Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway stops hail, snow and rain from further destroying the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.
Doors are more secure than Windows however they are still susceptible to being kicked or broken. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors composed of composite material that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can go in or out of an area, building or the passageway. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to another place, such as another room in the house or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how large a doorway is, you'll need to take measurements. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other with a tape measure. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Make use of the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
If you're looking to replace your door, take a measure of the door's rough opening. This can be done without removing the door by removing the old one away from the jamb with a wide pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to assemble the new door. Take the height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three places - center, left, and right, and then recording the largest measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
Boarding up windows, doors, and other openings which allow in the elements can provide a significant amount of protection for your home. First, carefully examine each window to determine its dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Note each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards accurately.
Before you start, wear protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with a partner, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is still good, you can save some time by putting a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the frame additional strength without requiring the extra effort of removing and installing the framing itself.
Make sure you have a few sheets plywood and a few tools like a hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you drilled earlier.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is mounted directly. They are crucial for keeping a door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.
Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece 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 stop the door from scraping against tiles or carpet as it's shut and opened.
To get an accurate measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim or casing placed around it. This will expose the opening to allow you can accurately measure it.
Mark the location of the hinge holes on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the marks on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is centered within the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure on the jamb side of the door. Once you're done, make use of nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Measure the Header
A header is a heavy dimensional lumber board that is nailed onto the wall framing. It carries loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly constructed, the King and Jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. image source butt up against the header on both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in the frame of a typical house. 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 wider size to determine the correct header size.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of the use of a header. This removes an element in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the schedule for fastening of these different headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work and to prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decorations. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware, and store them in a safe place for later installation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust to ensure better adhesion. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.
After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw is able to deal with the curved surfaces. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask and safety goggles.
After the board is cut to size, it is important to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. Once the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
A doorway board is a way to protect your home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can also be used to protect vacant homes or stop burglaries and thefts until the property has been reoccupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the purpose of the boarding up can help to guide the selection of the material and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This will improve the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a space for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when working with a power tool. You should also make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure that they are perfectly positioned 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 prepare your home prior to the storm's arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are at risk. You will save time and effort by planning ahead. If you are prepared your property will be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and winds. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from damage.