Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than windows, yet they are still susceptible to being broken or kicked into. They must be paired with strong door frames composed of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening through which you enter or leave an area, a building or an entry point. It can also be an entry point that allows access to a different location, such as a different room in the same house or other part of the country.
To determine the size of the doorway is, you'll need to take measurements. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other with an instrument like a tape measure. It is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. It is possible to do this without removing the door by prying the old one away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to assemble the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that your plywood will cover all the area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows doors, windows, and other openings which let in elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. The first step is to inspect each window to determine its size and shape, and then take measurements of the size of the frame. Note every measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards precisely.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to protect yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague since it's easier to handle large plywood sheets with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Be safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even seal the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is still good it is possible to save time by putting a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to take off and replace the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools such as a hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you drilled earlier.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They're essential in keeping doors shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll have to make adjustments.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim or casing placed around it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to measure it accurately.
When you finish measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square until it's equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered within the frame and aligned with your door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can use a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Measure the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above window and door openings to studs below. When properly constructed, the jack and king studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in the frame of a typical house. The code contains tables for three different widths of buildings. You can use interpolation to determine the correct size of the header.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're appropriate:
He also discusses rim-board headers, which can connect an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates a step in the framing process and often creates a stronger frame. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the schedule for fastening of these other headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced out every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly prior to boarding up an entranceway. To create enough space to work and prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decor. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware, and store them in a secure place to be used later. To increase adhesion, clean the frame and door, and wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dirt and dust. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is clear after which it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for areas that are curving. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this process.
When the board has been cut to size, it is crucial to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board is properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard a home or business from damage and unauthorised entry in the event of a storm, disaster, or other event. It can be used to protect vacant properties or stop burglaries and thefts until the property is reoccupied. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the reason of the boarding will aid in the material selection and the method of installation to get the best results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards Instead, use strong screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the performance of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. It is also recommended to use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The next step is to clean the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the surface of the wall.
You should do this before an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that are at risk. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with right preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from damage.