Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being broken or kicked. These doors should be paired up with composite door frames that won't shift over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall, through which you can go in or out of a room, building or passageway. 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 a completely different part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's inside from one end to the other. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual window or door. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you intend to replace it. This can be done without removing the existing door by prying the old one away from the jamb with the wide tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. Measure the height of the rough opening in three places and then use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door.
You can also measure how wide the doorway is by using a tape measure to measure 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 way to ensure your frame will cover the entire 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 windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape and then measure the size of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a partner since it's easier to work with large sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and remove any panes that aren't taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.
If the frame is still in good condition, you can save time by avoiding the framing process and instead running an entirely new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board extra strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as a hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes that you previously drilled.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood on which the door is directly mounted. They are vital to keep the door shut properly. They must be secure and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they aren't level.
Begin with the side jambs of the hinge, which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor within the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing installed around the jamb of the hinge to get an accurate measurement. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.
Mark the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside 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 the hinge is properly centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. Make use of a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a large dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over doors and windows to the studs below. When properly framed, the jack and king studs are secured to each side of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to form a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In traditional framed houses, you can use tables in the code to calculate the size of the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three different widths of the building that you can then interpolate to the next larger size to determine the correct size for the header.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're the right choice:
He also explains rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without the need of the use of a header. This removes an additional step in framing and often results in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the schedule for fastening of these other 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 important to clean the area thoroughly. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and avoid damage to belongings. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place to be installed later. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame and clean all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. If needed you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is clear after which it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. It is essential to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask and safety goggles.
After the board is cut to size, it is crucial to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board is aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed into the correct position.
A doorway that is boarded up can help protect your home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can be used to secure vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been used. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances as well as the purpose and kind of the boarding up service.
Install the Boards
Instead of using nails, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute the pressure and prevent cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding up company. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation space to avoid humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts because mistakes are more difficult to fix once you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards so they're perfectly fitted against the door frame and casing. The jambs and head must be cut so that they are in line with the wall.
It's best to do this before the storm strikes to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other vulnerable areas. A little planning can save you time and will help you prepare your business or home for an impending disaster. With the proper preparation your property will be protected from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from damage.