Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up a doorway, you can prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow, or rain. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away.


Doors are more secure than windows, but can still be kicked or broken. They must be paired with strong door frames made of composite material that won't warp over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a hole in a wall, through which you can enter or exit a room, building or passageway. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to another place for instance, a different room in the house or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of a doorway is, you'll have to measure it. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. Before you can take this measurement it is essential to take out all brickmould and trim pieces. This will allow you to take measurements of the frame, not the actual window or door. Make these measurements in three places and select the largest number to represent the size of the doorway.

If you are looking to replace the door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. This can be done without removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.

You can also measure the width of your doorway by using a tape measure to measure the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that your wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.

Measure the Frame

Boarding up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape and then measure the width of the frame. Make a note of each measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to be able to fit.

Before starting, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other hazards. emergency boarding up 's also best to work with a colleague since it's easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape to seal the cracks and then remove any panes that can't be taped. Then play it safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board additional strength without requiring the extra effort of removing and reinstalling the framing.

Get a few plywood sheets, and tools like a hammer, drill and saw (if cutting is required). Referring to the frame measurements and marking each board with its corresponding window number. Then using the pilot holes you made earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They're crucial in keeping doors shut properly and should be secure and level. 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, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug as it's shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the hinge side jamb to get an accurate measurement. This will reveal the rough opening, which will allow you to accurately measure it.

Note the location of the hinge holes both on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing 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 jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered within the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch finishing screws to secure the strike side.

Find the Header

A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed to the wall framing. It carries loads above window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly frame, the king and jack studs are secured to each side of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create an extremely sturdy column that carries the weight from the opening to the foundation and floor.

The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in the frame of a typical house. The code includes tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate header size.

However, there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging and free up space to be used for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.

He also discusses Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This eliminates an element in framing and often results in stronger frames. Also, he talks about box headers which are more difficult to construct but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for 8d common nails spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

It is essential to clean the space thoroughly before boarding up the front door. Remove furniture and decorations to provide ample working space and to avoid damaging items. Remove the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe location for later reinstallation. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame and clean the entire surface to remove dust and dirt. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards are fitted securely and provide adequate protection.

Once the doorway is clear and the doorway is clear, it's time to start cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is better for curved areas. Protective equipment, such as safety goggles as well as a dust mask is essential in this step.

After the board is cut to size, it is important to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. To reinforce the board, it's an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. After the board has been properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be put in place.

A doorway board can safeguard the home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a storm or disaster. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is occupied. Carefully evaluating the situation and the reason of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material selection and the method of installation for 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 sturdy and resist tearing. This will improve the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when working with power tools. Also, you should employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts because mistakes are more difficult to fix once you've completed cutting. You'll have to be as precise as possible when cutting the boards, so they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. You'll need to then skim the jambs and the head so that they are even with the face of the wall.

It is recommended to do this prior to the storm hits so that you have time to board up any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of work and help you prepare your home or business for the possibility of a disaster. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with right preparation. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.