How to Go About Boarding Up a Door Protecting investment properties that are vacant from the elements is possible by board up a door. While it may not be able to prevent all destruction, it can help avoid certain problems that can arise from severe storms. Boarding up windows and doors can also deter burglars and vandals as well as squatters. However it can be costly and time-consuming to install plywood boards over the openings in a home. Measure the Door First, you'll require a tape measure. You may want to keep a ladder or chair close by in case you require to see more clearly the top of the frame. If you must use these tools, be sure to wear gloves and goggles. Start by taking measurements of the width of the door. This can be done by running the tape horizontally across the door. Be sure to remove any other door components, such as the door sweep and door sweep, from the measurement. Then, measure the height from the floor to the sill or lintel. It is important to measure in multiple places especially for older doors, since they may not be a perfect rectangle. If the measurements differ, use the largest number. After you've taken the width and height measurements then you'll have to figure out what size boarding you need for the frame. Ideally, it should be 2'' larger than the door and 1 inch thicker than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow you enough room to shim the door and frame into place. It's a great idea to remove the trim or casing around the jambs of the door to see the studs. This will help you to determine the exact dimensions of the gap between the studs and the edge of the frame. After taking off the trim, take a measurement of the width of the door frame using a tape measure. Take measurements of the frame at three different points and then use the most compact measurement. Also, you should measure the height of the frame from top to the bottom on both sides, and use the shortest measurement to determine the height of your door. If you are having trouble with the measurements, you should consult a professional to come to your house and conduct the measurements. They will tell you what size and type of door you require and how to prepare your frame for a replacement door. Cut the Plywood A door frame is usually composed of studs or thin boards that create a hollow space around the door. Two hinges are connected to the studs and keep the door in its place. This means that if you need to refinish the door, it is essential to take the hinges off the door over the course of a few days. Placing plywood in the door's opening is a great method to board a door and prevent insects from gaining entry into the home. This is easy to do without having to screw or nail the plywood to the door frame. Plywood is a breeze to work with, inexpensive and looks beautiful once finished. It is the ideal material to make a temporary solution for situations where you're required to remove an existing door in order to refinish it or put in a new one. It is also a great option to secure the opening in a room that is being renovated, such as an unfinished basement or a construction site. To install a plywood wall, start by taking measurements of the width and height of the door opening. Mark the measurements on the plywood with an utility knife and a drywall square or other metal straight edge. Then, snap an outline of chalk across each line to indicate where to cut. Use a circular blade to cut the plywood to the desired size. It is essential to shield your ears and eyes when cutting plywood. Wear earplugs or goggles that are protective whenever possible. It is also important to use a blade with a lot of teeth, which will permit you to cut quickly and with minimal tear-out. Utilize a small piece of wood to guide the blade. Hold it about a hair's width away from the marked line when cutting. A good way to keep the plywood in place without gluing it to the studs is by fixing braces that are short at each end. Place one brace on the side that is inside and the other one on the outside of the door. Position a pair 1-1/2-inch deck screw in each hole and then tighten by using an open-end ratchet. Fix the Plywood When you have a piece of plywood cut to the proper size and with holes for stiles and rails predrilled then it's time to attach the panel to the door frame. This is a simple task that doesn't require advanced carpentry skills as long as you use the right tools and follow the correct procedures. Set up a table near the doorway, with two sawhorses at each end, as well as framing 2x4s. Lay the full sheet of plywood flat on top of the sawhorses using the marks left by the measurement process to guide you for cutting. Utilize a utility knife and a straight edge of metal to cut the lines. This will provide a guideline for the saw blade and keep the wood from splintering when cutting the plywood. Put on eye protection and cut along the scored lines with a circular saw or table saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade. Then sand the edges the plywood panel with 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the panels and remove any burrs that may have formed from the saw cuts. After sanding the plywood, apply a wood sealer and allow it to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Install the hinges onto the door frame. If you're using a T-hinge, drill holes in the outer edge of your door to allow for the straps of the hinges. Next, position the hinge's outside face on its spot and attach it into the frame using an screw gun. Repeat the procedure for each hinge on the inside of your door. Be cautious not to tighten them too much, or the door could move. If you have a single hinged T on your outside door, you can make it easier for the latch to close by fishing an electrical wire through the loops of the exterior hinges. Fold a piece of connect wires in half and then thread it through the two holes on the exterior of the door. Then, twist the wires together and lock the door. Install https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ Using the measurements you took and place the plywood into the door opening. Change the frame's header (top) and the sill. Utilize a level and ensure that there's no slop between the sill and header. If it's not perfect then put a second shim in the place where you need it and repeat the procedure until you've got the header and sill to be level. Once the plywood is in place, fix it using the stainless-steel hinge bolts and wingnuts. Use a screwgun with an attachment for hex heads to avoid removing the heads of the screws. If your home has studs running along your doorway, it is possible to drill hanger bolts into each of the framing members. This is a simpler job than making the hole using a saw for drywall. After installing the plywood after installation, take measurements of the width and height of your door opening. If necessary, cut your plywood bottom to match the height your door frame. Cut two pieces of framing lumber 1-by-6 to form braces for the lower and upper ends. Cut along the lines drawn on your plywood with a circular blade fitted with teeth that are finely tipped. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from cuts by using a sanding device. After you've put in the braces after you have positioned them, use two pairs of finishing nails that measure 2 inches to join each brace to the plywood. Once you're done, counter sink the heads of all the nails. The braces should be sealed with a quality wood sealing product, like the wipe-on polyurethane from Minwax. If your door is too large it is possible to add decorative molding to fill the gap between your door and jamb, or you can reduce the size of your opening. In many situations, it's more affordable and simpler to just get a new door. It also eliminates any issues you might have encountered with your original door, if it was damaged or not suitable for the opening.