10 Websites To Help You To Become An Expert In Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway stops hail, snow and rain from further destroying the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than windows, but can still be broken or kicked. They must be paired with sturdy door frames constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall through which you can go in or out of the building, room or passageway. A doorway can also be an access point that allows you to go to another location for instance, a different room in the home or another part of the country.
To determine how large a doorway is, you'll have to measure it. Start by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other with an instrument like a tape measure. Before you take this measurement, it is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements at three different locations and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace your door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. It is possible to do this without removing the old door by removing the old one away from the jamb with the wide tool. This will expose the framing rough that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure your wood will cover the entire space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows, doors, and other openings which let in the elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Take note of every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to be able to fit.
Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. Also, it is recommended to work with a friend in order to handle large plywood sheets is more efficient with a second pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and remove any panes that cannot be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out for added strength.
If the frame is in good shape, you can save time by skipping the framing and just 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 removing and reinstalling the framing.
Get a few sheets of plywood and some tools, such as a hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Based on the frame's dimensions make sure that each board is marked with the window number that corresponds to it. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood on which doors are directly hung. They are essential to keep doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs you have aren't, it's time to adjust them.
Begin with the hinge side jambs which have a raised part toward the center that's called a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood to the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scraping 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 opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
Mark the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Once you're done, employ a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a large dimensional lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It transfers loads over the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to each end of the header and the jack studs rubbing against it at both ends create a strong support column that transfers loads from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed houses you can make use of a set of tables in the code to size a header for a given span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next larger size to determine the proper size for the header.
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 decides if they're appropriate:
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which are able to create a bridge between an opening in the wall without the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and usually will result in a stronger frame. He also explains box headers that are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before the process of boarding a door, it is crucial to prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and décor. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be installed later. Clean the frame and door and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust dirt and other debris for better adhesion. 24 hour emergency boarding up if necessary to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw will deal with the curved surfaces. It is crucial to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask as well as safety goggles.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs after 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 has been fixed and aligned it is now ready to be put into the correct position.
A doorway board can safeguard your home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is occupied. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and type of boarding.
Install the Boards
The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's also recommended to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
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, as mistakes can be difficult to fix once you've finished cutting. You'll need to make the cut as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will require trimming so that they are level with the wall.
It is best to start this process before the storm hits so that you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your home or business for a possible catastrophe. With the proper preparation your property will be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and winds. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from harm.