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Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up the doorway, you will prevent further damage to your home from the effects of rain, snow or hail. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.

Doors are more secure than windows, yet they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked out. They must be paired with sturdy frames for doors made of composite material that won’t warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can enter or exit an area, building, or the passageway. The doorway can also be an entry point that allows access to another location for instance, an additional room within the same house or other part of the country.

To determine how large a doorway is, it’s necessary to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other with a tape measure. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Measure these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the size of the doorway.

If you’re looking to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door’s opening. This can be accomplished without removing the old door by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. Take the height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure along the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire space and allow you to build an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape, and then take measurements of the width of the frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to be able to fit.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other dangers. Also, it’s best to work with a colleague because handling large sheets of plywood is much easier with an extra set of hands.

Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and then take out any panes which aren’t taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.

If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by skipping framing and just running an additional stud straight across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give your board-up extra strength without having to remove and install the framing.

Acquire a few plywood sheets and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements and marking each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you made earlier.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are vital to keep doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. You’ll need to adjust your jambs if they’re not level.

Start with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the opening in about 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 on the hinge side to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can accurately measure it.

Mark the locations of the hinge holes both on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing 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 jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered in the frame and correctly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.

Measure the Header

A header is a large dimension lumber board that is nailed on top of the wall framing. It transfers loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs that are nailed to each end of the header as well as the jack studs butting up against it at both ends make a strong support column that can transfer loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation.

In conventionally framed homes it is possible to use a series of tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2×12, and the code has tables for three different widths of the building that you can then interpolate to the next larger size to get the appropriate header size.

There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2×12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and permit more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.

He also discusses rim-board headers that can bridge an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and usually will result in an even stronger frame. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is essential to thoroughly prepare the area prior to making a boarding plan for an entranceway. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and to avoid damaging belongings. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be installed later. To increase adhesion, clean the frame and door and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted securely and provide adequate protection.

Once the doorway is clear and the doorway is clear, it’s time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. It is crucial to wear protective equipment for this process, which includes dust masks and safety goggles.

It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. To reinforce the board, it’s an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After repairmywindowsanddoors is aligned and secured it is now ready to be put in the desired position.

A doorway board can protect the home or business from being damaged or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is returned to its original location. The best results can be obtained by analyzing the situation as well as the purpose and type of boarding.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. This improves the durability of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop rain and wind from getting through gaps. It’s also a good idea to leave a ventilation space to avoid humid air and stuffy air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge because mistakes are harder to correct after you’ve finished cutting. You’ll want to make your cut as accurate as possible so that the boards will fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head must be cut so that they are aligned with the wall.

It is best to do this prior an event to allow time to board up any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for the possibility of a disaster. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with right preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from harm.