The Best Tips You'll Ever Receive About Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding up the doorway, you will prevent further damage to your home from the effects of rain, snow or hail. It also helps keep vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. They need to be paired with strong door frames made of composite material which won't change shape over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall, through which you can enter or exit the building, room, or passage. The doorway could also function as a portal that provides access to another area, such as an additional room within the same home or different part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Start by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. It is crucial to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking this measurement. This will allow you to take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.
If you're looking to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. You can do this without removing the existing door by removing the old one away from the jamb using a wide pry tool. This will reveal the framing which will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times over and the smallest number will be the size of the door you want to install.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three spots in the center, left and right, and then recording the most extensive measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure your frame will cover the entire area and allow you install a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of its frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely.
Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with someone else since it's easier to work with large plywood sheets with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is good it is possible to save time by putting a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up extra strength without the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each board according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They are essential to keep the door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to adjust them.
Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece or plywood to the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will stop the door from scraping against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
When you finish measuring and marking 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 that the hinge is placed in the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.
Measure the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over the door and window openings to 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 at both ends make a strong support column that carries the loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within a conventionally framed house. The code includes 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 more space to be used to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also discusses rim-board headers that can connect an opening in the wall without an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and usually creates an even stronger frame. He also discusses box headers, which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also discusses the schedule for fastening these alternative headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly before the process of boarding up an entranceway. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and prevent damage to belongings. Remove doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be installed later. Clean the frame and door and wipe down surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris to improve adhesion. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and can easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Wearing protective equipment like safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this process.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to size. For reinforcement, it is a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be put in the desired position.
A doorway that is boarded up can help safeguard the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other event. It can also be used to protect vacant homes or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is returned to its original location. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the reason of the boarding up will help to guide the material choice and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and resist cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to seal the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap in order to prevent humid air and stuffy air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cutting, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll need to make the cut as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. Recommended Reading and the head must be cut to make sure they're in line with the wall.
It's best to do this before the storm strikes so that you will have plenty of time to cover other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you time and help you prepare your home or business for a possible catastrophe. Your property can be secured from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with right preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.