Boarding Up a Doorway
By securing a doorway, you can prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow or rain. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than windows, but they can still be kicked in or broken down. They need to be paired with strong door frames composed of composite material that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that lets you can enter or exit a room, a building or a passage. The doorway can also be an access point to another location for instance, a different room in the same house or a different area of the country.
To determine the size of the doorway is, you'll have to measure it. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the inside of the frame from one side to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway.
If you are looking to replace the existing door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished without taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of the new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire area and allow you to build a new door or window.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection for your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to fit.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to shield yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a friend in order to handle large plywood sheets is easier with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes that cannot be taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.
If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by avoiding the framing and simply running a new stud straight across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Acquire a few plywood sheets, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements 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 the three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They're crucial in keeping the door shut properly and should be snug and level. You'll need to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Begin with the hinge side jambs with a raised portion towards the center, which is referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the slab of the door to keep 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 rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet as it's opened and shut.
To get a precise measurement of the hinge's side jamb, you must remove any trim, molding or casing that's installed around it. This will expose the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.
After you've measured, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the marks on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is centered in the frame and correctly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Once you're done, employ a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Measure the Header
A header is a thick, dimensional lumber board 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 form solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed homes it is possible to use a set of tables in the code to calculate the size of the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code provides tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next size to get the appropriate header size.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're suitable:
He also explains the rim-board headers that connect an opening without a header. emergency boarding up hounslow removes a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule of these alternative headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area prior to making a boarding plan for the front door. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decorations. Remove doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris to improve adhesion. If necessary, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw is able to deal with curved areas. It is important to wear protective equipment during this step, including dust masks and safety goggles.
After cutting the board to size, it is important to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. To reinforce the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. Once the board is fixed and aligned it is ready to be nailed into place.
A doorway that is boarded up can help protect a home or business from damage and unauthorised entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be obtained by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and type of boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This improves the efficiency of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a space for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture accumulation.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear gloves and goggles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts, because mistakes are more difficult to correct once you're done cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head must be cut to ensure they're level with the wall.
You should do this before a storm so you have time to board up any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning can save you time and help you prepare your home or business for an impending catastrophe. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from harm.