Boarding Up a Doorway

boarding up windows and doors up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals from the area.

Doors are more secure than windows, yet they can still be broken or kicked into. They must be paired with strong door frames constructed of composite materials that won't deteriorate 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 a room, building, or passage. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to a different location like a different room in the house boarding up service, or an entirely different area of the country.

You'll need to measure the doorway. Utilizing a tape measure begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one side to the other. It is important to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Make these measurements in three locations and use the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

Take a rough measurement of the opening of your current door if you intend to replace it. This can be accomplished without 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 hang the new door. Take the opening's height in three places and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of your doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure your frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install windows or doors that are new.

Measure the Frame

The act of boarding up company up windows doors, windows and other openings that allow in the elements can provide a significant amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with a colleague since it's easier to work with large plywood sheets with a second pair of hands.

Use wide masking to tape the cracks and take off any panes which cannot be taped. Be safe and 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 still in good shape, you can save time by avoiding the framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Make sure you have a few sheets plywood as well as some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements and marking each board with the window number. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Measure the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces of wood that doors are directly hung. They're crucial in keeping doors shut properly and should be secure and level. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll have to adjust them.

Begin with the hinge side jambs with a raised portion toward the center that's called the doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud so that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.

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

When you finish measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square until it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side the door. Use a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed on top of the wall framing. It carries loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly framed the King and Jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to form an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.

The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within a conventionally framed house. The code includes tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate size of the header.

There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can help save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're appropriate:

He also talks about rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without using a header. This removes a step in the framing process and usually results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

Before the process of boarding up company near me a door, it is essential to clean the area thoroughly. Remove furniture and decorations to give you ample work space and to avoid damaging belongings. Take out the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a secure place for later installation. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame, and wipe down all surfaces to remove dirt and dust. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood with ease and a jigsaw will tackle the curved surfaces. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles and a dust mask, is essential during this step.

After the board is cut to size, it is essential 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. Once the board is aligned and secured, it is ready to be put into the correct position.

A doorway board is a way to protect the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property has been reoccupied. A thorough assessment of the circumstances and the need of the emergency boarding up services up will aid in the selection of the material and method of installation to achieve the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This improves 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 the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to keep out humid air and stale air.

If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts, since mistakes will be more difficult to fix once you've completed cutting. You'll need to make the cuts as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll need to then skim the jambs and head to ensure that they're even with the face of the wall.

It is recommended to prepare your home before the storm hits so that you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are at risk. You can save a lot of time and effort by preparing ahead. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from danger.