Boarding Up a Doorway
24 hour emergency boarding up up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked. These doors should be paired up with composite door frames that will not warp over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening through which you go in or out of a room, a building or a passage. The doorway could also function as an access point to another area, such as an additional room within the same house or a other part of the country.
You'll have to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's inside from one end to the other. Before you can take this measurement it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements in three places and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you plan to replace it. This can be done without removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. Take the height of the opening in three places and then use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door.
You can also determine how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure along the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that the frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
Boarding up windows, doors, and other openings which let in elements can provide a significant amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of its frame. Note every measurement so that you can cut the boards of plywood accurately.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to safeguard yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with someone else since it's easier to work with large plywood sheets with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and take off 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 in good condition You can cut down on time by skipping framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give the board-up more strength, without the extra effort of removing and installing the framing itself.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements make sure that each board is marked with its corresponding window number. Attach the plywood to the frame by drilling pilot holes using the holes you previously drilled.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They are essential to keep the door shut properly and should be snug and level. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they're not level.
Start with the side jambs of the hinge, with a raised portion towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door, and helps keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood at the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing around the jamb on the hinge side to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.
After you've measured and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides 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 will be placed in the frame at a proper angle and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a large dimensional lumber board that is nailed onto the wall framing. It carries loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs rubbing against it on both sides create a strong support column that can transfer loads 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 in a conventionally framed house. The code includes tables for three different widths of buildings. You can use interpolation to determine the correct size of the header.
There are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, reduce thermal bridging and free up space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can connect an opening without a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers that are more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also explains a fastening schedule for these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.
Cut the boards
It is essential to thoroughly prepare the area prior to the process of emergency boarding up up a front door. Remove furniture and decorations to allow for ample space and to avoid damaging items. Remove doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be used later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the frame and door and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dirt and dust. If necessary you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is clear after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw is able to handle the curved surfaces. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles as well as a dust mask is crucial during this process.
After the board is cut to size, it is crucial to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in place.
emergency boarding up cost up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry in the event of a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and type of the boarding up company near me.
Install the Boards
The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. These fasteners are sturdy and resist tearing. This improves the durability of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping will prevent the wind and water from flowing through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture accumulation.
If you're using a power drill, make sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. You should also make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, as mistakes can be difficult to correct once you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure that they are perfectly positioned against the door frame and casing. You'll need to then skim the jambs and the head to ensure they're level with the face of the wall.
It is best to do this prior a storm so you have time to board up any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you time and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. If you are prepared, your property can be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and winds. You can also rest in peace of mind knowing your property is safe.