The 10 Scariest Things About Boarding Up A Doorway

Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.

Doors are more secure than windows however they are still susceptible to being broken or kicked. These doors should be set up with composite door frames that won't warp over time.

Measure the Doorway

A doorway is an opening through which you can enter or exit an area, a building or an entry point. A doorway can also be an access point that allows you to go to another location, such as another room in the house or another part of the country.

To determine how big the doorway is, you'll need to take measurements. With a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one end to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is essential to take out all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway.

If you want to replace the existing door, take a measure of the door's rough 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 expose the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times and the smallest number is the height of your new door.

You can also determine the width of your doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and boarding up a doorway allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

boarding up and burglary repairs up windows, doors, and other openings which let in the elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. First, carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of its frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.

Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a colleague because it's easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.

Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and take off any panes which cannot be taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is good, you can save some time by running a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Make sure you have a few sheets plywood and some tools, such as a drill and hammer (if you're required to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements and marking each board with the window number. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to adjust them.

Start with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised part towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood on the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet when it is shut and opened.

To get an accurate measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to accurately measure it.

Note the locations of the hinge holes on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge is properly placed in the frame at a proper angle and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.

Find the Header

A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is attached on top of the wall framing. It transfers loads over the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king and jack studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight from the opening to the floor and foundation.

The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next size to determine the proper size for the header.

But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that can reduce the need for lumber, decrease thermal bridging, and free up space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.

He also discusses the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without using a header. This removes a step in the framing process and usually results in stronger frames. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to build and have greater spans than single-ply. He also discusses the fastening schedule of these other headers. This calls for boarding up a doorway 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

Before boarding up a door, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. Clear away furniture and decor to give you ample work space and avoid damage to items. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place for later installation. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust dirt and other debris for better adhesion. If needed you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw will tackle curved areas. It is important to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including a dust mask and safety goggles.

It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to the appropriate size. To strengthen the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board has been properly aligned and secured it is now ready to be put into the correct position.

A doorway board can safeguard your home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been used. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances, the purpose and the kind of boarding up houses.

Install the Boards

Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your emergency boarding up cost. Sealing the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop rain and wind from getting through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture buildup.

Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. It is also recommended to make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts, as mistakes can be difficult to correct once you've completed cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so that they are perfectly positioned against the door casing and frame. You'll then need to skim the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the face of the wall.

It is recommended to start this process before the storm strikes to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are at risk. A little planning will save you time and will help you prepare your business or home for the possibility of a disaster. Your property can be secured from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from damage.