A Brief History Of Boarding Up A Doorway History Of Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway
By boarding an entranceway, you can protect your property from hail, snow or rain. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals away.
Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be damaged or kicked out. They should be set with composite frames that won't warp over time.
Find the Doorway
A doorway is a hole in a wall through which you can go in or out of an area, building or passage. The doorway can also be an entry point that allows access to another location like an entirely different room in the same house or other part of the country.
You'll need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one side to the other. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three places and use the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.
Take a rough measurement of the opening of the current door if you are planning to replace it. This can be done without taking the old door off by removing it from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times and the smallest number will be the height of the new door.
You can also measure how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure across the frame in three locations: center, left and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that your plywood will cover all the area, and also allow you to put in windows or doors that are new.
Measure the Frame
You can provide a measure of protection for your home by boarding windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then measure the length of the frame. Note every measurement so that you can cut the plywood boards precisely.
Before starting, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with someone else since it's easier to handle huge sheets of plywood with a second pair hands.
Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.
If the frame is still in good condition You can cut down on time by avoiding the framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap in the midpoint of the window. This will give the board more strength, without the additional effort of removing and installing the framing itself.
Purchase a few sheets of plywood and tools, such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood by drilling pilot holes using the holes you previously drilled.
Find the Jambs
The jambs are three pieces wood on which doors are directly hung. They are crucial for keeping the door shut properly. They must be secure and even. You'll need to adjust the jambs if they're not level.
Begin with the side jambs of the hinge, that have a raised section towards the center, which is known as the doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Screw a piece of plywood at the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the rough opening by about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.
To get a precise measurement for the hinge side jamb, remove any trim, molding or casing that's placed around it. This will reveal the opening to allow you can measure it accurately.
After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Using 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 the procedure for the latch jamb. Once you're done, make use of nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.
Take a look at the Header
A header is a large dimensional lumber board that is nailed onto the wall framing. It carries loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly framed, the King and Jack the studs are attached to the opposite side of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation.
In traditional framed houses you can make use of a series of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. The code contains tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate size of the header.
But there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that can save lumber, reduce thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're suitable:
He also talks about Rim-board headers, which are able to bridge an opening in the wall without a header; this removes one step from the framing process and often will result in an even stronger frame. He also talks about box headers, which are more difficult to construct and have greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the fastening schedule of these different headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.
Cut the Boards
It is important to thoroughly prepare the area before the process of boarding up the front door. To create enough space to work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decorations. Take out 24 hour emergency boarding up , locks, and other hardware and put them in a secure location to be installed later. To improve adhesion, clean the door and frame and then wipe down all surfaces to remove dirt and dust. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure the boards fit well 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 can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask, is essential during this step.
It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's a good idea also to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. Once the board is aligned and secured, it is ready to be put into place.
A doorway board can safeguard your home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or stop thefts and break-ins until the property is occupied. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the purpose of the boarding will aid in the material selection and the method of installation to get the most effective results.
Install the Boards
The boards should be screwed down with screws of high-quality, rather than nails. The strength of these fasteners will distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to close the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture.
Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Mark your cuts using the aid of a straightedge and pencil because mistakes are harder to correct after you've finished cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so that they are perfectly positioned against the door frame and casing. The jambs and the head will need to be trimmed so that they are level with the wall.

It is recommended to prepare your home before the storm hits so that you will have plenty of time to secure other vulnerable areas. A little planning will save you a lot of time and help you prepare your business or home for a possible disaster. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the proper preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from danger.