Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding up an entranceway, you can stop further damage to your property from hail, snow, or rain. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.
Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with strong door frames made of composite material which won't change shape over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can go in or out of a room, building or passage. A doorway could be a portal which allows access to another location, such as another room in the house or an entirely different area of the country.
To determine how big the doorway is, you'll have to measure the doorway. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one end to the other. It is important to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will allow you to measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Take these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway.
If you are looking to replace the door, take a measure of the door's opening. This can be accomplished without removing the old door by removing it from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of your new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three locations - center, left, and right - and recording the largest measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area and allow you to build the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Note down each measurement, so you can accurately cut the boards to be able to fit.
Wear protective gear before you begin to protect yourself from broken glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with someone else, as it is easier to work with large sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and remove any panes that aren't taped. Make sure to protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also wrap the trash bags in out to increase their strength.
If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by putting a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up more strength, without the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Get a few plywood sheets and tools, such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions and marking each board with the window number. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces wood that doors are directly hung. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they're not level.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised portion toward the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the door slab to stop it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece or plywood to the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will help prevent the door from scraping against the tile or carpet as it's shut and opened.
To determine the exact measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the opening, allowing you to accurately measure it.
When you finish measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square, measure the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge will be aligned with the frame and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. 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 heavy dimensional lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It transfers loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly framed the King and Jack the studs are attached to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within an ordinary frame house. The code includes tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate header size.
However, there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, reduce thermal bridging and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to create a bridge between an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually will result in a stronger frame. Also, he talks about box headers which are more complicated to build however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule of these alternative headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced out every three inches.
Cut the Boards
It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly prior to boarding up an entranceway. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and prevent damage to belongings. Take the doorknobs off and lock and store them in a safe location to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and cut easily through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles and a dust mask is essential in this step.
It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to size. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
Boarding up a doorway can help safeguard your home or business from damage and unauthorised entry during a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or stop thefts and break-ins until the property can be occupied. Carefully evaluating the situation and the reason of the boarding will help to guide the selection of the material and method of installation to get the best results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be secured with heavy-duty screws, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the performance of your boarding. repairmywindowsanddoors sealing of 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 in order to avoid stale air and moisture accumulation.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge since mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards will fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs must be cut so that they are aligned with the wall.
It's best to do this before the storm strikes to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are at risk. You will save time and effort by preparing ahead. With the right preparation your property will be protected from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.