boarding up door Up a Doorway
boarding up windows up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows, yet they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked out. They should be set with composite frames that won't shift over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that allows you to go in or out of an area, a building or a passage. The doorway could also function as an access point to another area, such as a different room in the same house or a different area of the country.
You'll have to measure the doorway. Using a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one end to the other. Before taking this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Take these measurements in three places and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you are planning to replace it. It is possible to do this without removing the old door by removing the old one away from the jamb with a wide pry tool. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the opening in three places and then use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three spots - center, left, and right. Record the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and allow you to build the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection to your home by boarding up windows service up windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to examine each window to determine its size and shape and then measure the width of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to shield yourself from broken glass and other hazards. Also, it is recommended to work with a friend because handling large plywood sheets is more efficient with a second set of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.
If the frame is in good shape You can cut down on time by skipping framing and just running a new stud straight across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board additional strength without the need to remove and install the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and a few tools, such as a hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements, mark each board with its corresponding window number. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they aren't level.
Begin with the side jambs of the hinge, which have a raised part toward the center that's called a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
Note the locations 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, then adjust the square to match the marks on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and correctly aligned with your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above doors and windows to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing up against it at both ends create a strong support column that can transfer weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed homes, you can use a set of tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. The code includes tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate header size.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're appropriate:
He also explains Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This removes an element in framing process and usually results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the fastening schedule for these different headers. This calls for 8d common nail spaced every three inches.
Cut the Boards
Before boarding up a door, it is important to prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work and to prevent damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and decorations. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a safe location for later reinstallation. Clean the frame and door and wipe down surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted securely and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is clear, it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for areas that are curving. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask and safety goggles.
After cutting the board to size, it is crucial to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
A doorway board can safeguard your home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a storm or disaster. 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 24 hour emergency boarding up up will aid in determining the best selection of the material and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be screwed down with screws of high-quality instead of nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your emergency boarding up services. Sealing the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop rain and wind from getting through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must 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 you can when cutting the boards, so that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. You'll then need to skim the jambs and the head so that they are even with the surface of the wall.
It is best to prepare your home before the storm hits so that you have plenty of time to cover other areas that are at risk. A little planning will save you a lot of work and help you prepare your home or business for an impending disaster. With the proper preparation your property will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and winds. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.