Boarding Up a Doorway
boarding up windows service up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further destroying the property. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be kicked in or broken down. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening that lets you enter or leave a room, a building or a passageway. A doorway can also be an access point that allows you to go to a different location, such as another room in the home or a completely different part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements in three places and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
If you are looking to replace your door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. You can do this without removing the old door by prying the old door away from the jamb using the wide tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. Measure the opening's height in three places and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.
You can also measure how wide the doorway is by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection for your home by 24 hour boarding up service windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape and then determine the width of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to be able to fit.
Wear protective gear before you begin to safeguard yourself from broken glass and other dangers. Also, it's best to work with a partner in order to handle large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their 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 the board more strength, without the additional effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). In accordance with the frame's measurements and marking each board with its corresponding window number. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are vital to keep doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they're not level.
Start with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against 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 prevent the door from scraping against the tile or carpet as it's opened and shut.
To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim, molding or casing that's placed around it. This will reveal the rough opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.
Note the locations of the hinge holes both on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise. Then 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 process for the latch jamb side of the door. When you're done, make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop using 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.
Find the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is attached to the wall framing. It carries loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs attached to each end of the header as well as the jack studs butting against it on both sides create a strong support column that can transfer weight from above the opening to the floor and foundation.
The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in an ordinary frame house boarding up service. The code has tables for three different building widths. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate size of the header.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to bridge an opening in the wall without the use of a header. This eliminates one step in the framing process and often creates an even stronger frame. He also discusses box headers that are more difficult to build and have greater spans than single-ply. He also discusses the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is important to clean the area thoroughly. Remove furniture and decorations to give you ample work space and prevent damage to belongings. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and put them in a safe place to be used later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to remove dust dirt, debris, and dust to ensure better adhesion. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and offer effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to start cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood easily, while a jigsaw can handle curved areas. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask is essential in this process.
After cutting the board to size, it is essential to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board is aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed in place.
A doorway that is boarded up can help to protect your home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster, or other event. It can be used to protect vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been used. The best results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances, the purpose and the kind of the boarding up windows and doors.
Install the Boards
The boards should be screwed down with heavy-duty screws, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute the pressure and prevent cutting, increasing the efficiency of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's also 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 use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll want to make your cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. You'll need to then skim the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the surface of the wall.
It is recommended to start this process before the storm strikes so that you will have plenty of time to board boarding up windows service other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible disaster. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with right preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.