Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding up an entranceway, you can prevent further damage to your home from the effects of hail, snow, or rain. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors composed of composite material that won't warp over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening that allows you to go in or out of a room, a building, or a passageway. A doorway can be an entrance point that gives access to another place, such as another room in the home or an entirely different area of the country.
To determine how big a doorway is, you'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using an instrument like a tape measure. sites is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Make the most of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
If you want to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. This can be done without removing the old door by prying the old door away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. Take the height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.
You can also measure the width of your doorway by running a tape measure along the frame in three places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can accurately cut the boards to fit.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to protect yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a partner because handling large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra set of hands.
Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and then remove any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.
If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by skipping the framing and just running an additional stud straight across the gap to the middle of the window. This will give the board-up extra strength without the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing.
Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are vital to keep a door shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they aren't level.
Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised part towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop rests 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 so that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to get a precise measurement. This will expose the rough opening so 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 and adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge is properly placed in the frame at a proper angle and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the jamb side of the door. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Measure the Header
A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above doors and windows to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to each end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing against it on both ends create a strong support column that carries the 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 building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the proper size of the header.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and permit more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to create a bridge between an opening in the wall without the use of a header. This eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually will result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to clean the area thoroughly. To allow enough space for work and prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be used later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the frame and door and clean all surfaces to get rid of dirt and dust. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards are fitted well and offer effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for areas that are curving. Wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and a dust mask is crucial during this step.
It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to size. For reinforcement, it is a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be put in place.
Boarding up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm, or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent break-ins and theft until the property can be occupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the purpose of the boarding up can help to guide the selection of the material and method of installation to achieve the best results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the performance of your boarding. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture buildup.
If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Also, you should use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to correct once you've completed cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards will fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head will require trimming to make sure they're in line with the wall.
It is recommended to start this process before the storm hits so that you will have plenty of time to board up other vulnerable areas. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from danger.