Boarding Up a Doorway

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

Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. They need to be paired with sturdy frames for boarding up a door doors made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can go in or out of an area, building or the passageway. The doorway can also be an access point to another location like an additional room within the same home or other part of the country.

You'll have to measure the doorway. Utilizing a tape measure begin by measuring the length of the inside of the frame from one end to the other. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Take these measurements in three places and select the largest number to represent the size of the doorway.

Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you plan to replace it. You can do this without removing the door by prying the old one away from the jamb using a wide pry tool. This will expose the framing rough that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.

You can also determine the width of the doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire area and allow you to install an entirely new door Boarding Up a Door or window.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to be able to fit.

Wear protective gear before you begin to protect yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a partner, as handling large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra set of hands.

Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and take off any panes that cannot be taped. Make sure to cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a brand new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up extra strength without having to take off and replace the framing.

Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each piece of plywood in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Measure the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood to which a door is mounted directly. They're essential in keeping the door shut properly and should be secure and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.

Begin with the side jambs of the hinge, with a raised portion towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece or plywood at the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will keep the door from scuffing against the carpet, tile 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 reveal the opening, allowing you to precisely measure it.

After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge will be placed in the frame at a proper angle and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. Use a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a large dimension lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads over window and doors openings to the studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to each end of the header as well as the jack studs butting up against it on both sides make a strong support column that can transfer loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.

In traditional framed houses you can make use of a series of tables in the code to calculate the size of a header for a given span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three building widths and you can use interpolation to get the next larger size to determine the proper header size.

But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, reduce the risk of thermal bridging and create space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're appropriate:

He also talks about Rim-board headers, which are able to bridge an opening in the wall without using an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often creates an even stronger frame. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the schedule for fastening these different headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.

Cut the boards

Before boarding up a door, it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work and prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decor. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a secure place for later reinstallation. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame and clean all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure the boards fit well and offer effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this step.

It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs after it is cut to size. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.

A doorway board can safeguard your home or business from being damaged or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property can be occupied. The best results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances and the need, as well as the type of boarding up company near me.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping will prevent water and wind from leaking through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.

If you're using a power drill, make sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge, as mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so that they fit perfectly against the door frame and casing. The next step is to clean the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the face of the wall.

It is recommended to prepare your home before the storm hits so that you have plenty of time to cover other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your business or home for the possibility of a disaster. Your property can be secured from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the proper preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.