boarding up windows service Up a Doorway
24 hour emergency boarding up up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than Windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. They need to be paired with strong door frames made of composite material that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can enter or exit a room, building or the passageway. It can also be an entry point that allows access to a different location like an additional room within the same home or other part of the country.
To determine how large a doorway is, it's necessary to take measurements. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. It is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Take these measurements at three different locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of the current door if you plan to replace it. This can be accomplished without removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb using a large pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to mount the new door. Measure the height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three places - center, left, and right. Record the largest measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure your 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 a sense of security for your home by boarding up a Door windows or doors, as well as other openings that allow in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of the frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as handling large sheets of plywood is much easier with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and then remove any panes which aren't taped. Be safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.
If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements make sure that each board is marked with the window number. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are essential to keep doors shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to adjust them.
Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood on the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, allowing you to accurately measure it.
Mark 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 mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered in the frame and correctly aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can use a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop by using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a thick wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the wall's top framing, transferring loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to each end of the header and the jack studs that are rubbing against it on both sides create a sturdy support column that can transfer weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In traditional framed houses you can make use of tables in the code to calculate the size of a header for a given span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three building widths and you can use interpolation to get the next wider size to get the appropriate header size.
However, there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can reduce the need for lumber, decrease thermal bridging, and free boarding up houses space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which are able to create a bridge between an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This removes one step from the framing process, and usually will result in a stronger frame. He also discusses box headers that are more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the fastening schedule of these alternative headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every three inches.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to thoroughly prepare the area. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and avoid damage to items. Detach the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a safe place for later reinstallation. To ensure better adhesion, wash the frame and door, and wipe down the entire surface to remove dirt and dust. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure the boards fit well and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will tackle curving areas. It is essential to wear protective equipment during this step, including a dust mask and safety goggles.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs after it is cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
A doorway board is a way to protect your home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is returned to its original location. The best results can be achieved by assessing the circumstances and the need, as well as the type of the boarding up windows and doors.
Install the Boards
Instead of using nails, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and resist cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding up company. Weatherstripping or caulk is 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 in order to keep out humid air and stale air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear gloves and goggles to ensure safety. Also, you should employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the door casing and frame. You'll need to then skim the head and jambs so that they are even with the surface of the wall.
You should do this before a storm so you have enough time to cover any other areas that are at risk. You can save lots of time and effort by preparing ahead. With the proper preparation, your property can be safe from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and wind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from danger.