Watch This: How Boarding Up A Doorway Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further damaging the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. These doors should be paired with composite frame that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can go in or out of the building, room or passageway. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to another location, such as another room in the home or an entirely different area of the country.
To determine how big a doorway is, it's necessary to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other using an instrument like a tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is essential to take out all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual window or door. Measure these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.
If you want to replace the existing door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will expose the framing rough which will be used to hang the new door. Take the height of the opening in three places and then use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three places in the center, left and right, and then recording the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best method to ensure your wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements can provide a measureable amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Then, take boarding up doorway Repair My Windows And Doors of the width of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Before you begin, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a partner because handling large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that cannot be taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for extra 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 frame extra strength without the additional effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions and marking each board with its corresponding window number. Then, using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood on which a door is mounted directly. They are essential to keep the door shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the existing jambs aren't, it's time to make adjustments.
Start with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet as it's shut and opened.
To get an accurate measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim or molding installed around it. This will reveal the opening in rough form so that you can accurately measure it.
Note the location of the hinge holes on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Using 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 will be aligned with the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly constructed, the king and jack the studs are attached to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to create a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed homes you can make use of a series of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. The code includes tables for three different building widths. You can use interpolation to determine the appropriate header size.
There are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could reduce the need for lumber, decrease the risk of thermal bridging and create space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also discusses the rim-board headers that connect an opening without the use of a header. This removes an additional step in framing and often results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.
Cut the Boards
It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly before the process of boarding up an entranceway. To allow enough space for work and prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decor. Remove doorknobs, locks, and other hardware, and store them in a secure location to be installed later. Clean the frame and door and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted tightly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this step.
After the board is cut to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is recommended to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in place.
A doorway board can protect the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop thefts and break-ins until the property can be occupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation to achieve the best results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be secured with heavy-duty screws instead of nails. These fasteners are sturdy and resist the pull of prying. This will improve the efficiency of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's also recommended to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. Also, you should use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts, since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards to ensure that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will need to be trimmed to make sure they're level with the wall.
It is best to do this prior an event to allow time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the right preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from harm.