Boarding Up a Doorway By securing an entranceway, you can protect your property from hail, snow or rain. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away. Doors are more secure than windows However, they can be broken or kicked. These doors should be set with composite frame that won't warp over time. Measure the Doorway A doorway is a wall opening through which you go in or out of a room, a building or a passageway. A doorway can be an access point that allows you to go to a different location like a different room in the house, or an entirely different area of the country. You'll need to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using a tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is important to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and not the actual window or door. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the width of the doorway. If you are looking to replace the existing door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. You can do this without removing the existing door by prying the old one away from the jamb with a wide pry tool. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places, and use the smallest number to determine the height of the new door. You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape through the edges of the frame in three places such as left, center, and right, and then recording the largest measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that the frame will cover the entire space and permit you to install a new window or door. Measure the Frame The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in elements can provide a measureable amount of protection for your home. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the size of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely. Before you start, wear protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a friend because handling large sheets of plywood is more efficient with a second pair of hands. Use a wide masking tape seal the cracks and remove any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for extra strength. If the frame is still in good shape, you can save time by skipping framing process and instead running an additional stud straight across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give the board additional strength without requiring the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing. Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools like the hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Based on the frame's dimensions, mark each board with its corresponding window number. Then, using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame. Find the Jambs The jambs are the three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They're crucial in keeping a door closed properly and should be secure and level. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll need to make adjustments. Begin with the hinge side jambs that have a raised section toward the center that's called the doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door to keep 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 rough opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened. Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb of the hinge to get an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening to allow you can measure it accurately. Note the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square find the mortise depth of the hinge and adjust the combination square so that it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and correctly aligned with your door. Repeat this process 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 heavy dimensional lumber board that is nailed to the wall framing. It transfers loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs attached to each end of the header as well as the jack studs butting up against it at both ends create a sturdy support column that can transfer weight from the top of the opening down to the floor and foundation. In conventionally framed houses it is possible to use a set of tables in the code to determine the size of the header to fit a certain span. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code includes tables for three building widths and you can use interpolation to get the next size to determine the correct header size. There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges, and allow more space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're suitable: He also talks about the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without using a header. This eliminates an element in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the fastening schedule for these alternative headers. This requires 8d common nail spaced every 3 inches. Cut the Boards Before the process of boarding a door, it is important to clean the area thoroughly. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and to avoid damaging belongings. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place to be used later. Clean the frame and door and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust dirt, debris, and dust for better adhesion. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure the boards fit well and offer effective protection. Once the doorway is clear and the doorway is clear, it's time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and dust masks is crucial during this process. It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to the appropriate size. To reinforce the board, it's recommended to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. After the board is properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed in place. A doorway board can safeguard the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a storm or disaster. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or stop burglaries and thefts until the property is returned to its original location. Carefully evaluating the circumstances and the need of the boarding will aid in determining the best material selection and the method of installation to achieve the best results. Install the Boards The boards should be screwed down with heavy-duty screws instead of nails. These fasteners are sturdy and resist the pull of prying. This will improve the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to prevent humid air and stuffy air. Wearing https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/west-bromwich-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ and goggles is a must when working with a power tool. Also, you should employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts as mistakes can be difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll need to make the cut as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll need to then skim the head and jambs so that they are even with the surface of the wall. It is best to do this prior an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that are at risk. You can save a lot of time and effort by preparing ahead. With the proper preparation your home or business will be protected from criminal activity and damage caused by flying debris and winds. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.