When a hurricane warning hits, time is your enemy. Boarding up windows prevents shattered glass from turning your home into a wind tunnel, which can blow the roof right off. It is a critical skill for any homeowner in a storm-prone area.
This guide breaks down exactly how to board up windows on brick and vinyl homes, the specific tools you need, and mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Use 5/8-inch (0.625) exterior-grade plywood (CDX) for the best balance of cost and impact resistance.
- Secure plywood using tension clips for brick recesses or corrosion-resistant lag screws for wood-framed houses.
- Always label your plywood sheets (e.g., “Master Bedroom – North”) to save time during future storms.
- Avoid taping windows; tape provides zero structural protection and creates dangerous, large shards of glass.
Cost of Boarding Up Windows With Plywood
If you handle the labor yourself, your main expense is materials. A 4×8-foot sheet of exterior-grade plywood (CDX) typically costs between $25 and $50, depending on lumber prices and demand. Marine-grade plywood is stronger but can cost over $100 per sheet.
Fasteners adds another $30 to $50 to the total. If you hire a professional, expect to pay an additional $40 to $80 per window for labor. The total investment is significantly cheaper than replacing broken windows or repairing water damage.
How to Board Up a Window On a Brick House
Brick homes require a different approach because you cannot easily drill into the exterior facade without causing damage. The most effective method involves fitting the plywood inside the window recess using tension clips.
This method relies on a snug fit, so precise measurements are vital.
Safety First
Always wear heavy work gloves and safety goggles. Handling raw plywood and operating saws carries a risk of splinters and debris.
What You’ll Need
- Circular saw.
- Drill.
- Hammer.
- 5/8-inch Exterior-grade Plywood.
- Window clips (Hurricane clips).
- Measuring tape.
- Sawhorses.
- Face mask.
- Safety goggles.
1. Measure the Recess
Grab your tape measure and check the width and height of the window opening. Measure the distance from the inside of the brick mold (the recess) rather than the glass itself. You need the plywood to wedge firmly inside this space.
2. Cut the Plywood
Place your plywood sheet on the sawhorses. Transfer your measurements to the board using a straight edge and a pencil. Subtract 1/4 inch from your total width and height to allow for clearance and swelling from rain.
Use your circular saw to make the cuts. Test the fit immediately to ensure it sits inside the recess without forcing it.
3. Joining Sheets for Large Windows
Standard plywood sheets are 4×8 feet. If you have a large picture window, you may need to join two sheets together.
Lay two sheets side-by-side or end-to-end to cover the full opening. Bridge the seam with a 2×4 piece of lumber (a baton) running the full length of the joint. Secure the baton using 2-inch wood screws spaced every 6 inches along both sides of the seam. This creates a rigid, unified barrier.
4. Install the Tension Clips
Window clips (often called Plylox or hurricane clips) grip the masonry when you push the board into place. They have teeth that bite into the brickwork.
Attach the clips to the vertical edges of your plywood. Space them no more than 24 inches apart. If your window is taller than 4 feet, use at least two clips per side.
5. Push into Place
Lift the plywood and press it into the window recess. Push firmly until the board butts up against the window frame. The clips will grip the brick and hold the board against negative wind pressure.
To remove them later, simply push the board further in to release tension or use a pry bar to gently disengage the clips.
How to Board Windows With Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding hides the structural studs, which makes finding a solid anchor point tricky. Unlike brick, you will mount the plywood on the outside of the frame, overlapping the opening.
What You’ll Need
- Circular saw.
- 2-inch Corrosion-resistant lag screws.
- Drill and drill bits.
- Stud finder.
- Washers.
1. Locate the Framing
You cannot screw plywood into the vinyl trim; it is too flimsy to hold against hurricane winds. You must hit the structural framing underneath.
Use a stud finder to locate the studs on either side of the window. Usually, there is a double stud (King and Jack stud) framing the window opening. The solid wood usually extends 2 to 4 inches beyond the visible window opening.
2. Calculate the Overlap
Measure the window opening and add 8 inches to both the height and the width. This provides a 4-inch overlap on all sides, ensuring your screws hit the framing studs rather than empty air or glass.
3. Drill Pilot Holes
Pre-drilling saves time and prevents the wood from splitting. Mark holes around the perimeter of your plywood sheet. Space holes 12 to 16 inches apart. Keep the holes 2 inches inward from the edge of the sheet.
Drill through the plywood using a bit slightly smaller than your lag screws.
Pro Tip
Mark “Top” and “Bottom” on each sheet. Number them to correspond to specific windows. This makes installation next year much faster.
4. Mount the Plywood
Hold the plywood over the window, centering it so the overlap is equal on all sides. Use a level to keep it straight.
Drive the lag screws through the pilot holes, through the vinyl siding, and into the wood framing. Use washers with your screws; this prevents the screw head from burying itself in the plywood during high winds.
How to Board Up Windows Permanently
If you are securing a vacant property against trespassers or vandalism, the goal is security rather than wind resistance. You need to make the barrier difficult to remove.
What You’ll Need
- Jigsaw or circular saw.
- Drill with masonry bits (for brick).
- Torx/Star drive deck screws (security screws).
- Silicone sealant.
- 3/4-inch Plywood.
1. Cut to Size
For maximum security, cover the entire opening plus the trim. Measure the window and add 4 to 8 inches to the dimensions. Use thicker 3/4-inch plywood, which is harder to kick in or break.
2. Use Security Screws
Standard Phillips head screws are easy for vandals to remove. Use Torx (star drive) or square-head decking screws. These require specific bits to unscrew, adding a layer of deterrence.
3. Secure the Board
For wood-frame houses, drive screws into the studs every 10 inches around the perimeter.
For brick houses, drill holes into the mortar joints (not the brick face) using a masonry bit. Insert plastic wall anchors and drive the screws into them.
4. Seal the Edges
Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the top and sides of the board. This stops moisture from getting behind the wood, preventing rot and mold growth inside the abandoned structure.
How Do You Board Up a Broken Window?
Broken windows pose an immediate safety risk. Before boarding, you must stabilize the glass.
Wear heavy gloves. Remove loose shards carefully. For cracked panes that are still intact, apply duct tape in a crisscross pattern to hold the pieces together. Once the glass is stabilized, follow the standard boarding procedures above based on your exterior wall type.
Alternatives to Boarding Up Windows
Plywood is the gold standard for emergencies, but it blocks light and looks unsightly. Here are effective alternatives for protection and weatherproofing.
Clear Polycarbonate Sheets
Polycarbonate (Lexan) is lighter and stronger than plywood. It is transparent, allowing daylight into your home during a power outage. Install it using the same lag-screw method used for plywood. It is more expensive upfront but lasts longer and stores easily.
Storm Panels
Aluminum or steel storm panels are corrugated sheets that slide into permanently installed tracks. They are lightweight and stackable. While the initial installation costs $350 to $800 per window, they deploy in minutes when a storm approaches.
Emergency Weatherproofing (Not for Security)
If you lack plywood and need to seal a broken window against rain immediately:
1. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags: Layer two contractor bags and tape them tightly to the window frame with outdoor duct tape.
2. Cardboard and Plastic: Wrap rigid cardboard in plastic sheeting and tape it over the opening.
Note: These methods provide zero protection against wind, debris, or intruders.
FAQs
Why Do People Board Up Windows?
Homeowners board up windows primarily to protect against windborne debris during hurricanes and severe storms. It prevents internal pressure buildup that can destroy a roof. People also board windows on vacant properties to prevent vandalism, theft, and squatting.
How Do You Board a Window From the Outside?
Measure the window opening and cut 5/8-inch plywood to size. For brick homes, use tension clips to fit the board inside the recess. For vinyl or wood siding, cut the board 8 inches larger than the opening and use lag screws to secure it to the wall studs.
Can I Use OSB Instead of Plywood for Windows?
Yes, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a stronger and often cheaper alternative to plywood. However, OSB absorbs moisture faster than exterior plywood, so it swells and degrades if left exposed to rain for long periods. It is best for single-use or short-term protection.
What Thickness of Plywood Should You Use For Hurricanes?
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) recommends a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch (0.625 inches) for hurricane protection. Thinner plywood may flex or snap under the impact of flying debris.
The Last Word on Boarding Windows
Don’t wait for the first raindrops to start measuring your windows. Boarding up is hard work, and doing it in a rush leads to mistakes. Prepare your materials now, label your boards, and store them in a dry place.
When the next storm alert sounds, you will be ready to secure your home in a fraction of the time.
