Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow, and rain from further destroying the property. It also keeps vandals, squatters and scavengers away.

Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall, through which you can enter or exit an area, building, or passageway. It can also be an access point to a different location, such as an entirely different room in the same house or different area of the country.

You'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. Before you can take this measurement it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will allow you to measure the frame, not the actual window or Boarding Up a Doorway door. Make the most of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you intend to replace it. This can be done without removing the existing door by removing the old one away from the jamb with a wide pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to mount the new door. The opening's height in three places and then use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape measure along the edge of the frame in three spots - center, left, and right. Record the most extensive measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure that the plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

The act of boarding up windows and doors up windows doors, windows and other openings that allow in the elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. First, carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape. Next, measure the width of its frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards accurately.

Wear protective gear before you begin to shield yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a colleague since it's easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then remove any panes which aren't taped. Make sure to cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.

If the frame is good, you can save some time by running a brand new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up extra strength without having to take off and replace the framing.

Take a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools like a drill and hammer (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each sheet according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you previously drilled.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood on which a door is mounted directly. They are vital to keep the door shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.

Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised portion toward the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip 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 help prevent the door from scraping against tiles or carpet as it's opened and shut.

Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to get a precise measurement. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can accurately measure it.

After you've finished measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using 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 hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is fixed on top of the wall framing. It transfers loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly framed the jack and king studs are secured to each side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to create a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.

In traditional framed houses, you can use a series of tables in the code to calculate the size of the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables for three building widths that you can then interpolate to the next size to determine the correct size for the header.

There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.

He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to connect an opening in the wall without an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often will result in a stronger frame. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to build and have greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in.

Cut the boards

Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. Get rid of furniture and other decor to provide ample working space and avoid damage to items. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be used later. Clean the frame and door and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. If necessary, sand Boarding Up a Doorway rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and provide adequate protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Protective equipment like safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this step.

It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board has been fixed and aligned it is now ready to be put into place.

The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard your home or business from damage and unauthorized entry in the event of a storm, disaster or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is occupied. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the reason of the boarding up service will help to guide the material choice and method of installation for the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist the pull of prying. This improves the effectiveness of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping can stop the wind and water from flowing through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.

Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to fix once you're done cutting. You'll need to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will need to be trimmed to ensure they're level with the wall.

It's best to prepare your home before the storm hits to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other vulnerable areas. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from harm.