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Boarding Up a Doorway The act of boarding up a doorway stops hail, snow, and rain from further damaging the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away. Doors are more secure than Windows However, they can be kicked or broken. They should be secured with sturdy door frames made of composite material which won't change shape over time. Find the Doorway A doorway is a hole in a wall through which you can go in or out of the building, room or 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 a completely different part of the country. You'll have to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one side to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is important to remove all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will allow you to measure the frame, not the actual door or window. Take these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway. If you want to replace your door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. This can be done without removal of the old door by prying it away from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will expose the framing rough that will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times and the smallest number is the size of the door you want to install. property boarding up can also measure how wide the doorway is by using a tape measure to measure the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that your plywood will cover all the space and permit you to install 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 let in the elements. The first step is to carefully examine each window to determine its size and shape and then take measurements of the size of the frame. Make note of each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely. Before starting, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other dangers. It's also best to work with a partner because it's easier to work with large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands. Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and take off any panes that cannot be taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength. If the frame is still in good shape, you can save time by skipping the framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and install the framing. Acquire a few plywood sheets and tools, such as a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each sheet according to the frame's dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, join the plywood to the frame. Find the Jambs The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They are crucial for keeping a door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll have to adjust them. Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised portion toward 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. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor within the opening in about ½ inch (photo). This will keep the door from scuffing against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is closed and opened. Remove any trim, molding or casing around the jamb of the hinge to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the jamb's rough opening, allowing you to accurately measure it. After you've measured your measurements, mark the location of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the square to match the marks on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge will be centered within the frame and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. When you're done, make use of nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2-½-inch finishing nails. Find the Header A header is a large wood board with dimensional dimensions that is attached to the top of wall framing, transferring loads above the door and window openings to studs below. When properly constructed the King and Jack studs are nailed on the opposite side of the header. They also butt up against the header at both ends to form an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor. The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within an ordinary frame house. The code contains tables for three different building widths. Interpolation can be used to determine the appropriate header size. There are more efficient alternatives than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges, and allow more space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're the right choice: He also talks about rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening in the wall without using the use of a header. This removes one step from the framing process and often results in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also explains the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced 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 prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decorations. Take the doorknobs off and lock and store them in a safe location to be reinstalled later. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame, and wipe down the entire surface to remove dirt and dust. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards are fitted tightly and provide effective protection. Once the doorway is clear, it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. Wearing protective equipment, such as safety goggles and a dust mask is essential in this process. It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs once it has been cut to the appropriate size. It is also a good idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position. The act of boarding up a doorway can help protect a home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other event. It can also be used to protect vacant properties or to prevent burglaries and thefts until the property is reoccupied. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the purpose of the boarding will aid in determining the best material selection and the method of installation to achieve the most effective results. Install the Boards Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This improves the effectiveness of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be 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 space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and the accumulation of moisture. Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when using a power tool. It is also recommended to employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll want to make your cut as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. The jambs and head will require trimming to make sure they're level with the wall. It is recommended to do this prior to an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning can save you time and will help you prepare your home or business for a possible disaster. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from danger.