How to Go About boarding up and burglary repairs Up a Door

The act of boarding up services up a door is one method to shield vacant investment properties from the elements. While it won't stop all destruction, it can help avoid some of the issues caused by severe storms.

Boarding up windows and doors can also deter trespassers and vandals as well as squatters. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming to put plywood boards over the openings in a home.

Measure the Door

First, you'll require a tape measure. You may want to keep a ladder or chair close to hand in case you need to see more clearly the top of the frame. Wear gloves and protective glasses in the event that you need to make use of these tools.

Once you have the measuring instrument, start by taking the door's width measurement. This can be done by running the tape horizontally across the door. Be sure to remove any other door components such as a door sweep to get the measurement. Then, determine the height measurement by measuring up from the floor to the sill plate or lintel. It is crucial to measure in multiple locations, particularly when measuring older doors as they might not be the perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements differ, use the largest number.

You'll have to determine the size of the frame once you've taken measurements of the length and width. It should be at a minimum 2 inches wider and 1 inch taller than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow you enough space to shim the door and frame to fit.

It's a good idea to remove the casing or trim around the jambs of the door to observe the studs. This will enable you to measure the exact gap between the studs of the frame and the edge.

After you have removed the trim, measure the width of your door frame using a tape measure. The frame should be measured at three different points and then use the most compact measurement. Also, you should measure the height of the frame from top to bottom on both sides, and use the shortest measurement as your door's height.

If you're having issues with these measurements it's best to speak with a professional and have them come to your home to do the measuring for you. They'll inform you of the size and style of door you require and how to prepare your frame for a new door.

Cut the Plywood

A door frame is typically composed of studs or boards that create a hollow space around the door. A typical door is held in place by two hinges that are fixed to the studs. If you wish to restore a door, you will need to remove it from its hinges over night. To prevent insects from entering your home and to secure the door opening, a straightforward method of boarding up companies doors is to place plywood into the opening. It is simple to do this without nailing or Boarding up windows and doors screw the plywood to the frame of the door.

Plywood is easy to work with, cheap and looks stunning when completed. It is the perfect material to make a temporary solution to a problem in which you're required to remove an existing door in order to refinish or install a new one. It can also be useful to secure the opening in an area that is being renovated, like an unfinished basement or a construction site.

Start by taking measurements of the width of the door opening and its height. Make notes using a utility blade and a straight edge made of metal, such as a drywall or a metal square. Then, draw the chalkline along each line to indicate where to cut. Then, use circular saws to cut out the plywood into a size.

It is important to protect both your eyes and ears when cutting plywood. Wear earplugs or protective goggles if possible. It is also important to use a blade with a lot of teeth, that will allow you to cut quickly and without any tear-out. Use a small piece of wood to guide the blade. Keep it a hair's width away from the line you are cutting.

Attaching a pair or short braces on each side is a good way to secure the plywood in place without putting screws into the studs. Place one brace on the inside and the other on the outside of the door. Install a deck screws in each hole and tighten by using an open-end ratchet.

Secure the Plywood

Once you have a sheet of plywood cut to the appropriate size and with holes for stiles and rails predrilled and ready to secure the panel to the frame. This is a simple project that doesn't require advanced carpentry skills as long as you use the correct tools and follow the proper procedures.

Set up a table near the doorway with two sawhorses on each end, and framing lumber 2x4s. Lay the entire sheet of plywood flat on top of the sawhorses and use the marks made during the measurement process as a reference to cut. Utilize a utility knife and a straight edge of metal to cut the lines. This will act as a guide for the saw blade, and prevent splintering of the plywood when cutting it.

Put on eye protection and cut along the scored lines with a circular saw or table saw equipped with a fine-tooth blade. Then sand the edges of the plywood panel with 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the panels and remove any burrs from the saw cuts. After sanding, apply a wood sealer and let it dry in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

Install the hinges on the door frame. If you're using a hinge with a T-hinge drill holes in the outer edge of your door to allow for the straps of the hinges. Then, screw the hinge's outside edge to the frame with the screwdriver. Repeat the process for every hinge on the inside of your door. Be careful not to tighten them too much or the door may shift.

If you have a single hinged T on your outside door you can make it easier for the latch to close by putting a wire through the loops of the outside hinges. Fold a short piece to tie wire in half, and then thread it through the two holes on the exterior of the door. Then, twist the wires and lock the door.

Install the Plywood

Place the plywood into the door's opening according to the measurements you have taken. Adjust the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Use a level and ensure that there is no slop between the sill and header. If it isn't perfect then place another shim if required and repeat the process until the sill and the header are plumb.

When the plywood is in the frame, fix it with stainless steel hinge bolts and wing nuts. It's a good idea use a screw gun with an attachment for a hex-head to avoid stripping the head of the screws.

While you're at it If your home was constructed with studs running the height of your doorway, drill hanger bolts through the plywood and into the framing studs. This is a simpler task than drilling the hole using the aid of a saw for drywall.

After you have installed the plywood, measure the width and the height of the door opening. If necessary, cut the bottom of the plywood to match the size of the door frame and cut two pieces of 1-by-6 framing lumber as braces that are positioned across the upper and lower ends of your door. Cut along the lines drawn on your plywood with a circular blade with teeth that are finely tipped. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from the cuts by using a sanding device.

After you've put in the braces After you have placed the braces, use two pairs finishing nails of 2 inches to secure each brace to the plywood. Counter sink all the nail heads when you're done. Seal the braces and the plywood with a quality wood sealer, such as this wipe-on polyurethane by Minwax.

If the door is too large You can either put in decorative molding to fill the gap between your door and jamb or you can reduce the size of your opening. In many instances, however, it is cheaper and more convenient to buy a new door. This will also take away any issues you might have had with the door you originally purchased if it was damaged and no suitable for the opening.