Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. They must be paired with sturdy frames for doors made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can enter or exit an area, building, or passageway. The doorway could also function as an access point to another area for instance, a different room in the same home or other part of the country.
To determine how big a doorway is, it's necessary to measure it. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one side to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure you only measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Make these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace the existing door, take a measure of the door's opening. You can do this without removing the door by prying the old one away from the jamb using a wide pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times, and the smallest number will be the size of the door you want to install.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running a tape measure along the frame in three places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in windows or doors that are new.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security to your home by boarding up service up a door (to Chessdatabase) up windows, doors and 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. Note each measurement so that you can cut the boards of plywood accurately.
Before you start, wear protective gear to guard against broken glass and other dangers. Also, it's best to work with a colleague, as handling large sheets of plywood is much more efficient with a second set of hands.
Use wide masking to tape the cracks and remove any panes which cannot be taped. Be safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.
If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a new stud through 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.
Make sure you have a few sheets plywood as well as some tools like the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Mark each board in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame by drilling pilot holes using the holes you made earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They are essential to keep a door 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 which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab to stop it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor within the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.
Remove any trim, molding or casing installed around the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the rough opening, allowing you to accurately measure it.
After you've measured, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square until it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and correctly aligned with your door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. After you're done, you can employ nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop with two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Find the Header
A header is a thick dimensional lumber board that is nailed on top of the wall framing. It transfers loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly constructed, the King and Jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in a conventionally framed house. The code includes tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate header size.
But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging, and free up space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're suitable:
He also talks about the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This removes an additional step in framing and often results in stronger frames. He also explains box headers that are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule of these different headers. This calls for 8d common nail spaced at a distance of 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly prior to making a boarding up service plan for an entranceway. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and to avoid damaging items. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware, and store them in a secure place to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared after which it is time to cut the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood easily, while a jigsaw can handle the curved surfaces. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask is crucial during this process.
After the board is cut to size, it is important to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.
A doorway that is boarded up can help safeguard your home or business from damage and unauthorised entry in the event of a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop thefts and break-ins until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by analyzing the situation and the need, as well as the type of boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This will improve the durability of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, make sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head must be cut to make sure they're in line with the wall.
It is best to do this prior an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that are vulnerable. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. If you are prepared your property will be protected from criminals and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You can also rest in peace of mind knowing your home is secure.