Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding a doorway, you can protect your property from hail, snow, or rain. It also keeps vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than Windows However, they can be kicked or broken. They need to be paired with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that lets you enter or leave a room, a building, or an entry point. A doorway could be an access point that allows you to go to another location, such as another room in the home or an entirely different area of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other using the tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
If you're looking to replace the door, measure the width of the door's opening. You can do this without removing the 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 mount the new door. Measure the height of the opening in three places and then use the smallest number to determine 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. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover all the area, and also allow you to put in the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up windows, doors 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 determine the size of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to protect yourself from breaking glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and then remove any panes that aren't taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is in good shape it is possible to save time by skipping the framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up extra strength without the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools, such as the hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). In accordance with the frame's measurements make sure that each board is marked with its corresponding window number. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you made earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood that the door is directly mounted. They're crucial in keeping doors shut properly and should be snug and level. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they're not level.
Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood to 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 against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to get an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can measure it accurately.
After you've finished measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it's the same as the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side of the door. Once you're done, employ nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.
Measure the Header
A header is a large wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the top of wall framing, which transfers loads above window and door openings to studs below. When properly constructed, the king and jack the studs are attached to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.
boarding up doors offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in an ordinary frame house. The code includes tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate header size.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're the right choice:
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to connect an opening in the wall without a header; this removes one step from the framing process and often will result in an even stronger frame. He also explains box headers which are more difficult to construct and have greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the schedule for fastening these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.
Cut the Boards
Before the process of boarding a door, it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. To make enough room for work and to prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decorations. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be used later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will handle the curved surfaces. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust masks is crucial during this step.
After the board is cut to size, it is essential to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is recommended to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. Once the board is properly aligned and secured, it is ready to be nailed in the correct position.
A doorway board can protect the home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can be used to protect vacant homes or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been returned to its original location. The most effective results can be obtained by analyzing the situation as well as the purpose and type of boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. You should also make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards so that they are perfectly positioned against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs must be cut so that they are in line with the wall.
It is recommended to do this before the storm hits so that you will have plenty of time to cover other vulnerable areas. You can save a lot of time and effort by preparing ahead. With the proper preparation, your property can be protected from criminals and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your property is secure.