Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway stops hail, snow, and rain from further damaging the property. It also keeps vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows However, they can be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall that you can go in or out of a room, building, or passageway. A doorway can be an access point that allows you to go to a different location, such as another room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how big the doorway is, it's necessary to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using an instrument like a tape measure. It is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements in three places and choose the largest number as the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. This can be done without removing the old door by prying the old door away from the jamb using an oversized pry tool. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number will be the size of the door you want to install.
You can also determine how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure across the frame in three places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection for your home by boarding windows or doors, as well as other openings that allow in the elements. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of its frame. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards accurately.
Before you begin, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to handle huge sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then take out any panes that can't be taped. Then play it safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.
If the frame is still good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a brand 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 installing the framing itself.
Make sure you have a few sheets plywood and a few tools, such as a hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each sheet according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes you previously drilled.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood on which doors are directly hung. boarding up houses are essential to keep doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll need to adjust your jambs if they're not level.
Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised portion toward the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab and keeps 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 inside the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will stop the door from scratching the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
To get an accurate measurement of the hinge's side jamb, you must remove any trim, molding or casing that's installed around it. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, which will allow you to accurately measure it.
Mark the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure 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 aligned with your door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. Use a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a thick wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over the door and window openings to studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing against it on both ends make a strong support column that carries the loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation.
The code offers a series of 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 has tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next wider size to get the appropriate header size.
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 for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also discusses rim-board headers that can create a bridge between an opening in the wall without an actual header. This removes one step from the framing process and usually results in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers, which are more difficult to build and have greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the schedule for fastening of these other headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced out every three inches.
Cut the boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly before making a boarding plan for the front door. To create enough space to work and prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decor. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware, and store them in a safe place to be used later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will deal with curving areas. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes dust masks and safety goggles.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
A doorway board is a way to protect your home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a storm or disaster. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is reoccupied. Thoroughly assessing 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 screwed down with screws of high-quality, rather than nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. This will increase the effectiveness of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's also recommended to leave a gap for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when using a power tool. Mark your cuts using an eraser and a straightedge, as mistakes are harder to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make your cut as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head will require trimming to make sure they're aligned with the wall.
It is best to start this process before the storm strikes so that you will have plenty of time to secure other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and help you prepare your home or business for an impending disaster. If you are prepared your home or business will be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your property is secure.