Boarding Up a Doorway
boarding up property up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further destroying the property. It also keeps vandals, squatters and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. They need to be paired with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can go in or out of an area, building, or passage. A doorway can be a portal which allows access to a different location, such as another room in the house, or another part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Using a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one end to the other. Before taking this measurement, it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three places and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
If you want to replace your door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. This can be accomplished by taking the old door off by prying it away from the jamb with a wide pry bar. This will expose the framing rough which will be used to hang the new door. Measure the height of the opening in three places and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of your doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and allow you to build an entirely new door or window.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection for your home by boarding up company near me up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the width of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so you can accurately cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Before you start, wear protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to work with large sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape seal the cracks and then take out any panes that can't be taped. Make sure to cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even seal the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is still good it is possible to save time by putting a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up additional strength without the need to take off and replace the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools such as a drill and hammer (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood to which a door is mounted directly. They are essential to keep a door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.
Start with the hinge side jambs, with a raised portion towards the center, which is referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is opened and closed.
To get a precise measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's placed around it. This will reveal the rough opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.
After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square so that it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side of the door. Utilize a nail gun as well as finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a large dimensional lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king and jack studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to form a strong column that transfers the weight from the opening to the floor and foundation.
The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in an ordinary frame house. The code has tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation can be used to determine the proper size of the header.
There are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also talks about rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This removes one step from the framing process and often results in a stronger frame. He also explains box headers, which are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also discusses the fastening schedule of these other headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before boarding up company near me up a door, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. Clear away furniture and decor to give you ample work space and prevent damage to items. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust for better adhesion. If necessary you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw is able to deal with the curved surfaces. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this step.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. It is also recommended to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be put in place.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help protect a home or business from damage and unauthorized entry in the event of a storm, disaster, or other event. It can be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is reoccupied. Carefully evaluating the circumstances and the need of the boarding up can aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation to get the most effective results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the performance of your boarding up service. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop water and wind from leaking through gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a space for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll need to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so that they fit perfectly against the door frame and casing. You'll need to then skim the jambs and head to ensure that they're even with the surface of the wall.
It is best to do this prior the storm hits so that you have time to secure any other areas that are at risk. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. If you are prepared your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and winds. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from damage.