15 . Things That Your Boss Wished You'd Known About Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding the doorway, you will prevent further damage to your property from rain, snow or hail. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.
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 an opening in a wall through which you can enter or exit an area, building or the passageway. A doorway could be an access point that allows you to go to another place for instance, a different room in the house or another part of the country.
You'll need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one end to the other. Before you can take this measurement it is essential to take out all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements in three locations and select the largest number to represent the size of the doorway.
If you are looking to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. You can do this 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 that will be used to mount the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three locations such as left, center, and right. Record the most extensive measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover all the area, and also allow you to put in the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection to your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as 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. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards accurately.
Before you begin, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as handling large sheets of plywood is much easier with an extra set of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes that cannot be taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage 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 putting a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to take off and replace the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each piece of plywood in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Then using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly attached to. They are essential to keep the door shut properly. They should be snug and even. You'll need 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 referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood at the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scraping against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.
Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.
Note the locations of the hinge holes on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square, measure the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the marks on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and correctly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side the door. When you're done, make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.
Measure the Header
A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing up against it on both sides make a strong support column that carries the loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally framed houses, you can use a series of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code provides tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next larger size to get the appropriate header size.
However, there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, reduce thermal bridging, and free up space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're appropriate:
He also talks about 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. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also covers the schedule for fastening of these other headers. This requires 8d common nail spaced at a distance of 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is essential to prepare the area thoroughly before the process of boarding up a front door. To make enough room for work and prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decorations. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure place to be used later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame, and wipe down the entire surface to remove dust and dirt. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw is able to tackle curving areas. It is essential to wear protective gear during this step, including a dust mask and safety goggles.
It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to the appropriate size. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be put in the desired position.
Boarding up a doorway can help protect the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to secure a vacant property or stop thefts and break-ins until the property can be occupied. The best results can be obtained by analyzing the situation as well as the purpose and kind of the boarding.
Install the Boards
The boards should be fastened using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. These fasteners are sturdy and resist the pull of prying. This improves the effectiveness of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and moisture accumulation.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are harder to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make your cuts as precise as you can so that the boards will fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. You'll need to then skim the jambs and the head so that they are even with the surface of the wall.
You should do this before a storm so you have time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. You will save time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be secured from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with right preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from damage.