Boarding Up https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bournemouth-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ that is boarded up prevents hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters, and scavengers away. Doors are more secure than windows, but can still be kicked or broken. They should be secured with sturdy frames for doors constructed of composite materials that won't warp over time. Take a look at the Doorway A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can enter or exit an area, building or passage. The doorway could also function as a portal that provides access to another area like an entirely different room in the same house or different area of the country. You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one end to the other. It is important to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure that you're only measuring the frame and not the actual windows or doors. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway. Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you plan to replace it. This can be done without removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the framing which will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number will be the size of the door you want to install. You can also measure how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure along the frame in three places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that your frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install a new window or door. Measure the Frame You can provide a measure of protection for your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements. First, carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape. Next, measure the width of its frame. Note down each measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to be able to fit. Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands. Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out for added strength. If the frame is still good, you can save some time by running a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the frame additional strength without requiring the additional effort of taking out and installing the framing itself. Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools like a drill and hammer (if you have to cut the sheets). Based on the frame's dimensions, mark each board with the window number. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, join the plywood to the frame. Measure the Jambs The jambs are three pieces wood on which the door is directly mounted. They are essential to keep doors shut properly and should be secure and level. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to adjust them. Start with the hinge side jambs, that have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to stop it from hitting the frame when 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 keep the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened. 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 so you can accurately measure it. After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge is centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process on the jamb side of the door. 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 heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over doors and windows to the studs below. When properly constructed the king and jack studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation. In conventionally framed homes you can make use of a set of tables in the code to determine the size of a header for a given span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code provides tables for three building widths and you can use interpolation to get the next size to determine the correct size for the header. There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. These can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're the right choice: He also explains Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of the use of a header. This removes an additional step in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers that are more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these alternative headers. This calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches. Cut the boards Before making a decision to board up a door it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. To allow enough space for work and to prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decor. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a secure place for later reinstallation. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame and clean all surfaces to get rid of dirt and dust. If necessary smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide effective protection. After the doorway has been cleared, you can begin cutting the plywood. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for areas that are curving. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes a dust mask and safety goggles. It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to size. It is also recommended to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board is aligned and secured it is ready to be put into place. Boarding up a doorway can help protect the property or home from damage and unauthorised entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation, the purpose and the kind of the boarding. Install the Boards Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the performance of your board. Sealing the edges with caulk or weatherstripping will prevent water and wind from leaking through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap to avoid humid air and stuffy air. Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when working with power tools. Also, you should use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to correct once you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so that they are perfectly positioned against the door casing and frame. The next step is to clean the jambs and the head so that they are even with the surface of the wall. It is recommended to start this process before the storm hits so that you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible disaster. With the right preparation, your property can be protected from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your property is safe.