
How to Go About
boarding up windows and doors boarding up windows near me a Door
Boarding up a door is one way to protect vacant investment properties from the elements. While it won't stop all damage, it can avoid some of the problems that come with severe storms.
The
commercial boarding up service up of windows and doors will also deter trespassers and vandals. Placing plywood boards over doors and windows can be time-consuming and expensive.
Take a measurement of the door
The first thing you'll require is an accurate tape measure. You may want to keep a ladder or chair close by in case you require to see more clearly the top of the frame. If you need to make use of these tools, be sure to wear gloves and goggles.
Begin by taking measurements of the width of the door. This can be accomplished by running the tape horizontally across the door. Be sure to remove all extra parts of the door, like a sweep, before measuring. Then, measure the height by measuring from the floor to the existing sill plate or the lintel. It is crucial to measure in more than one location, especially with older doors, since they are not always a perfect rectangle. If the measurements differ take the largest number.
After you've logged the width and height measurements, you'll need to determine the size of
emergency boarding up service you'll need to fit into the frame. Ideally it should be 2 inches greater than the door's width and 1 inch thicker than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow you enough space to shim both the frame and frame to fit.
It's a good idea to remove the trim or casing around the jambs of the door to be able to see the studs. This will allow you to determine the exact measurement of the gap between the studs and the frame.
After you've removed your trim, you can then determine the size of the frame of your door by running the tape over the entire frame in three places and using the smallest measurement to determine the width of your door. You should also take measurements of the frame's height from top to bottom, on both sides. Choose the shortest measurement for the width of your door.
If you're having issues with these measurements it's best at this point to consult an expert and ask them to come to your home to measure for you. They will tell you what size and style of door you require and how to prepare your frame for a new door.
Cut the Plywood
A door frame is typically comprised of studs or boards that create an open space around the door. Two hinges are attached to the studs and hold a typical door in place. If you wish to finish a door, you will have to remove it from its hinges overnight. Placing plywood in the door's opening is an easy way to board a door and prevent insects from gaining entry into the home. This is easy to do without having to nail or screw the plywood to the door frame.
Plywood is simple to work with, cheap and looks stunning when completed. It is the ideal material to make a temporary solution to a problem in which you have to take down the door you have in place to finish it or build a new one. It can also be used to secure the opening of a room being renovated, such as a basement or construction site.
For a wall constructed of plywood, start by measuring the width and height of the door opening. Draw the measurements on the plywood using an utility knife and a drywall square or other straight edge made of metal. Then, draw the chalkline along each line to mark the area to cut. Utilize a circular blade to cut the plywood to the desired size.
When cutting the plywood it is crucial to shield your eyes and ears. If possible wear eye protection and earplugs as you are working. In addition, it is essential to choose a blade that has a wide range of teeth that can cut quickly and with minimal tear-out. Make use of a small piece wood to guide the blade. Hold it about a hair's distance from the line you are cutting.
A good way to keep the plywood in place without gluing it to the studs is to fasten two braces at each end. Set one brace on the side that is inside and the other one on the outside of the door. Then, place the deck screws into each of the holes, and tighten them with an open-end wrench.
Secure the Plywood
It's now time to connect the the frame after you have the wood sheet cut to the right size and the holes for rails and stiles of the door frame predrilled. This is a straightforward project that doesn't require any advanced carpentry skills, as long as you use the right tools and follow the proper steps.
Begin by putting
emergency boarding up services a worktable near the doorway. There are two sawhorses and a 2-by-4 frame lumber at each end of the table. Utilize the marks you made during the measurement process to guide you when cutting the plywood. Utilize a utility blade and a metal straight edge to cut the lines. This will serve as a guide for the saw blade and prevent splintering of the plywood when you cut it.
Wear eye protection and cut along the lines of scoring using a circular or table saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade. Sand the edges of the panel with 120-grit paper to smooth it out and remove any burrs. After the sanding, apply a coat of wood sealer on the plywood panels and let dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Install the hinges on the door frame. If you are using a T hinge, drill holes in the outside of the door for the straps of the hinges. Then, attach the hinge's outside edge to the frame with a screwdriver. Repeat the process on the inside of the door for the hinges remaining, but be careful not to overtighten one of them or the door will shift.
If you're using a single outside T-hinged door, you can make it easier to lock and close with a chain latch by putting a piece wire through the loops on the hinges outside. Fold a piece of tie wire in half, and then fish it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then, twist the wires and lock the door.
Install the Plywood
Place the plywood into the door's opening by using the measurements you have taken. Move the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Use a level to be sure there's no slop in the header or sill. If it isn't perfect, place another shim where it is needed and continue the process until the sill and header are level.
Once the plywood has been put in place, secure it using the stainless-steel hinge bolts and wingscrews. It is a good idea to use a screw gun with an attachment for a hex-head to prevent stripping the head of the screws.
While you're at it If your home was constructed with studs running through the doorway's height make holes for hanger bolts in the plywood and into each framing stud. This is a simpler task than cutting the hole using the aid of a saw for drywall.
After putting the plywood in place after installation, take measurements of the width and height of the door opening. If necessary, cut your bottom plywood to fit the height of your door frame. Cut two pieces of framing lumber 1 by 6 to form braces for the lower and upper ends. Wear eye protection and cut along the lines drawn on the plywood with circular saws fitted with a fine-toothed knife. Get rid of any splinters that may have formed in the cuts using a Sanding block.
Once you have the braces set attach each one to the plywood with a pair of finishing nails 2 inches long. Counter sink all the nail heads when you're done. Seal the braces and the plywood with a quality wood sealer, such as this wipe-on polyurethane by Minwax.
If the door is too large it is possible to add decorative molding to fill in the space between your door and jamb, or you can reduce the size of your opening. However, in many situations, it's more affordable and easier to simply choose a new door. It also eliminates any issues that you might have experienced with the door you originally purchased in the event that it was damaged or not suitable for the opening.