Boarding Up a Doorway By boarding a doorway, you can protect your home from the effects of hail, snow or rain. It also keeps vandals, squatters and scavengers away. Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. They should be secured with strong door frames made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time. Measure the Doorway A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can go in or out of a room, building or passageway. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to a different location like a different room in the house or a completely different part of the country. You'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other with an instrument like a tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is essential to take out all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will allow you to measure the frame, and not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements at three different locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway. If you are looking to replace the door, take a measure of the door's opening. This can be done without removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install. You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three spots in the center, left and right - and recording the most extensive measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that the wood will cover the entire area and allow you install a new window or door. Measure the Frame Boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. The first step is to look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then take measurements of the length of the frame. Note down every measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame. Wear protective gear before you begin to shield yourself from broken glass and other dangers. Also, it's best to work with a partner, as handling large sheets of plywood is much more efficient with a second set of hands. Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out for added strength. If the frame is in good shape, you can save time by skipping the framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap in the midpoint of the window. This will give the board-up extra strength without the additional effort of taking out and installing the framing itself. Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements, mark each board with its corresponding window number. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier. Find the Jambs The jambs are three pieces wood that doors are directly hung. They are vital to keep a door shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to make adjustments. Begin with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a piece of plywood on the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is opened and closed. To determine the exact measurement of the hinge's side jamb, remove any trim or molding installed around it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to accurately measure it. When you finish measuring your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it is equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame at a proper angle and aligned properly with the door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. Make use of a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side. Measure the Header A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over doors and windows to the studs below. When properly framed the jack and king studs are secured to each side of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation. The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code includes tables for three widths of a building and you can use interpolation to get the next larger size to determine the correct size for the header. But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, reduce thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're the right choice: He also discusses rim-board headers, which can connect an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates one step in the framing process, and usually creates a stronger frame. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in. Cut the boards It is crucial to prepare the area thoroughly prior to the process of boarding up an entranceway. To allow enough space for work and prevent damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and décor. Take the doorknobs off and lock and keep them in a safe location for later reinstallation. To improve adhesion, clean the frame and door and then wipe down all surfaces to get rid of dust and dirt. If necessary, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and offer effective protection. After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. It is essential to wear protective gear for this process, which includes dust masks and safety goggles. After cutting the board to size, it is crucial to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board is properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be put in the desired position. The act of boarding up a doorway can help safeguard a home or business from damage and unauthorised entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop thefts and break-ins until the property can be occupied. Carefully evaluating the circumstances and the need of the boarding up will help to guide the selection of the material and method of installation to get the most effective results. Install the Boards The boards should be fastened with heavy-duty screws instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. This will improve the effectiveness of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping can stop water and wind from leaking through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture. If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear gloves and goggles to ensure safety. Mark your cuts using the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards to ensure they're perfectly fitted against the door frame and casing. The jambs and head must be cut so that they are level with the wall. It is best to do this prior an event to allow time to board up any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. Your property can be secured from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.