The 10 Scariest Things About Boarding Up A Doorway

Boarding Up a Doorway

boarding up door up a doorway keeps hail, snow, and rain from further damaging the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.

Doors are more secure than windows, however they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. These doors should be set with composite frames that will not warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can go in or out of an area, building, or passage. A doorway can be a portal which allows access to another location, such as another room in the home or another part of the country.

You'll have to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one end to the other. Before you can take this measurement it is essential to take out any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame, not the actual doors or windows. Take these measurements in three places and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.

If you are looking to replace your door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by removing the old door by removing it from the jamb with a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of your new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area and allow you to install a new door or window.

Measure the Frame

Boarding up windows doors, windows, and other openings which allow in the elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. The first step is to inspect each window to determine its size and shape and then determine the size of the frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to fit.

Wear protective gear prior to starting to shield yourself from broken glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with someone else, as it is easier to handle huge sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Then play it safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for extra strength.

If the frame is in good condition it is possible to save time by skipping framing process and instead running an entirely new stud across the gap to the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools like a drill and hammer (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each board according to the frame dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes you drilled earlier.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They're essential in keeping a door closed properly and should be snug and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.

Start with the hinge side jambs, that have a raised section toward the center that's called a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip 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 scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is opened and closed.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to get a precise measurement. This will expose the rough opening so you can 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, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is aligned with the frame and properly 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 with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.

Measure the Header

A header is a heavy wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the wall's top framing, transferring loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king and jack the studs are attached to each side 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 traditional framed houses you can make use of a set of tables in the code to size the header for a specific span. The code has tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate header size.

There are other more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can reduce the need for lumber, decrease 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 suitable:

He also talks about rim-board headers, which can create a bridge between an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually will result in a stronger frame. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.

Cut the boards

Before the process of boarding up companies a door, it is important to thoroughly prepare the area. Get rid of furniture and other decor to give you ample work space and avoid damage to belongings. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw is able to tackle curved areas. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust masks is essential in this step.

It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. For reinforcement, it is an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be put in place.

A doorway that is boarded up can help to protect the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can be used to protect vacant homes or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property has been returned to its original location. The best results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances as well as the purpose and type of the 24 hour boarding up service near me.

Install the Boards

The boards should be screwed down with heavy-duty screws, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding up and burglary repairs. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping will prevent rain and wind from getting through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

If you're using a power drill, make sure to wear gloves and goggles for safety. Mark your cuts using the aid of a straightedge and pencil, as mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll have to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so that they are perfectly positioned against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs must be cut so that they are in line with the wall.

It's best to do this before the storm strikes so that you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are vulnerable. You can save a lot of time and effort by preparing ahead. With the right preparation, your property can be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and wind. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is protected from danger.