The Reason Why You're Not Succeeding At Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than windows However, they can be damaged or kicked. They should be set with composite frame that won't shift over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening through which you enter or leave an area, a building or an entry point. The doorway could also function as a portal that provides access to another location for instance, an entirely different room in the same house or a different part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. With a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one side to the other. Before taking this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual doors or windows. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you plan to replace it. This can be accomplished by taking the old door off by prying it away from the jamb using a large pry bar. This will reveal the framing which 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 the tape through the edges of the frame in three places in the center, left and right - and recording the most extensive measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure your plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection to your home by boarding windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then determine the size of the frame. Take note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to fit.
Wear protective gear before you begin to shield yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner because it's easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair hands.
Use wide masking to tape the cracks and remove any panes which cannot be taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is still in good shape, you can save time by avoiding the framing process and instead running an entirely new stud across the gap to the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Get a few sheets of plywood and a few tools such as a drill and hammer (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at 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 should be snug and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Start with the hinge side jambs which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door, and helps keep 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 inside the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, take off any trim or casing attached to it. This will expose the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
After you've finished measuring your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square so that it's the same as the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is aligned with the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side of the door. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Take boarding up property at the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It carries loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king studs are nailed on each side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
In traditional framed houses it is possible to use a set of tables in the code to determine the size of the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code has tables for three different widths of the building that you can then interpolate to the next larger size to get the appropriate size for the header.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.
He also discusses rim-board headers that can connect an opening in the wall without an actual header. This removes one step from the framing process, and usually creates an even stronger frame. And he discusses box headers that are more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in.
Cut the boards
Before the process of boarding a door, it is essential to clean the area thoroughly. To create enough space to work and prevent damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and décor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware, and store them in a secure place to be installed later. To improve adhesion, clean the door and frame, and wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A quality circular saw will 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 as well as safety goggles.
It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed in place.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard your home or business from damage and unauthorised entry during a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property can be occupied. The best results can be obtained by assessing the situation and the need, as well as the kind of boarding.
Install the Boards
The boards should be screwed down using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. These fasteners are strong and will resist prying. This improves the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to keep out humid air and stale air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge, as mistakes are harder to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make your cut as accurate as possible so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The head and jambs must be cut to ensure they're level with the wall.
You should do this before an event to allow time to board up any other areas that are at risk. A little planning can save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. With the right preparation your property will be protected from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and wind. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.