How to Go About Boarding Up a Door

boarding up company boarding up and burglary repairs a door is one method of protecting vacant investment properties from the elements. It's not guaranteed to stop all damages but it can assist to prevent some of the problems associated with severe storms.

The boarding up doorway of doors and windows will also deter trespassers and vandals. Installing plywood panels over openings can be costly and time-consuming.

Measure the Door

The first thing you'll need is a tape measure. It is a good idea to keep a ladder or chair close to hand in case you need a better view of the top of the frame. If you have to use these tools, make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.

Begin by measuring the width of the door. This can be done by running the tape measure horizontally across the door. Make sure to remove any additional door parts such as a door sweep and door sweep, from this measurement. Then, you can determine the height measurement by measuring up from the floor to the sill plate or lintel. It is essential to take measurements in multiple locations, especially when measuring doors that are older as they may not have a perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements differ take the largest number.

You'll have to determine the size of the frame once you've measured the length and width. It should be at a minimum 2 inches wider and 1 inch taller than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow plenty of space to move the frame and door to fit.

When you're ready to determine the door frame's size and height measurements, it's best to take out any trim or casing from around the door jambs so you can see the studs that are behind them. This will allow you to measure the exact gap between the frame's studs and the edge.

After removing the trim, measure the width of your door frame using the tape measure. Take measurements of the frame at three different places and use the smallest measurement. You should also measure the height of the frame from the top to bottom on both sides, and then use the shortest measurement to determine the height of your door.

If you are having trouble with the measurements, consult a professional to come to your house and conduct the measurement. They will be able to give you the exact type and Boarding Up a Door size of door you need and the best way to prepare the frame to accommodate the door you want to buy.

Plywood can be cut into pieces

A door frame is generally made up of a series thin boards or studs which create a hollow space surrounding the door. Two hinges are connected to the studs, and they hold a typical door in place. This means that if you need to finish the door, it is essential to take the hinges from the door for a night. Placing plywood into the door's opening is a great way to board the door and keep insects from getting into your home. This is a simple process without the need to screw or nail the plywood to the frame of the door.

Plywood is simple to work with, inexpensive and looks stunning when finished. It is the perfect material to make a temporary solution for situations where you need to remove the door you have in place to finish it or build an entirely new one. It can also be used to secure the opening of a space being renovated, such as a basement or construction site.

Begin by measuring the width of your door opening as well as its height. Draw the dimensions on the plywood with a utility knife and a drywall square or another straight edge of metal. Then, snap an outline of chalk across each line to indicate where you want to cut. Finally you can use a circular saw to cut out the plywood to the desired size.

It is crucial to protect both your ears and eyes while cutting plywood. If possible, wear a pair of protective goggles and earplugs while working. In addition, it's crucial to use a knife with a large number of teeth that can cut quickly and with less tear-out. To minimize the chance of tearing out pieces of wood from the edges of your cut blade, use a small piece of wood as template to guide the blade and keep it just a hair's width away from the marked line while cutting.

Attaching a pair of shorter braces to each end is a good way to hold the plywood in place, without screwing it into studs. Place one brace on the inside and the other outside of the door. Then, insert a pair of 1-1/2-inch deck screws into each of the holes, and tighten them with an open-end wrench.

Fasten the Plywood

It's now time to connect the panel to the frame after you have the wood sheet cut to the correct size and the holes for the stiles and rails of the door frame predrilled. This is a simple project that does not require a lot of carpentry expertise, as long as you follow the correct procedure and use the appropriate tools.

Set up a table in the entrance with two sawhorses at each end, and framing lumber 2x4s. Utilize the marks you made during the measurement process to guide you while cutting the plywood. Score the lines with a utility knife and a drywall square or other metal straight edge. This will act as a guide to the saw blade, and also prevent splintering of plywood when you cut it.

Wear eye protection and use a circular or table saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade cut along the line of scoring. Then sand the edges of the plywood panel using 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the panels and remove any burrs that may have formed from the saw cuts. After sanding the plywood panels apply a wood sealer and allow it to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

Install the hinges on the door frame. If you're using a T hinge, drill holes in the outside of the door to accommodate the straps of the hinges. Then, put the outside hinge on its spot and attach it to the frame with the help of a screw gun. Repeat the procedure for every hinge on the inside of your door. Be cautious not to overtighten them, or the door could move.

If you have a single T-hinged outside door you can make it easier to close by fishing wire through the loops of the outside hinges. Bend a short piece of tie wire in half, and fish it through each of the two holes on the outside of the door, then connect the wires to tighten them and lock the door.

Install the Plywood

Based on the measurements you have taken, place the plywood in the door opening. Shim the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Use a level and ensure that there's no slop between the header and sill. If the level isn't quite right, place another shim where it is needed and continue the process until the header and sill are even.

Once the plywood is in the frame, fix it with stainless steel hinge bolts and wings nuts. Use a screwgun with an attachment for hex heads to avoid stripping off the screws' heads.

If your home has studs running the length of your doorway, you can drill hanger bolts into each of the framing members. This is a simpler task than drilling the hole with the saw for drywall.

After you have installed the plywood, measure the width and the height of the door opening. If needed, trim the bottom of the plywood to fit the dimensions of your door frame and cut two pieces of framing lumber for braces to connect to the upper and lower edges of your door. Cut along the lines marked on the plywood with circular blades with teeth that are finely-toothed. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from the cuts by using a sanding device.

After you've placed the braces after you have positioned them, use two pairs of finishing nails of 2 inches to secure each brace to the plywood. Counter sink all nail heads after you've finished. Cover the braces with a good wood sealing product, like the wipe-on polyurethane by Minwax.

If your door is too large it is possible to add decorative molding to fill the space between your jamb and door, or you can resize your opening. In many cases, however it's cheaper and simpler to purchase the door. It also removes any problems you may have had with your original door, if it was damaged or was not fit for the opening.