Boarding Up A Doorway: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About

Boarding Up a Doorway Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away. Doors are more secure than windows, however they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked out. These doors should be set up with composite door frames that won't warp over time. Take a look at the Doorway A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can go in or out of the building, room or passageway. A doorway can be an entrance point that gives access to a different 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 need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the inside of the frame from one side to the other. Before taking this measurement, it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway. Make a rough estimate of the opening of the current door if you intend to replace it. This can be accomplished by removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the opening in three places and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door. You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three places such as left, center, and right. Record the measurement with the largest size as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire space and permit you to put in an entirely new door or window. Measure the Frame The act of boarding up windows doors, windows, and other openings which let in the elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Note down each measurement, so that you can accurately cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame. Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as it is easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair hands. Use wide masking to tape the cracks and take off any panes which cannot be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out to increase their strength. If the frame is still in good shape it is possible to save time by skipping the framing process and instead running an additional stud straight across the gap to the midpoint of the window. This will give your board extra strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing. Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame by drilling pilot holes using the holes you previously drilled. Measure the Jambs The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They are vital to keep doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to adjust them. Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door, and helps keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood on the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening by about ½ inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut. Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, allowing you to measure it accurately. Note the location of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square until it's equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side of the door. Use a nail gun and 2-½-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side. Find the Header A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall framing. It transfers loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs that are nailed to each end of the header and the jack studs butting up against it on both ends create a sturdy support column that carries the weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation. In traditional framed houses, you can use tables in the code to calculate the size of the header for a specific span. The code contains tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the proper header size. However, there are other more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can reduce the need for lumber, decrease thermal bridging, and free up space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're appropriate: He also talks about rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening in the wall without using an actual header. This removes one step from the framing process, and usually will result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers, which are a little more complicated to build but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the schedule for fastening of these alternative headers. This calls for 8d common nail spaced every 3 inches. Cut the Boards Before boarding up a door, it is crucial to prepare the space thoroughly. To make enough room for work in and to avoid damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decorations. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a safe place for later installation. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and provide adequate protection. Once the doorway is cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is better for areas that are curving. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this step. It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to the appropriate size. To strengthen the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board has been properly aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed in the desired position. A doorway board can protect a business or home from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been reoccupied. Thoroughly assessing the circumstances and the need of the boarding up will help to guide the material selection and the method of installation to achieve the most effective results. Install boarding up doorway of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air. Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Mark your cuts using the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are harder to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The next step is to clean the head and jambs to ensure they're level with the face of the wall. It is best to do this before the storm hits so that you will have plenty of time to board up other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of time and help you prepare your home or business for a possible catastrophe. With the proper preparation your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You will also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.