Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to 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 in or broken down. These doors should be paired with composite frames that will not warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a wall opening through which you enter or leave an area, a building or a passage. It can also be an access point to another location, such as a different room in the same house or different part of the country.

You'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. It is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Make the most of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.

If you are looking to replace the existing door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by removing the old door by removing it from the jamb using an extended pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install.

You can also determine how wide the doorway is by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that the frame will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection for your home by boarding windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards precisely.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with a colleague because it's easier to handle huge sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.

Use a wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.

If the frame is still in good shape You can cut down on time by skipping the framing and simply running an additional stud straight across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and install the framing.

Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements, mark each board with the window number. Then using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that a door is directly attached to. They are essential to keep the door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to adjust them.

Begin with the hinge side jambs with a raised portion toward the center that's called a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the door Boarding Up a Doorway slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scraping against tiles or carpet when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the rough opening so you can accurately measure it.

After you've measured, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge will be centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side the door. Once you're done, make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.

Find the Header

A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, transferring loads above window and door openings to the studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs rubbing up against it on both ends make a strong support column that transfers loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.

In traditional framed houses, you can use tables in the code to calculate the size of the header for a specific span. The code contains tables for three different widths of buildings. You can use interpolation to determine the correct header size.

There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and permit more space to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.

He also discusses rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening in the wall without using a header; this removes one step from the framing process and usually will result in an even stronger frame. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to construct however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also covers the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

Before boarding up a door, it is important to thoroughly prepare the area. To allow enough space for work and to prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and décor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be used later. Clean the frame and door and wipe down surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards are fitted well and offer effective protection.

Once the doorway is clear and the doorway is clear, it's time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly, while a jigsaw can handle the curved surfaces. It is essential to wear protective gear during this procedure, including a dust mask and safety goggles.

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

The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard a home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop burglaries and thefts until the property has been used. The best results can be obtained by analyzing the situation, the purpose and the type of boarding up windows.

Install the Boards

Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. These fasteners are sturdy and will resist prying. This will increase the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation space to keep out humid air and stale air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil because mistakes are harder to rectify after cutting. You'll need to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head will need to be trimmed so that they are aligned with the wall.

It is recommended to prepare your home prior to the storm's arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to cover other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home service for boarding up windows a possible disaster. With the proper preparation your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and wind. You can also rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure.