Boarding Up a Door

Protecting your home or business from damage can be done by board up doors. During the stormy season it is a standard procedure.

It's not the best idea for vacant properties. Vacant houses that are boarded up can cause them to be less attractive in the neighborhood. There are alternatives to plywood that are more aesthetically appealing, while providing the same security.


Preparation

The process of boarding a door offers effective protection from damage in the event of a natural or severe weather event. However, this process can be time consuming and complicated based on the number of windows and doors you want to cover. It is important to prepare ahead so that the boarding procedure is completed quickly. A thorough preparation will ensure that the boards are secure to maximize security and protection.

Begin by assessing the property's needs and choosing the appropriate materials and equipment. It is recommended to choose plywood which is available at most hardware stores, and is more durable than oriental strand board (OSB). It is also important to choose a thicker and more durable material that can endure powerful winds. A 5/8-inch thickness is a good option. Cut the plywood boards using circular blades. Mark the boards using the window or door openings if possible so they can be identified and stored until needed.

After the plywood has been measured and cut, it can be positioned around the frame of the door or window and fastened by screws. If necessary, braces can be put in place to strengthen the frame and improve the stability. Pre-drilling holes for screws is important to avoid splitting and make the insertion easier. After the boards are secured, weatherstripping or caulk can be applied to close any gaps and increase protection.

Board up all glass windows and doors on the ground floor. This will help protect them from debris and wind during severe storms, as well as reducing the likelihood of a break-in by vandals or squatters.

Materials

When a property becomes vacant, it's usually required to encase the windows and doors to guard against weather and intruders. Security screens made of steel are a safer alternative to plywood. They are inserted into the ground, secured with anti-tamper screws and cannot be removed using crowbars or any other common domestic tools.

The first step to boarding is to prepare the area. Get rid of any broken glass and debris before placing a piece of plywood on the floor to act as the foundation plate. Build a 2"x4" frame from lumber and attach it to the floor in the direction of the door opening, using screws that work with concrete fasteners (ideally Torx). Then, using wood or metal shmming, raise the frame and lintel up to the height of the wall. Repeat the process at least three times, and then use the smallest measurement for the door's height.

Protection against burglars: An unprotected structure can be a tempting target for thieves, vandals, and squatters who will break into the property and cause damage. A swift and effective boarding up helps to stop them from entering and keeps the property secure until it can be repaired.

Protection from wildlife: An open building is also a big invite for rats, squirrels or raccoons, among other unwelcome animals to get inside and cause further damage. A simple boarding-up keeps the pests away until they can be removed in a more permanent manner.

It is essential to cover a storefront with plywood during storms that are strong and hurricane-like. This is also the case in areas of tensions between the citizens or a threat of looting. Plywood boards are an excellent way to protect windows from flying debris, and also act as a barrier against criminals. A more secure alternative is security screens made of steel, that are attached to windows with anti-tamper fixings that can only be removed using specially designed tools that criminals don't have access to.

Measurement

Boarding up doors is an essential step in securing the property from storms and stopping burglaries and other security threats. The procedure is easy to follow and doesn't require any carpentry knowledge. A thorough preparation is essential to making sure the boards fit properly and provide effective protection. Cleaning the door and frame is important and also examining for any damage by sanding rough spots or drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting.

Use an measuring tape to precisely determine the width and height of the window. Make sure you take multiple measurements and include the window frame (but not the trim or structural framing). This will help you decide how many sheets of plywood you need to buy, and it's important to keep these dimensions handy when purchasing and installing the plywood.

Boarding up doors is not only essential to shield homes from extreme weather, but also for vacant homes and security for businesses. Without a secure boardup, doors and windows are susceptible to burglaries by vandals, squatters and other intruders. A secure boarding-up system helps deter these intruders by providing an obstacle that requires much more force to get through.

To board up an entrance properly it is necessary to first remove the hardware you have already installed and put it in a secure place to be reinstalled in the future. To increase adhesion, wash the frame and door with a damp rag. Then sand rough areas to smooth the surface and dry it using the help of a towel.

Cutting

The process of board up the building involves covering windows and doors in plywood sheets to prevent further damage. This is typically done when a structure has been damaged by flood, fire or other natural disasters. It is also used to protect buildings that are being renovated or repaired. It can stop burglary and entry by unauthorized persons and also deter further damage in the cleaning and restoration process.

The first step in the process of boarding up is to evaluate the building and decide the reasons for it to be boarding. This will help you select the right materials and methods for the job. You may need to reinforce the boards using additional blocks, or even a steel frame to increase security and stability. You may also have to add tamper-proof screws deadbolts, anti-lift plates or window films to enhance the security of your property.

Put on your safety gear once you're ready to begin the process of boarding. If possible you can use a ladder to access doors and windows that you want to secure. Work with a partner. This ensures everyone's safety and allows you to move the sheets of plywood. Also, it's important to keep in mind that power tools, broken glasses and other debris can be hazardous. It's best to hire a professional if you are uncertain about how to safely manage these tasks.

Once the plywood is cut to size then it's time to begin installing it. You'll first have to remove the threshold from the bottom opening of the door. Next, you'll want to trace lines of marks on the plywood using the threshold as template. Then cut the marks using the saw (pictures 6 and 7). Make use of a powersaw with a cut depth that is equal to the thickness of the steel sheets for security.

Installation

The process of boarding up a door is an essential procedure when a property is empty and requires to be protected against vandalism, theft, or other threats. It also protects the property from the elements. The boards on your property can help stop debris, water and wind from causing damage to the structure. It also helps keep out squatters, and other uninvited visitors.

When you are boarding up a door or window, it's important to make sure that the boards are securely in the correct position. Squatters and other criminals can easily take them away when they're not secured. It is possible to do this with various methods. For instance, you could, use a strong bracket in order to anchor the board. Also, you can use a pair of 2x4s and a bolt to hold the board in place. This method is especially helpful for older homes.

Steel sheets for security are a more durable option. They are available in a variety of sizes that are suitable for the majority of properties. They can be perforated or solid. Installation teams cut them on the spot to ensure they will fit perfectly into the window frame, or any other opening that requires boarding up. Steel is often more expensive than plywood however, it provides higher levels of security and can last for years.

It is crucial to use antitamper fixings when boarding up the security door made of steel. They cost more than standard screws, yet they offer a higher level of security. They can only be installed with a specific tool, making them harder to remove. This is an important advantage over plywood that can be quickly removed by criminals using common tools.