Boarding Up a Doorway

A doorway that is boarded up prevents rain, snow and hail from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.

Doors are more secure than windows, yet they can still be kicked in or broken down. They should be set up with composite door frames that won't shift over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a wall opening through which you can enter or exit an area, a building or an entry point. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to another location for instance, a different room in the home or an entirely different area of the country.

To determine the size of a doorway is, you'll have to measure it. Using a tape measure, start by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one side to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and not the actual door or window. Take these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the size of the doorway.

If you want to replace your door, measure the width of the door's rough opening. It is possible to do this without removing the existing door by prying the old door away from the jamb with the wide tool. This will expose the framing rough which will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times over and the smallest number is the height of your new door.

You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three locations - center, left, and right - and recording the measurement with the largest size as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area and permit you to put in the door or window you want to replace.

Measure the Frame

You can provide a measure of protection to 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, take emergency boarding up of the width of its frame. Take note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to be able to fit.

Wear protective gear prior to beginning to safeguard yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a colleague, as it is easier to work with large plywood sheets with a second pair hands.

Use wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and then take out any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out for added strength.

If the frame is in good condition it is possible to save time by skipping the framing and simply running an entirely new stud across the gap to the middle of the window. This will give your board additional strength without the need to remove and install the framing.

Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools like a hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). Mark each board according to the frame's dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that a door is directly attached to. They are crucial for keeping doors shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they're not level.

Begin with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised part towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door and prevents it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a piece of plywood at the bottom of each stud to raise the floor in the opening by 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scraping against tiles, carpet or throw rug as it's opened and shut.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing installed around the jamb on the hinge side to obtain an accurate measurement. This will expose the rough opening so you can measure it accurately.

After you've finished measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square so that it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge is centered within the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat this process for the latch jamb. When you're done, make use of a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.


Take a look at the Header

A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is nailed to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over the door and window openings to studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to each end of the header and the jack studs butting up against it at both ends create a strong support column that transfers weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation.

In conventionally framed houses you can make use of tables in the code to size the header for a specific span. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code includes tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next wider size to determine the proper size for the header.

However, there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can reduce the need for lumber, decrease the risk of thermal bridging and create space 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 are able to bridge an opening in the wall without the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and often creates stronger frames. He also explains box headers which are more difficult to build, but offer greater spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for these alternative headers. This requires 8d common nail spaced at a distance of 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area prior to boarding up a front door. To make enough room for work and prevent damage to your belongings, remove all furniture and decor. Detach the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a safe place to be reinstalled later. Clean the frame and door and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris for better adhesion. If needed smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and offer effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and can easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this process.

It is important to align the board with the frame and jambs after it is cut to size. It is also a good idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board has been properly aligned and secured it is ready to be nailed into the desired position.

Boarding up a doorway can help to protect the property or home from damage and unauthorised entry in the event of a storm, disaster or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the situation, the purpose and the type of the boarding.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened with heavy-duty screws, rather than nails. These fasteners are sturdy and resist tearing. This will increase the durability of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to close the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation space to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is mandatory when working with power tools. Mark your cuts with a pencil and a straightedge since mistakes are more difficult to rectify after 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 next step is to clean the head and jambs so that they are even with the surface of the wall.

It is best to start this process prior to the storm's arrival to ensure you have plenty of time to board up other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning will save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your business or home for a possible disaster. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with proper preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your property is safe from danger.