Boarding Up a Doorway
boarding up commercial property Up A Door - Yogaasanas.Science - up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further destroying the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows, yet they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. These doors should be set with composite frames that won't shift over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can enter or exit an area, building, or passage. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to another location like a different room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how large a doorway is, you'll need to take measurements. With a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the frame's interior from one side to the other. It is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, and not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the size of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you are planning to replace it. This can be done without taking the old door off by prying it away from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the framing which will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest of the numbers as 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 locations - center, left, and right - and recording the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure that the plywood will cover all the area, and also allow you to put in windows or doors that are new.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up a door up windows or doors, as well as other openings that allow in the elements. First, carefully inspect each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of its frame. Note each measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.
Wear protective gear before you begin to protect yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. It's also best to work with a partner since it's easier to handle huge sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that cannot 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 still in good shape it is possible to save time by skipping framing and just running an additional stud straight across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give your board additional strength without the need to take off and replace the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Mark each board in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you drilled earlier.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood to which a door is mounted directly. They're essential in keeping a door closed correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.
Start with the hinge side jambs that have a raised section towards the center, which is referred to as the doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor inside the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scraping against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.
Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the jamb on the hinge side to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the rough opening, which will allow you to 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, 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 the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can use a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Measure the Header
A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to each end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing up against it at both ends make a strong support column that carries the weight 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 the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three building widths and you can use interpolation to get the next wider size to determine the proper size for the header.
There are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that can save lumber, cut down on 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 explains Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers that are more difficult to construct, however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before the process of emergency boarding up cost a door, it is crucial to clean the area thoroughly. To allow enough space for work and prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and décor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be installed later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame and then wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. If necessary you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A good 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 a dust mask as well as safety goggles.
It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's recommended to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into place.
Boarding up a doorway can help to protect the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster or other event. It can also be used to secure a vacant property or stop thefts and break-ins until the property is occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by analyzing the situation, the purpose and the type of the boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. These fasteners are sturdy and will resist prying. This will improve the durability of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap to keep out humid air and stale air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles for safety. Mark your cuts using an eraser and a straightedge, as mistakes are harder to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll need to make the cut as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll need to then skim the head and jambs so that they are even with the surface of the wall.
It is recommended to start this process prior to the storm's arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are vulnerable. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. If you are prepared your property will be protected from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and wind. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.