Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than windows, yet they can still be damaged or kicked out. These doors should be paired with composite frames that won't warp over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is a wall opening that lets you go in or out of the room, building or an entry point. It can also be a portal that provides access to another area like an additional room within the same house or a different area of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. Before you take this measurement, it is essential to take out all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, and not the actual window or door. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you are planning to replace it. This can be done without removing the existing door by prying the old one away from the jamb using an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to mount the new door. The height of the rough 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 a tape measure along the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire area and allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add a sense of security to your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of its frame. Make note of each measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.
Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner in order to handle large plywood sheets is easier with an extra set of hands.
Use a wide masking tape seal the cracks and remove any panes which aren't taped. Be emergency boarding up witney and protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for extra strength.
If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by skipping framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap to the middle of the window. This will give the board additional strength without requiring the additional effort of removing and installing the framing itself.
Get a few plywood sheets and tools, such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). 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 that you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are essential to keep doors shut properly. They must be secure and even. You'll need to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Begin with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised portion toward the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 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 installed around the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, which will allow you to measure it accurately.
Note the locations of the hinge holes both on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise. Then adjust the square to match the marks on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly placed in the frame at a proper angle and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Use a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a heavy wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over doors and windows to the studs below. When properly framed, the jack and king studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
In conventionally framed homes you can make use of a set of tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next size to determine the correct header size.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and permit more space to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also talks about rim-board headers that can connect an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers, which are a little more complicated to build but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for 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 prepare the space thoroughly. To allow enough space for work and to prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decor. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place to be installed later. Clean the frame and door and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted securely and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will tackle the curved surfaces. Protective equipment like safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this step.
After cutting the board to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. To strengthen the board, it's a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board has been aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed into the desired position.
Boarding up a doorway can help protect your home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is occupied. The best results can be obtained by analyzing the situation and the need, as well as the type of boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute the pressure and prevent cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to protect the edges and stop water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's also recommended to leave a gap for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to ensure safety. You should also make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult 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. You'll need to then skim the head and jambs to ensure that they're even with the wall's face. wall.
It is best to do this before the storm hits to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other vulnerable areas. You can save lots of time and effort by preparing ahead. If you are prepared your home or business will be protected from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from damage.