10 Websites To Help You Be A Pro In Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding an entranceway, you can stop further damage to your property from rain, snow or hail. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than Windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. These doors should be paired with composite frames that won't warp over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that lets you enter or leave a room, a building or a passage. The doorway could also function as an access point to a different location like an entirely different room in the same house or different part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's interior from one side to the other. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will allow you to take measurements of the frame, not the actual window or door. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the existing door if you intend to replace it. This can be accomplished by removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the height of your new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure along the frame in three locations: center, left and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that your frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as other openings that allow in the elements. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of its frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards accurately.
Wear protective gear before you begin to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a colleague because it's easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then take out any panes which aren't taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is in good shape it is possible to save time by skipping the framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions and marking each board with its corresponding window number. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes you previously drilled.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They are essential to keep a door shut properly. They must be secure and even. You'll need to adjust your jambs if they're not level.
Begin with the side jambs of the hinge, that have a raised section toward the center that's called 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 in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening, allowing you to precisely measure it.
Note the location of the hinge holes both on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square until it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge is properly aligned with the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. Once you're done, make use of nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Find the Header
A header is a thick dimensional lumber board that is attached to the wall framing. It transfers loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs that are rubbing against it at both ends make a strong support column that transfers weight from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
In traditional framed houses you can make use of a set of tables in the code to calculate the size of the header for a specific span. The code contains tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate size of the header.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and permit more space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.
He also discusses rim-board headers, which can create a bridge between 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. He also explains box headers which are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule for these different headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced every three inches.
Cut the Boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is important to clean the area thoroughly. Remove furniture and decorations to allow for ample space and avoid damage to belongings. Remove the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe location for later reinstallation. Clean the frame and door and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust, dirt, and debris to ensure better adhesion. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw is able to tackle curving areas. It is important to wear protective gear during this procedure, including a dust mask and safety goggles.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. For reinforcement, it is a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board has been aligned and secured, it is ready to be nailed into place.
A doorway board can 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 theft and break-ins until the property has been reoccupied. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the situation and the need, as well as the kind of the boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This will improve the durability of your board. Sealing the edges using caulk or weatherstripping will prevent the wind and water from flowing through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap to prevent humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. You should also employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to fix once you've finished cutting. You'll need to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The next step is to clean the jambs and head to ensure that they're even with the surface of the wall.
It is recommended to start this process prior to the storm's arrival so that you will have plenty of time to secure other vulnerable areas. A little planning will save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your home or business for a possible disaster. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the proper preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.