20 Things You Should Know About Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway stops rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be damaged or kicked out. They must be paired with sturdy door frames constructed of composite materials that won't deteriorate over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can go in or out of an area, building, or passage. It can also be an access point to another location for instance, an entirely different room in the same home or different area of the country.
You'll need to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using the tape measure. Before you take this measurement, it is essential to take out all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements at three different locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.
If you are looking to replace your door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished without taking the old door off by prying it away from the jamb using an extended pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. Take the opening's height in three places and use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire space and allow you to build an entirely new door or window.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection to your home by boarding windows doors, windows and other openings that allow in the elements. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Note down every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Before starting, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape to fix the cracks, and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Be safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is still good, you can save some time by running a brand new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give the frame extra strength without the additional effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions and marking each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are the three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They're crucial in keeping the door shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs you have aren't, it's time to make adjustments.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to stop 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 opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will stop the door from scratching against the tile or carpet as it's shut and opened.
To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the opening in rough form so that you can accurately measure it.
Note the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square, measure the depth of the hinge mortise. Then adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is centered in the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side of the door. Once you're done, make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop by using 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.
Find the Header
A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above window and door openings to studs below. When properly framed, boarding up services and king studs are nailed on each end of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
In conventionally framed homes, you can use a set of tables in the code to calculate the size of a header for a given span. The code has tables for three different building widths. You can use interpolation to determine the proper size of the header.
However, there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can connect an opening without the use of a header. This removes a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct, but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule of these alternative headers. This requires 8d common nail spaced every three inches.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is crucial to prepare the space thoroughly. To allow enough space for 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 safe place to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust for better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted tightly and provide effective protection.
After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is ideal for curved areas. Wearing protective equipment like safety goggles and a dust mask is essential in this process.
After the board is cut to size, it is crucial to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is a good idea also to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. After the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.
Boarding up a doorway can help protect your home or business from damage and unauthorised entry during a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can be used to protect vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been used. Carefully evaluating the situation and the reason of the boarding will aid in determining the best selection of the material and method of installation to get the most effective results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be secured with heavy-duty screws instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and resist the pull of prying. This improves the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with a pencil and a straightedge, as mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll have to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards to ensure that they fit perfectly against the door frame and casing. The jambs and the head will need to be trimmed to ensure they're in line with the wall.
It is recommended to do this prior to a storm so you have enough time to cover any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your business or home for an impending disaster. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.