Boarding Up a Doorway The act of boarding up a doorway stops rain, snow and hail from further causing damage to the property. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away. Doors are more secure than Windows however they are still susceptible to being damaged or kicked. They must be paired with strong door frames composed of composite material which won't change shape over time. Find the Doorway A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can enter or exit an area, building, or passage. It can also be an entry point that allows access to another location like an entirely different room in the same home or different part of the country. You'll need to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side 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 only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three places and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway. If you are looking to replace the door, take a measure of the door's rough opening. This can be done without removing the existing door by removing the old one away from the jamb with the wide tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of your new door. You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three spots - center, left, and right, and then recording the largest measurement as the width of the doorway. This is the most effective way to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to build a new door or window. Measure the Frame You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that allow in the elements. First, carefully examine each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, you can measure the width of the frame. Note down each measurement, so that you can cut the plywood boards to be able to fit. Before starting, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a partner, as handling large sheets of plywood is easier with an extra pair of hands. Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then remove any panes that are not taped. Then play it safe and cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside out to increase their strength. If the frame is still in good shape You can cut down on time by avoiding the framing process and instead running an entirely new stud across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and install the framing. Acquire a few plywood sheets and tools such as drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Mark each sheet in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Attach the frame to the plywood using the pilot holes you made earlier. Measure the Jambs The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They're essential in keeping the door shut properly and should be snug and level. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll need to adjust them. Begin with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece or plywood to the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening about 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 around the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the opening in rough form so that you can measure it accurately. After you've finished measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination-square measure the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure the hinge will be placed in the frame at a proper angle and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. After you're done, you can use nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish. Measure the Header A header is a heavy, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, and transferring loads over the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs that are rubbing against it at both ends create a sturdy support column that can transfer weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation. The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within the frame of a typical house. The code has tables for three different building widths. Interpolation is a method to determine the proper size of the header. But there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, reduce thermal bridging and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're appropriate: He also talks about the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without using a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers, which are a little more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also covers the schedule for fastening of these other headers. This requires 8d common nails spaced at a distance of 3 inches. Cut the boards Before making a decision to board up a door it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. To allow https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-emergency-boarding-up-near-me/ for work and to prevent damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and décor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and put them in a secure place for later installation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure the boards fit well and offer effective protection. After the doorway has been cleared, it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and can easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. Wearing protective equipment like safety goggles as well as a dust mask, is essential during this step. It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to size. To strengthen the board, it's an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces on the bottom of the board. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position. A doorway that is boarded up can help protect the property or home from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the situation, the purpose and the type of boarding. Install the Boards Instead of nailing Instead, use strong screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the performance of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation space to avoid humid air and stuffy air. If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear gloves and goggles to ensure safety. You should also use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to fix once you're done cutting. You'll have to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will require trimming so that they are level with the wall. It is best to do this prior to the storm's arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to secure other vulnerable areas. A little planning will save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible catastrophe. With the proper preparation your home or business will be protected from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and winds. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.