Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding an entranceway, you can protect your home from the effects of rain, snow or hail. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.
Doors are more secure than Windows however they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked. They must be paired with sturdy door frames composed of composite material that won't 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 the building, room, or passage. A doorway can be a portal which allows access to another location, such as another room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.
To determine how big a doorway is, you'll need to measure it. Utilizing a tape measure start by measuring the width of the inside of the frame from one side to the other. It is essential to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the dimensions of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you are planning to replace it. It is possible to do this without removing the existing door by removing the old one away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to hang the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.
You can also determine 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 measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover all the area and allow you install a new window or door.
Measure the Frame
You can add measurable protection for your home by boarding windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine the size and shape. Next, measure the width of the frame. Make note of each measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards precisely.
Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a colleague in order to handle large sheets of plywood is much easier with an extra set of hands.
Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes that aren't taped. Make sure to protect the remaining panes with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is in good shape it is possible to save time by skipping the framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap to the midpoint of the window. This will give the board more strength, without the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing.
Take a few sheets of plywood and a few tools like the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements, mark each board with its corresponding window number. Attach the plywood to the frame by drilling pilot holes using the holes you drilled earlier.
Measure the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is mounted directly. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They must be secure and even. If the existing jambs aren't, it's time to adjust them.
Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed 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 such that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet when it is shut and opened.
To get an accurate measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim or molding attached to it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to precisely measure it.
After you've finished measuring your measurements, mark the location 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 jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly aligned with the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side the door. After you're done, you can make use of nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed on top of the wall framing. It carries loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly frame, the King and Jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.
The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in a conventionally framed house. The code has tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation can be used to determine the correct size of the header.
There are more efficient alternatives 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 determines if each is the best choice.
He also explains rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without using a header. This removes a step in the framing process, and can result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the schedule for fastening of these other headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced out every 3 inches.
Cut the boards
It is crucial to clean the space thoroughly prior to the process of boarding up an entranceway. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and decor. Take the doorknobs off and lock and keep them in a safe location for later reinstallation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to remove dust dirt and other debris to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.
Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and cut easily through it. A Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask, is essential during this step.
It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs when it is cut to size. For reinforcement, it is a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. Once the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into place.
gravesend boarding up services of boarding up a doorway can help to protect the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or stop thefts and break-ins until the property is occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by analyzing the situation, the purpose and the type of the boarding.
Install the Boards
Instead of nailing the boards Instead, use strong screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap 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 using a pencil and a straightedge since mistakes are more difficult to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so that they fit perfectly against the door frame and casing. The jambs and the head will need to be trimmed to ensure they're aligned with the wall.
You should do this before the storm hits so that you have enough time to cover any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. With the proper preparation your property will be safe from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and wind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from danger.