Boarding Up a Doorway
A doorway that is boarded up prevents rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters, and scavengers away.
Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. These doors should be set with composite frames that won't shift over time.
Take a look at the Doorway
A doorway is an opening through which you enter or leave a room, a building, or a passage. A doorway can be an entrance point that gives access to another place for instance, a different room in the house or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how big the doorway is, you'll have to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. It is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Make use of 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 accomplished without taking the old door off by prying it away from the jamb with a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door.
You can also measure the width of your doorway by running a tape measure across the frame at three different locations: center, left and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and permit you to put in an entirely new door or window.
Measure the Frame
Boarding up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements can provide a significant amount of security for your home. First, carefully examine each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can cut the plywood boards to fit.
Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a friend, as handling large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra pair of hands.
Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then take out any panes that aren't taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is still in good condition, you can save time by avoiding the framing and just running an additional stud straight across the gap to the midpoint of the window. This will give the frame additional strength without requiring the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.
Acquire a few plywood sheets and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each sheet according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame by drilling pilot holes using the holes you made earlier.
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 doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.
Begin with the hinge side jambs which have a raised part towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is closed and opened.
Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the hinge side jamb to get a precise measurement. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can measure it accurately.
After you've measured and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using a combination square, find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square so that it's equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and correctly aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.
Find the Header
A header is a thick, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above doors and windows to studs below. When properly framed, the jack and king studs are secured to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in an ordinary frame house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code provides tables for three different widths of the building and you can use interpolation to get the next wider size to determine the proper header size.
But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that can save lumber, cut down on the risk of thermal bridging and create space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're the right choice:
He also discusses rim-board headers that can create a bridge between an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often results in a stronger frame. He also discusses box headers that are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also discusses a fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to clean the area thoroughly. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and décor. Take the doorknobs off and lock and store them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. To improve adhesion, clean the frame and door and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
After boarding up houses has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and cut easily through it, whereas a Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Protective equipment like safety goggles as well as a dust mask is essential in this step.
After cutting the board to size, it is important to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into place.
A doorway board can safeguard the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is occupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason of the boarding up can aid in determining the best material selection and the method of installation to achieve the most effective results.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and withstand cutting, increasing the efficiency of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also recommended to leave a space for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and moisture buildup.
If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil, as mistakes are more difficult to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make your cut as accurate as possible to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll then need to skim the jambs and head so that they are even with the surface of the wall.
It is recommended to do this prior to an event to allow time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. You can save a lot of time and effort by planning ahead. If you are prepared your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage from flying debris and wind. You will also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.