Boarding Up a Doorway
By securing a doorway, you can prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow, or rain. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.
Doors are more secure than windows, however they are still susceptible to being broken or kicked into. They need to be paired with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening that allows you to go in or out of an area, a building or a passageway. A doorway can also be a portal which allows access to another location like a different room in the house, or another part of the country.
You'll have to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using an instrument like a tape measure. It is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Measure these measurements in three locations and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the existing door if you plan to replace it. This can be accomplished without taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb using an extended pry bar. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the height of your new door.
You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three places in the center, left and right, and then recording the most extensive measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure your plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements. The first step is to carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape and then take measurements of the length of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can accurately cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.
Wear protective gear prior to beginning to shield yourself from glass breakage and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.
Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and take off any panes which cannot be taped. Then play it safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the frame more strength, without the additional effort of taking out and installing the framing itself.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each board in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes you drilled earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that the door is directly mounted. They're crucial in keeping a door closed correctly and should be tight and level. 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, called a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will stop the door from scraping against tiles, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.
To get a precise measurement for the hinge side jamb, take off any trim, molding or casing that's installed around it. This will reveal the opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.
After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge will be aligned with the frame and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the process for the jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads over the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king and jack the studs are attached to each end of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
In conventionally framed homes, you can use a series of tables in the code to size the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code includes tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next wider size to determine the proper size for the header.
There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.
He also talks about the rim-board headers that connect an opening without a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing and often results in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is crucial to prepare the space thoroughly. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and to avoid damaging belongings. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place to be installed later. To improve adhesion, clean the door and frame and clean all surfaces to get rid of dirt and dust. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.
Once the doorway is clear after which it is time to cut the plywood boards. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will deal with curving areas. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and dust masks is essential in this step.
When the board has been cut to size, it is crucial to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. To strengthen boarding up doors barnsley , it's recommended to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.
Boarding up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from damage and unauthorised entry in the event of a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is occupied. Thoroughly assessing the circumstances and the need of the boarding up will aid in the material choice and method of installation to achieve the best results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. These fasteners are durable and resist tearing. This will increase the efficiency of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to protect the edges and stop rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge, as mistakes are harder to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The head and jambs must be cut so that they are level with the wall.
It's best to prepare your home before the storm strikes to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are at risk. A little planning will save you time and will help you prepare your home or business for a possible disaster. With the proper preparation your property will be protected from criminals and damage caused by flying debris and winds. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.