Write down your measurements—they’re easy to forget, especially if you’re boarding up multiple windows!
For example, if your window measures 48 inches (120 cm) tall and 24 inches (61 cm) wide, then your piece of plywood should be 56 inches (140 cm) tall and 32 inches (81 cm) wide. If the window has an extended (protruding) lower sill, add only 4 inches (10 cm) to the height before cutting the plywood. The bottom of the sheet of plywood will rest on the sill. If you don’t have a circular saw, take your measurements to the home improvement store when you buy the plywood and ask an employee to cut it to size for you.
Drive at least 6 screws (2 at the top of the bracing, 2 in the middle, and 2 at the bottom) through the board and into the plywood—8, 10, or even 12 screws is that much better.
Don’t rely just on the exterior window trim to hold your plywood in place—it’s important that your screws end up in sturdy structural framing.
Plan to use 1⁄4 in (6. 4 mm) diameter, 2. 25 in (5. 7 cm) long lag screws if the window is less than 4 by 3 ft (1. 22 by 0. 91 m) in size, and 3⁄8 in (9. 5 mm) diameter, 3 in (7. 6 cm) long lag screws if it’s larger than that. Ideally, these pilot holes should be at least 2 in (5. 1 cm) in from all sides of the plywood sheet. But you can get by with slightly less than this if that’s what the stud locations dictate.
If the window has a protruding bottom sill that the installed plywood sheet will rest on, you don’t need to drill pilot holes along the bottom of the sheet.
Unless the window has an extended lower sill that allows you to rest the plywood on it while you work, it’s virtually impossible to do this part of the job alone. So make sure you have that second set of hands to help! While it’s not absolutely necessary, consider slipping metal washers onto each screw to ensure that the screw heads don’t sink too deeply into the plywood and weaken it.
Window clips only work with windows that are in-set by at least 2. 5 in (6. 4 cm) and surrounded by a sturdy material like masonry, stucco, or solid wood (though the clips may cause surface damage to the wood). The clips won’t work with windows that are flush (even) with the house exterior or if your home has vinyl or thin aluminum framing around the window. Take accurate measurements so that the cut plywood board will fit snugly into the window opening.
For example, if your window frame measures 48. 25 inches (122. 6 cm) tall and 24. 5 inches (62 cm) wide, then your cut piece of plywood should be 48 inches (120 cm) tall and 24. 25 inches (61. 6 cm) wide. Have your plywood cut to size for you at a home improvement store if you don’t have a circular saw.
You may be able to simply push the clips into place. However, using a hammer will ensure that they are as securely attached to the plywood as possible. Don’t worry about putting clips along the top or bottom. The clips on the side will be sufficient to hold the plywood in place.
Strong winds generate lift on the plywood that can cause it to be pulled out of the window frame. If the window clips are securely gripping the sides of the frame, they will keep the plywood in place. [14] X Expert Source Steve LintonCustom Home Builder Expert Interview. 16 September 2020. When you’re ready to remove the plywood, simply push down on the board and pull up on the window clips on 1 side to remove it.
