Boarding Up a Doorway Boarding up a doorway keeps rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away. Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be damaged or kicked out. They should be secured with strong door frames constructed of composite materials that won't deteriorate over time. Measure the Doorway A doorway is an opening that allows you to enter or leave an area, a building, or a passage. It can also be an access point to another location for instance, a different room in the same home or different part of the country. To determine how big a doorway is, you'll have to measure it. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using an instrument like a tape measure. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame and not the actual doors or windows. Measure these measurements in three places and choose the largest number as the size of the doorway. If you are looking to replace your door, you should take a measurement of the door's opening. This can be accomplished without removing the old door by removing it from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to frame the new door. Take the height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door. You can also determine the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install an entirely new door or window. Measure the Frame You can provide a measure of protection for your home by boarding windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully inspect each window to determine its size and shape and then determine the length of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so you can accurately cut the boards to be able to fit. Before you begin, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with someone else, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands. Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and remove any panes that can't be taped. Then play it safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out for added strength. If the frame is still good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by putting a new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board extra strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing. Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each board according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you drilled earlier. Measure the Jambs The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is mounted directly. They are vital to keep a door shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to make adjustments. Start with the hinge side jambs with a raised portion towards the center, which is referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud such 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 opened and closed. To get a precise measurement for the hinge side jamb, take off any trim or casing attached to it. This will reveal the opening to allow you can accurately measure it. After you've finished measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it's equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and correctly aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Use a nail gun and 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side. Take a look at the Header A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is attached to the wall framing. It carries loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king studs attached to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs that are rubbing up against it on both ends make a strong support column that can transfer loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation. In conventionally framed houses you can make use of tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. The code contains tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation can be used to determine the correct size of the header. But there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate. He also discusses Rim-board headers, which can connect an opening without a header. This removes an element in framing process and usually results in stronger frames. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also covers the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches. Cut the Boards Before making a decision to board up a door it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. To make enough room for work and to prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and décor. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and put them in a secure place for later installation. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards are fitted well and offer effective protection. After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to cut the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw will tackle the curved surfaces. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles as well as a dust mask is essential in this process. After cutting the board to size, it is crucial to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. For reinforcement, it is an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. Once the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place. A doorway board can protect the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is used. The best results can be achieved by assessing the circumstances as well as the purpose and type of the boarding. Install the Boards The boards should be secured with screws of high-quality instead of nails. These fasteners are durable and will resist prying. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/emergency-boarding-up/ will improve the effectiveness of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture accumulation. If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts using an eraser and a straightedge since mistakes are more difficult to rectify after cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will need to be trimmed to ensure they're aligned with the wall. It is recommended to prepare your home before the storm strikes so that you will have plenty of time to board up other areas that are at risk. A little planning can save you time and will help you prepare your home or business for an impending catastrophe. If you are prepared your home or business will be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from danger.