Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up an entranceway, you can protect your property from rain, snow or hail. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.

Doors are more secure than windows, but they are still susceptible to being kicked in or broken down. They should be secured with sturdy door frames constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.


Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall, through which you can go in or out of an area, building or passageway. A doorway can be an access point that allows you to go to another location, such as another room in the house, or an entirely different area of the country.

To determine how big the doorway is, you'll need to measure the doorway. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's inside from one side to the other. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould before taking this measurement. This will allow you to take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Make these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of your current door if you plan to replace it. You can do this without removing the door by removing the old one away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the framing that will be used to hang the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest number as the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three locations such as left, center, and right. Record the largest measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire surface and permit you to put in an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements can provide a measureable amount of protection for your home. The first step is to look over each window to determine its size and shape, and then take measurements of the length of the frame. Note each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards accurately.

Before starting, put on RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with someone else because it's easier to work with large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.

Use wide masking tape to seal the cracks and take off any panes which cannot be taped. Be safe and cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also cover the trash bags inside out for added strength.

If the frame is still in good shape You can cut down on time by skipping framing and just running an entirely new stud across the gap in the midpoint of the window. This will give the frame additional strength without requiring the additional effort of taking out and installing the framing itself.

Get a few sheets of plywood and some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). In accordance with the frame's measurements, mark each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, join the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood on which doors are directly hung. They're crucial in keeping doors shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs in place aren't, you'll need to make adjustments.

Start with the side jambs on the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop sits on the slab of the door to keep it from hitting the frame as it closes. Attach a piece or plywood to the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the rough opening about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will keep the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing around the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will expose the rough opening so you can measure it accurately.

Mark the locations of the hinge holes on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it's the same as the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is placed within the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side the door. After you're done, you can employ a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop by using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.

Find the Header

A header is a large dimensional lumber board that is attached onto the wall framing. It carries loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header and the jack studs that are rubbing up against it on both ends make a strong support column that transfers weight from the top of the opening to the floor and foundation.

The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header within the frame of a typical house. A typical header is a double 2x12, and the code includes tables for three building widths; you can interpolate for the next size to get the appropriate size for the header.

There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're the right choice:

He also explains the rim-board headers that bridge an opening without the need of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process, and can result in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct, however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in.

Cut the boards

Before boarding up a door, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. Remove furniture and decorations to give you ample work space and prevent damage to belongings. Remove the doorknobs, locks and other hardware, and store them in a safe place to be used later. To increase adhesion, clean the door and frame and clean all surfaces to remove dust and dirt. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide effective protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A good circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw is able to handle the curved surfaces. It is essential to wear protective equipment for this process, which includes a dust mask as well as safety goggles.

When the board has been cut to size, it is important to verify its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board is fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into place.

A doorway board can protect your home or business from harm or unauthorised entry in the event of a natural disaster or storm. It can also be used to secure a vacant property or prevent break-ins and theft until the property is occupied. Carefully evaluating the situation and the purpose of the boarding will help to guide the material selection and the method of installation to get the best results.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing the boards, use heavy-duty screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to seal the edges and prevent water and wind from infiltrating through the gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation space to prevent 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 employ a straightedge or pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you've completed cutting. You'll want to make your cuts as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and head will require trimming to ensure they're in line with the wall.

You should do this before an event to allow time to board up any other areas that are at risk. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. With the right preparation your home or business will be protected from criminals and damage caused by flying debris and wind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from harm.