Activity

Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up an entranceway, you can stop further damage to your property from hail, snow or rain. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.

Doors are more secure than windows, but they can still be damaged or kicked out. They must be paired with strong door frames made of composite material that won’t deteriorate over time.

Measure the Doorway

A doorway is an opening through which you go in or out of a room, a building or an entry point. A doorway could be an access point that allows you to go to another location for instance, a different room in the house or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of the doorway is, you’ll have to measure it. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using the tape measure. It is crucial to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will allow you to measure the frame, not the actual door or window. Take these measurements at three different locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you are planning to replace it. This can be done without removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening’s height should be measured three times and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three places such as left, center, and right, and then recording the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best method to ensure that the 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 up windows doors, windows and other openings that allow 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. 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 is also recommended to work with a colleague because handling large plywood sheets is easier with an extra pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and remove any panes that aren’t taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out to increase their strength.

If the frame is good, you can save some time by running a new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give the board extra strength without the extra effort of removing and installing the framing itself.

Get a few plywood sheets and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each sheet in accordance with the frame’s dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you drilled earlier.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are essential to keep a door closed properly and should be secure and level. You’ll have to adjust the jambs if they’re not level.

Start with the side jambs of the hinge, that have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor within the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will stop the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the jamb of the hinge to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the rough opening so you can 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, measure the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. boarding up windows and doors will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame at a proper angle and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Once you’re done, make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a thick wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the wall’s top framing, which transfers loads above doors and windows to studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king the studs are attached to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.

The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2×12, and the code provides tables for three building widths; you can interpolate for the next larger size to get the appropriate size for the header.

There are better options than the standard 2×12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they’re the right choice:

He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of a header. This eliminates an element in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to construct and have greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for these other headers. This requires 8d common nail spaced every three inches.

Cut the boards

Before the process of boarding a door, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. Remove furniture and decorations to give you ample work space and avoid damage to belongings. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe place for later reinstallation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust dirt, debris, and dust for better adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it’s time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw is able to deal with curving areas. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask is crucial during this process.

It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs after it is cut to size. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces 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 board can protect a business or home from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure a vacant property or prevent break-ins and theft until the property can be occupied. Carefully evaluating the situation and the purpose of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material selection and the method of installation for the most effective results.

Install the Boards

The boards should be screwed down with screws of high-quality, rather than nails. These fasteners are strong and resist the pull of prying. This will increase the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation space to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are more difficult to correct after you’ve finished cutting. You’ll want to make your cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The jambs and head will require trimming so that they are level with the wall.

It is best to do this prior the storm hits so that you have enough time to cover any other areas that could be vulnerable. You will save time and effort by preparing ahead. With the proper preparation your home or business will be protected from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You will also have peace of mind knowing your property is safe.