Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further destroying the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.

Doors are more secure than windows, yet they can still be broken or kicked into. They need to be paired with sturdy frames for doors composed of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening through which you enter or leave the room, building or a passageway. The doorway could also function as an access point to another location like an additional room within the same house or other part of the country.

You'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other with the tape measure. Before you can take this measurement it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. 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 size of the doorway.

If you're looking to replace your door, take a measure of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb with a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number will be the size of the door you want to install.

You can also measure the width of the 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 best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and permit you to put in an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

By securing windows doors, windows and other openings that let in elements can provide a significant amount of protection for your home. First, carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Note every measurement so that you can cut the boards of plywood accurately.

Wear protective gear prior to beginning to shield yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and then take out any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.

If the frame is in good condition it is possible to save time by skipping the framing and simply running an entirely new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up more strength, without the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing.

Get a few plywood sheets and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements, mark each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Then, using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces wood that the door is directly mounted. They're crucial in keeping a door closed properly and should be secure and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to adjust them.

Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised part towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will stop the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the jamb on the hinge side to get an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening, allowing you to accurately measure it.

After you've measured your measurements, mark the location 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 aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.

Find the Header

A header is a heavy, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs that are rubbing up against it on both sides create a strong support column that can transfer weight from above the opening to the floor and foundation.

In conventionally framed homes you can make use of tables in the code to calculate the size of the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables service for boarding up windows three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next larger size to determine the proper header size.

However, there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging and free up space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.

He also discusses rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without the need of a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing process and usually results 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 fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly prior to the process of boarding up the front door. Remove furniture and decorations to provide ample working space and avoid damage to belongings. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a safe place to be reinstalled later. Clean the frame and door and Boarding up a doorway wipe down the surfaces to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust to ensure better adhesion. If needed smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit securely and offer effective protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and Boarding up a doorway a jigsaw will tackle curving areas. It is crucial to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask and safety goggles.

After cutting the board to size, it is essential to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. Once the board is aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed into place.

boarding up companies up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be obtained by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and type of boarding up company.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding up services. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture buildup.

Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Also, you should employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to fix once you've completed cutting. You'll need to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head must be cut to ensure they're level with the wall.

It is recommended to do this prior to an event to allow time to secure any other areas that are vulnerable. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be secured from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the right preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.