Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals away.

Doors are more secure than windows However, they can be damaged or kicked. These doors should be set with composite frames that won't warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can enter or exit an area, building or passageway. The doorway can also be an entry point that allows access to a different location like an entirely different room in the same home or different area of the country.

To determine how large a doorway is, you'll need to take measurements. Utilizing a tape measure begin by measuring the width of the frame's interior from one side to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, and not the actual window or door. Measure these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.

If you want to replace the door, measure the width of the door's opening. This can be accomplished without removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install.

You can also measure the width of your doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that the plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up a door windows doors, windows and other openings that allow in the elements. The first step is to carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the size of the frame. Note down every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.

Wear protective gear prior to starting to protect yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner because it's easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair of hands.

Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and then remove any panes which cannot be taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.

If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board more strength, without the additional effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.

Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each board in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, [Redirect-301] attach the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is mounted directly. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to adjust them.

Start with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section 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. Screw a strip of plywood 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 help prevent the door from scraping against tiles, carpet or throw rug as it's shut and opened.

To get an accurate measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.

Note the location of the hinge holes both on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge is centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the jamb side of the door. Once you're done, employ a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.

Find the Header

A header is a thick dimensional lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window boarding up near me openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs rubbing against it on both ends create a sturdy support column that transfers loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.

The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in a conventionally framed house. The code contains tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the proper size of the header.

There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're appropriate:

He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to connect an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually results in a stronger frame. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct, but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the fastening schedule for these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

It is important to thoroughly prepare the area prior to making a boarding plan for the front door. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and [empty] avoid damage to belongings. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe place to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust dirt, debris, and dust for better adhesion. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and offer effective protection.

Once the doorway is clear and the doorway is clear, it's time to begin cutting the plywood boards. 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 gear like safety goggles and dust masks is crucial during this step.

It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. It is also an excellent idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board is aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed into the desired position.

A doorway board can protect a business or home from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is occupied. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the purpose of the boarding up commercial property will aid in determining the best selection of the material and method of installation for the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding up company near me. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to protect the edges and stop water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and moisture accumulation.

Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when working with a power tool. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The next step is to clean the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the face of the wall.

It's best to do this before the storm hits to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other vulnerable areas. A little planning can save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for an impending catastrophe. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.