Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals out.

Doors are more secure than Windows However, they can be damaged or kicked. They should be secured with strong door frames made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is a wall opening that lets you can enter or exit a room, a building, or a passageway. The doorway could also function as an entry point that allows access to another area, such as an additional room within the same home or other part of the country.

To determine how large a doorway is, you'll have to measure it. With a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's inside from one end to the other. Before you take this measurement, it is essential to take out all pieces of brickmould and trim. This will ensure that you only take measurements of the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three locations and choose the largest number as the size of the doorway.

Take a rough measurement of the opening of the existing door if you plan to replace it. It is possible to do this without removing the old door by prying the old one away from the jamb with the wide tool. This will expose the framing rough 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 will be the size of the door you want to install.

You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three places in the center, left and right - and recording the most extensive measurement as the size of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure your wood will cover the entire area, and also allow you to put in a new window or door.

Measure the Frame

You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine its size and shape. Next, measure the width of its frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can cut the plywood boards to fit.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a friend because handling large sheets of plywood is much easier with an extra set of hands.

Use wide masking tape to tape the cracks and take off any panes that are not taped. Make sure to cover the ones left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even seal the trash bags inside out for extra strength.

If the frame is still in good condition You can cut down on time by avoiding the framing process and instead running an additional stud straight across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Get a few plywood sheets, and tools like drill, hammer and saw (if cutting is required). Based on the frame's dimensions and marking each board with its corresponding window number. 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 attached to. They're crucial in keeping doors shut properly and should be secure and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to make adjustments.

Begin with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised section towards the center, called a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door and prevents 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 within the opening of the rough by approximately 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet as it's shut and opened.

To determine the exact measurement for the hinge side jamb, you must remove any trim, molding or casing that's attached to it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to measure it accurately.

Note the locations of the hinge holes on the inside and outside 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 that the hinge is centered within the frame and aligned with your door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side of the door. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop using 2 1/2-inch nail nails.

Find the Header


A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is nailed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When properly constructed, the king and jack studs are secured to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header at 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 within a conventionally framed house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three widths of a building that you can then interpolate to the next wider size to determine the correct size for the header.

But there are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could 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 when they're appropriate:

He also explains rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without the need of the use of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing process and usually results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers that are more difficult to construct however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the fastening schedule for these other headers. exmouth boarding up calls for 8d common nail spaced at a distance of 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area before boarding up a front door. Get rid of furniture and other decor to provide ample working space and avoid damage to belongings. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down the surfaces to remove dust, dirt, and debris for better adhesion. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A quality circular saw will make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw is able to deal with curved areas. Wearing protective equipment like safety goggles and dust masks, is essential during this process.

It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs after it has been cut to size. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. After the board has been aligned and secured it is ready to be put into the desired position.

A doorway that is boarded up can help safeguard a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property can be occupied. Carefully evaluating the situation and the purpose of the boarding up will aid in determining the best selection of the material and method of installation to get the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing instead, use screws that are strong enough to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to close the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a gap for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and the accumulation of moisture.

Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when using a power tool. Mark your cuts using a pencil and a straightedge since mistakes are harder to rectify after cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so that they are perfectly positioned against the door casing and frame. The head and jambs will require trimming to ensure they're aligned with the wall.

It is recommended to do this prior to an event to allow time to board up any other areas that are vulnerable. A little planning can save you a lot of work and will help you prepare your home or business for the possibility of a catastrophe. If you are prepared, your property can be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and wind. You'll also have peace of mind knowing your property is secure.