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Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up the doorway, you will prevent further damage to your home from the effects of hail, snow or rain. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.

Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being broken or kicked into. They should be set with composite frames that won't warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a wall opening through which you can enter or exit an area, a building or a passage. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to a different location for instance, a different room in the home or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of a doorway is, you'll need to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other with the tape measure. It is important to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will allow you to take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Take these measurements at three different locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you intend to replace it. You can do this without removing the old door by prying the old door away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will expose the framing rough that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times and the smallest number is the height of the new door.

You can also measure how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure along the frame in three places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that your frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection for your home by boarding windows doors, windows 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 determine the size of the frame. Note every measurement so that you can cut the boards of plywood accurately.

Before you start, wear protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a colleague in order to handle large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra pair of hands.


Use a wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and then remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up extra strength without the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.

Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements make sure that each board is marked with its corresponding window number. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes that you previously drilled.

Measure the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They are vital to keep the door shut properly. They should be tight and even. If boarding up doors in place 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 on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will keep the door from scuffing against the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is closed and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the jamb on the hinge side to get an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.

Note 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, then adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Make use of a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall framing. It carries loads above 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 butt up against the header at both ends to form solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.

In traditional framed houses, you can use a series of tables in the code to calculate the size of the header to fit a certain span. The code has tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the correct header size.

There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space to be used to create insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.

He also discusses Rim-board headers, which are able to connect an opening in the wall without using an actual header. This eliminates a step in the framing process, and usually results in an even stronger frame. And he discusses box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also explains the schedule for fastening these alternative headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

Before the process of boarding a door, it is important to clean the area thoroughly. Clear away furniture and decor to allow for ample space and prevent damage to belongings. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be used later. To improve adhesion, clean the frame and door, and wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and offer effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and cut easily through it. A Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask as well as safety goggles.

It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board is properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position.

Boarding up a doorway can help to protect your home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm 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. Carefully evaluating the situation and the purpose of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of using nails Instead, use strong screws to secure the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist the pull of prying. This will improve the durability of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop water and wind from leaking through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when using a power tool. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts, since mistakes will be more difficult 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 frame and door casing. The jambs and head will need to be trimmed to make sure they're aligned with the wall.

You should do this before the storm hits so that you have time to board up any 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. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.

Member since: Friday, December 6, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/richmond-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/