Boarding Up A Doorway: 11 Thing You've Forgotten To Do

Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding a doorway, you can prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow, or rain. It also keeps vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.

Doors are more secure than windows, however they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked out. These doors should be set with composite frame that will not warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a wall opening that lets you can enter or exit a room, a building or an entry point. It can also be an access point to another location, such as an additional room within the same home or different area of the country.

You'll need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one end to the other. It is crucial to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and not the actual door or window. Make these measurements at three different locations and use the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

If you're looking to replace the existing door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to frame the new door.  www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  of the opening in three places, and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three locations: center, left and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.

Measure the Frame

Boarding up windows doors, windows, and other openings which let in elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. The first step is to look over each window to determine its size and shape and then measure the size of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.

Before you start, wear protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. Also, it is recommended to work with a friend in order to handle large sheets of plywood is much more efficient with a second set of hands.

Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that cannot be taped. Be safe and protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for added strength.

If the frame is good, you can save some time by putting a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more 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 board according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They're essential in keeping doors shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the existing jambs aren't, it's time to make adjustments.

Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised portion toward the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood at the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will stop the door from scraping against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the rough opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.

When you finish measuring, mark 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 so that it is equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge is aligned with the frame and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.

Measure the Header

A header is a thick dimensional lumber board that is attached to the wall framing. It carries loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly frame, the jack and king studs are secured to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.

The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code has tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next size to determine the proper size for the header.

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

He also discusses the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This removes a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers that are more difficult to construct, but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in.

Cut the Boards

It is essential to thoroughly prepare the area prior to boarding up an entranceway. Clear away furniture and decor to give you ample work space and prevent damage to belongings. Remove doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and put them in a safe place to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris for better adhesion. If needed you need to sand rough areas 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. Wearing protective equipment like safety goggles and dust masks is essential in this step.

It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. After the board has been fixed and aligned it is ready to be put into the correct position.

A doorway board can protect a business or home from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property can be occupied. Thoroughly assessing the circumstances and the need of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation to get the best results.

Install the Boards

The boards should be screwed down with screws of high-quality, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners will distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop the wind and water from flowing through the gaps. It's a good idea also 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 gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with a pencil and a straightedge because mistakes are harder to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll need to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure that they are perfectly positioned against the door frame and casing. You'll need to then skim the jambs and head to ensure that they're even with the face of the wall.

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