10 Things You've Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding up the doorway, you will protect your property from rain, snow or hail. It also keeps scavengers and vandals from the area.
Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked out. These doors should be set with composite frames that won't shift over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is an opening through which you enter or leave an area, a building, or a passageway. It can also be an entry point that allows access to another area for instance, an additional room within the same house or other part of the country.
You'll have to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one side 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 doors or windows. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Make a rough estimate of the opening of the current door if you plan to replace it. This can be done without removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times over and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.
You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape measure along the edge of the frame in three places - center, left, and right. Record the most extensive measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install windows or doors that are new.
Measure the Frame
By securing windows, doors and other openings that let in elements can provide a measureable amount of protection for your home. The first step is to examine each window to determine its size and shape and then take measurements of the width of the frame. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the boards of plywood accurately.
Before you begin, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner since it's easier to work with large plywood sheets with a second pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and remove any panes that aren't taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even seal the trash bags inside out for added strength.
If the frame is still in good condition it is possible to save time by avoiding the framing and simply running a new stud straight across the gap in the midpoint of the window. This will give the frame extra strength without the additional effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions make sure that each board is marked with the window number. Then using property boarding up that you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.
Take a look at the Jambs
The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that a door is directly attached to. They are crucial for keeping the door shut properly. They must be secure and even. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll have to adjust them.
Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood at the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will keep the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
Remove any trim, molding or casing installed around the jamb on the hinge side to get an accurate measurement. This will expose the rough opening so you can measure it accurately.
When you finish measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the mark on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side of the door. Make use of a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a heavy, dimensional lumber board nailed to the top of wall framing, transferring loads above window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to each end of the header and the jack studs rubbing up against it on both sides make a strong support column that can transfer weight from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.
The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in a conventionally framed house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables for three different widths of the building that you can then interpolate to the next wider size to determine the correct header size.
There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which are able to bridge an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually results in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also discusses a fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
Before the process of boarding a door, it is essential to thoroughly prepare the area. Remove furniture and decorations to provide ample working space and to avoid damaging belongings. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place for later installation. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust to ensure better adhesion. If necessary, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit securely and offer effective protection.
Once the doorway is clear, it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this process.
After cutting the board to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is recommended to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of your board. Once the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in the desired position.
The act of boarding up a doorway can help to protect a home or business from harm 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 is returned to its original location. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason of the boarding will aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation for the most effective results.
Install the Boards
Instead of using nails Instead, use strong screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and resist cutting, increasing the efficiency of your boarding. Sealing the edges with caulk or weatherstripping will prevent the wind and water from flowing through the gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation space to prevent humid air and stuffy air.
If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear gloves and goggles for safety. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to correct once you've finished cutting. You'll need to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The jambs and the head must be cut so that they are aligned with the wall.
It is best to do this prior an event to allow time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. You can save lots of time and effort by preparing ahead. If you are prepared your home or business will be protected from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from danger.