11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your 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 out.
Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be kicked or broken. boarding up commercial property repairmywindowsanddoors should be set up with composite door frames that won't warp over time.
Measure the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that allows you to enter or leave the room, building, or a passageway. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to a different location like a different room in the house or another part of the country.
You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Start by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the opposite side using an instrument like a tape measure. It is important to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Take these measurements at three different locations and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.
If you want to replace the existing door, take a measure of the door's opening. You can do this without removing the old 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 assemble the new door. The opening's height in three places and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape measure along the edge of the frame in three locations - center, left, and right. Record the most extensive measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire space and permit you to put in a new door or window.
Measure the Frame
The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to fit.
Before starting, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other hazards. Also, it is recommended to work with a partner because handling large sheets of plywood is more efficient with a second pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Then play it safe and protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.
If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a brand new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and install the framing.
Get a few plywood sheets and tools, such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each board according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that a door is directly attached to. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be snug and even. You'll need to adjust your jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Start with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised part towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame as it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor inside the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing 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 precisely measure it.
Note the locations of the hinge holes both on the inside and outside 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 will be centered within the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can use a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Find the Header
A header is a large dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to each end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing against it at both ends create a strong support column that carries the weight from the top of the opening down to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed homes you can make use 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 includes tables for three building widths that you can then interpolate to the next wider size to determine the correct size for the header.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and explains when each is suitable.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This eliminates an element in framing and often results in stronger frames. He also explains box headers that are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for these different headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly before the process of boarding up an entranceway. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and décor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a secure location to be used later. To improve adhesion, clean the door and frame and clean all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. If needed you need to sand rough areas to ensure that the boards fit securely and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is ideal for areas that are curving. It is essential to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask as well as safety goggles.
After the board is cut to size, it is important to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board has been aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed in the correct position.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help protect your home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by assessing the circumstances and the need, as well as the type of the boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the performance of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and moisture accumulation.
Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using 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're done cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards to ensure that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head must be cut to ensure they're aligned with the wall.
It's best to prepare your home before the storm hits to ensure you have plenty of time to cover other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your home or business for an impending catastrophe. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with right preparation. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.
