Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway stops hail, snow, and rain from further damaging the property. fulham boarding up windows keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.
Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be damaged or kicked out. They should be set with composite frames that will not warp over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening in a wall that you can enter or exit an area, building or the passageway. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to a different location, such as another room in the house, or an entirely different area of the country.
To determine how large the 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 important to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements at three different locations and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of your current door if you plan to replace it. This can be done without taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb using a large pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. The opening's height in three places, and use the smallest of the numbers 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 spots such as left, center, and right. Record the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective method to ensure that the wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
Boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements can provide a significant amount of security for your home. The first step is to examine each window to determine its size and shape, and then determine the size of the frame. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards precisely.
Wear protective gear prior to starting to shield yourself from breaking glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with a colleague since it's easier to work with large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and remove any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out for added strength.
If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by putting a new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools like the hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each board according to the frame's dimensions. Then using the pilot holes you made earlier, join the plywood to the frame.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood to which the door is directly mounted. They are crucial for keeping the door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll need to adjust them.
Begin with the hinge side jambs which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood on the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 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 that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.
Mark the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside 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 jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the latch jamb side of the door. Once you're done, use a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Measure the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It carries 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 and the jack studs that are rubbing up against it at both ends create a sturdy support column that can transfer weight from the top of the opening down to the floor and foundation.
In conventionally 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. The code contains tables for three different building widths. You can use interpolation to determine the proper header size.
But there are other more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're suitable:
He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to create a bridge between an opening in the wall without using an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often creates a stronger frame. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the schedule for fastening of these different headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced at a distance of 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before boarding up a door, it is important to clean the area thoroughly. Remove furniture and decorations to allow for ample space and prevent damage to belongings. Remove doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure place to be installed later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame, and wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dirt and dust. If needed smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly, while a jigsaw can tackle curving areas. It is important to wear protective equipment for this process, which includes a dust mask as well as safety goggles.
When the board has been cut to size, it is crucial to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
A doorway that is boarded up 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 protect vacant homes or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property has been returned to its original location. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason of the boarding up can aid in determining the best selection of the material and method of installation to get the best results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be secured using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and resist the pull of prying. This improves the efficiency of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap to prevent humid air and stuffy air.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when working with a power tool. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll want to make the cut as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head will require trimming so that they are aligned with the wall.
It is best to start this process before the storm strikes to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are at risk. You will save time and effort by preparing ahead. With the right preparation your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and winds. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from danger.