Boarding Up a Doorway

boarding up services up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away.

Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. They need to be paired with strong door frames made of composite material that won't warp over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening that lets you go in or out of the room, building, or a passageway. The doorway can also be an entry point that allows access to another area, such as an additional room within the same home or different part of the country.

You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using an instrument like a tape measure. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you intend to replace it. This can be done without taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire space and allow you to install an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

The act of 24 hour emergency boarding up up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements can provide a measureable amount of security for your home. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of its frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.

Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague because it's easier to work with large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and then remove any panes that aren't taped. Be safe and protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by skipping framing and simply running an entirely new stud across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give the board-up additional strength without requiring the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.

Acquire a few plywood sheets, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions, mark each board with the window boarding up near me number that corresponds to it. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is mounted directly. They're crucial in keeping a door closed correctly and should be tight and level. You'll need to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.

Start with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised part towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door, and helps keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor within the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the rough opening so you can measure it accurately.

After you've measured and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square until it's equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. Once you're done, use a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop with two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.

Find the Header

A header is a heavy dimensional lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It carries loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.

The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in an ordinary frame house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next size to determine the proper size for the header.

However, there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could reduce the need for lumber, decrease thermal bridging and free up space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.

He also discusses rim-board headers, which can create a bridge between an opening in the wall without a header; this removes one step from the framing process, and usually results in a stronger frame. He also explains box headers which are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is crucial to clean the space thoroughly before boarding up windows near me up an entranceway. Remove furniture and decorations to provide ample working space and to avoid damaging items. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a secure location for later installation. Clean the frame and door and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris to ensure better adhesion. If needed smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and offer effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and can easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. It is essential to wear protective equipment during this step, including a dust mask as well as safety goggles.

After cutting the board to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.

The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard the property or home from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can be used to protect vacant homes or stop burglaries and thefts until the property is used. A thorough assessment of the circumstances and the need of the boarding up will aid in the material choice and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to keep out humid air and stale air.

If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles for safety. You should also employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cutting, because mistakes are more difficult to fix once you've finished cutting. You'll want to make your cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The head and jambs must be cut to ensure they're level with the wall.

It is recommended to do this prior to a storm so you have enough time to cover any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning will save you time and help you prepare your business or home for a possible disaster. Your property will be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the right preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from damage.