Boarding Up a Doorway

commercial boarding up service up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.

Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be kicked in or broken down. These doors should be set up with composite door frames that will not warp over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can enter or exit an area, building, or passage. A doorway can be a portal which allows access to a different location for instance, a different room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of a doorway is, you'll need to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other with an instrument like a tape measure. It is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and not the actual window or door. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you intend to replace it. It is possible to do this without removing the door Boarding Up A Door by prying the old door away from the jamb with a wide pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install.

You can also determine the width of your doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area and allow you to build an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up houses windows or doors, as well as other openings that allow in the elements. The first step is to examine each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the length of the frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to the dimensions of the frame.

Before you start, wear protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. 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 wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then remove any panes that are not taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for added strength.

If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the frame more strength, without the additional effort of removing and installing the framing itself.

Make sure you have a few sheets plywood as well as some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). In accordance with the frame's measurements and marking each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood on which a door is mounted directly. They're crucial in keeping the door shut properly and should be snug and level. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they aren't level.

Begin with the hinge side jambs which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door and prevents 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 opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scratching the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

To get an accurate measurement for the hinge side jamb, take off any trim or molding attached to it. This will reveal the rough opening, allowing you to precisely measure it.

Mark the location of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, Boarding Up A Door determine the depth of the hinge mortise. Then adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge is placed in the frame at a proper angle and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. When you're done, make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop with 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over the door and window openings to studs below. When properly frame the jack and king studs are secured to each end of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to form a strong column that transfers the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.

In conventionally framed homes, you can use a series of tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three different widths of the building; you can interpolate for the next size to determine the proper size for the header.

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 be used to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're suitable:

He also talks about rim-board headers that can connect an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates one step in the framing process and usually creates stronger frames. He also discusses box headers that are more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the fastening schedule of these other headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every three inches.

Cut the boards

Before boarding up a door, it is important to prepare the space thoroughly. To make enough room for work and to prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decorations. Remove doorknobs, locks, and other hardware, and store them in a secure location for later installation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris for better adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.

After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. It is important to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including dust masks and safety goggles.

It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to size. To reinforce the board, it's a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. After the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position.

A doorway board is a way to protect a business or home from being damaged or unauthorized entry in the event of a storm or disaster. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent break-ins and theft until the property can be occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by analyzing the situation and the need, as well as the kind of boarding up company near me.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened with screws of high-quality, rather than nails. These fasteners are sturdy and will resist prying. This will increase the effectiveness of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping can stop water and wind from leaking through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap to keep out humid air and stale air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. It is also recommended to use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll need to make the cuts as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The jambs and the head will require trimming to make sure they're aligned with the wall.

You should do this before the storm hits so that you have time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your business or home for the possibility of a catastrophe. With the proper preparation, your property can be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and winds. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from harm.