Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow, and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with strong door frames made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that allows you to can enter or exit an area, a building, or an entry point. A doorway can also be an access point that allows you to go to a different location like a different room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how big the doorway is, you'll have to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is crucial to remove all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Make these measurements at three different locations and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace the door, take a measure of the door's rough opening. This can be done 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 determine the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and permit you to put in a new door or window.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security to your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the length of the frame. Make note of each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely.
Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as it is easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair hands.
Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and take off any panes that are not 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 good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by putting a new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up additional strength without the need to take off and replace the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as a drill and hammer (if you have to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements make sure that each board is marked with the window number. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you drilled earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They are essential to keep doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs you have aren't, it's time to make adjustments.
Start with the hinge side jambs that have a raised section towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood on the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's shut and opened.
To get an accurate measurement of the hinge's side jamb, take off any trim or molding placed around it. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can measure it accurately.
Mark the location of the hinge holes both on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square until it's the same as the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is aligned with the frame and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side of the door. Use a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It transfers loads over windows and doors to the studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to create a strong column that transfers the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
In conventionally framed houses, you can use a series of tables in the code to size the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code provides tables for three widths of a building that you can then interpolate to the next wider size to determine the correct 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 to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also talks about rim-board headers, which can connect an opening in the wall without an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often creates stronger frames. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule for these other headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced out every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly prior to boarding up companies up a front door. To allow enough space for work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decorations. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe place to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt and other debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw is able to deal with curving areas. It is essential to wear protective gear during this procedure, including dust masks and safety goggles.
After the board is cut to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.
The act of boarding up a doorway - look at this now, can help safeguard your home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm, or other event. It can also be used to secure a vacant property or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property can be occupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason of the 24 hour boarding up service near me up will help to guide the material choice and method of installation to achieve the best results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be secured with screws of high-quality instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. This will increase the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and moisture accumulation.
Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil because mistakes are more difficult to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make the cut as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head will need to be trimmed so that they are in line with the wall.
It is best to do this prior a storm so you have time to board up any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and help you prepare your home or business for an impending disaster. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.