Boarding Up A Doorway: What's No One Is Talking About
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding an entranceway, you can prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow or rain. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows, yet they can still be broken or kicked into. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials that won't deteriorate over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can go in or out of an area, building or passageway. A doorway can be an access point that allows you to go to a different location for instance, a different room in the house, or an entirely different area of the country.
To determine how big the doorway is, you'll have to take measurements. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. Before you can take this measurement it is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame, not the actual doors or windows. Make the most of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you intend to replace it. This can be done without removing the door by prying the old one away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. Take the opening's height in three places, and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape measure along the edge of the frame in three locations such as left, center, and right - and recording the measurement with the largest size as the size of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure that the wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Note each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards accurately.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to protect yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a colleague, as it is easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair hands.
Use wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and remove any panes that can't be taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is still in good condition it is possible to save time by skipping framing and simply running an additional stud straight across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give your board extra strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Get a few plywood sheets and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions, mark each board with the window number. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They are essential to keep doors shut properly and should be secure and level. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll have to make adjustments.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised portion toward the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor within the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will stop the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.
To get a precise measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim or molding placed around it. This will reveal the rough opening, which will allow you to accurately measure it.
After you've measured and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square until it's the same as the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly placed in the frame at a proper angle and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side the door. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a thick, dimensional lumber board nailed to the top of wall framing, transferring loads above window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the King and Jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in a conventionally framed house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three different widths of the building that you can then interpolate to the next larger size to determine the correct size for the header.
But there are RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're appropriate:
He also explains Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of a header. This removes a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. He also talks about 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 nail spaced at a distance of 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is important to thoroughly prepare the area. Clear away furniture and decor to provide ample working space and to avoid damaging items. Remove doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure place to be used later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to get rid of dust dirt and other debris for better adhesion. If needed you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards fit securely and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and a dust mask is crucial during this process.
It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into place.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other event. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been used. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and kind of boarding.
Install the Boards
The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This improves the effectiveness of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping will prevent the wind and water from flowing through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to keep out humid air and stale air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts, because mistakes are more difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so that they fit perfectly against the door frame and casing. The next step is to clean the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the surface of the wall.
You should do this before an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that are at risk. You will save time and effort by preparing ahead. Your property will be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the right preparation. You can also rest in peace of mind knowing your property is secure.