, space the fasteners every four inches.

• 4

  Measure and cut plywood to fit as snugly as possible for barrel bolt mounted shutters. For overlapping plywood mounting, cut plywood with a minimum four-inch overlap. If cutting more than one piece of plywood at a time, label each piece clearly according to the window it matches to avoid confusion. To connect plywood pieces for large windows, use hardwood 2x4's.

Installation

• 5

  Attach barrel bolts to panel if this type of installation was deemed necessary in Step 2. Hold plywood to window and mark the spots where the bolts will attach to the house along the inside of the window. Drill holes carefully. Attach plywood hurricane windows to home. Ensure a snug fit. Make adjustments if necessary.

• 6

  Hold the plywood panel to the window and mark drill holes on house to mount overlapping plywood hurrican window covers. Use the proper drill bit for the material to be drilled. Insert two-inch lead sleeve anchors into drilled holes. Attach plywood over windows with two-inch tapping screws.

• 7

  After the hurricane passes, take down plywood panels and patch any holes in your home with the appropriate product. Repaint if necessary. Store plywood hurricane window covers in cool, dry place.