Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than Windows However, they can be broken or kicked. They should be set up with composite door frames that will not warp over time.
Measure 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 entrance point that gives access to another place, such as another room in the house boarding up service or another part of the country.
You'll need to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other with a tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Make the most of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you plan to replace it. You can do this without removing the door by removing the old one away from the jamb using an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of your doorway by running a tape measure along the frame in three locations: center, left and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure your frame will cover the entire area and allow you install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security to your home by boarding windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to inspect each window to determine its size and shape, and then determine the length of the frame. Make note of each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards accurately.
Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other dangers. Also, it is recommended to work with a partner because handling large sheets of plywood is more efficient with a second pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and remove any panes that aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is good, you can save some time by running a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board additional strength without requiring the additional effort of removing and installing the framing itself.
Acquire a few plywood sheets and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). In accordance with the frame's measurements, mark each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces wood that doors are directly hung. They are essential to keep doors shut properly and should be snug and level. If the jambs in place aren't, it's time to adjust them.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised portion toward the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door and prevents 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 inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing around the jamb of the hinge to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the rough opening so you can measure it accurately.
When you finish measuring your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine 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 process on the latch jamb side the door. Make use of a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.
Measure the Header
A header is a large dimension lumber board that is attached on top of the wall framing. It transfers loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs that are nailed to each end of the header and the jack studs butting up against it on both ends create a sturdy support column that transfers weight from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed homes you can make use of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three different widths of the building and you can use interpolation to get the next larger size to get the appropriate size for the header.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space to be used to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also explains Rim-board headers, which can connect an opening without a header. This removes a step in the framing process, and can result in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work and to prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and décor. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame and then wipe down the entire surface to remove dust and dirt. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw is able to handle the curved surfaces. It is essential to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including dust masks and safety goggles.
After the board is cut to size, it is essential to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is recommended to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. Once the board is fixed and aligned it is ready to be nailed into the correct position.
emergency boarding up up a doorway can help protect a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry in the event of 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 reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation and the need, as well as the type of boarding up companies.
Install the Boards
The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. This improves the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation space to keep out humid air and stale air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to fix once you've completed cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so that they are perfectly positioned against the door frame and casing. You'll then need to skim the head and jambs to ensure that they're even with the surface of the wall.
You should do this before a storm so you have time to board up any other areas that are at risk. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be secured from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.