Boarding Up a Doorway
A doorway that is boarded up prevents rain, snow and hail from further destroying 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 into. These doors should be paired with composite frame that will not warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening that lets you go in or out of an area, a building or an entry point. The doorway can also be an access point to a different location, such as a different room in the same house or different part of the country.
You'll need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one end to the other. Before taking this measurement, it is crucial to remove all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Make these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
If you're looking to replace the door, take a measure of the door's opening. This can be accomplished without removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. Take the height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the 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. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that 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. The first step is to carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape, and then take measurements of the length of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a partner because handling large plywood sheets is more efficient with a second set of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then remove any panes that cannot be taped. Then play it safe and protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is still good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by putting a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each sheet according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you drilled earlier.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are essential to keep the door shut properly. They must be secure and even. You'll need to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised part towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece 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 prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is opened and closed.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the jamb of the hinge to get an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
After you've finished measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the jamb side of the door. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.
Measure the Header
A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above doors and windows to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs that are nailed to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs rubbing up against it on both sides create a sturdy support column that can transfer loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in an ordinary frame house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next larger size to determine the correct size for the header.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and permit more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of the use of a header. boarding up doors chelmsford removes an element in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers, which are a little more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
It is important to thoroughly prepare the area before the process of boarding up the front door. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and prevent damage to items. Take the doorknobs off and lock and store them in a secure place for later reinstallation. Clean the frame and door and wipe down surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris for better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit well and offer effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. It is important to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including a dust mask and safety goggles.
It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to the appropriate size. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board has been 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 natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop thefts and break-ins until the property is occupied. The best results can be achieved by analyzing the situation and the need, as well as the kind of the boarding.
Install the Boards
The boards should be screwed down using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's also recommended to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.
If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are more difficult to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards to ensure they're perfectly fitted against the door frame and casing. The head and jambs will require trimming so that they are aligned with the wall.
It is recommended to do this before the storm strikes so that you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are vulnerable. You can save a lot of time and effort by preparing ahead. With the right preparation your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and wind. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from danger.