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Boarding Up a Doorway By securing 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 However, they can be damaged or kicked. They must be paired with sturdy door frames constructed of composite materials that won't warp over time. Measure the Doorway A doorway is an opening in a wall that you can enter or exit the building, room or passageway. The doorway could also function as an entry point that allows access to a different location, such as an additional room within the same house or a different part of the country. You'll need to measure the doorway. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring the length of the frame's interior from one end to the other. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces before taking this measurement. This will ensure that you only measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Take these measurements at three different locations and select the largest number to represent the dimensions of the doorway. Make a rough estimate of the opening of the existing door if you plan to replace it. This can be done without removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with a large pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to mount the new door. Measure the opening's height in three places and then use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door. You can also measure the width of your doorway by running a tape measure along the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Note the most extensive measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire space and allow you to install a new door or window. Measure the Frame You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to carefully look over each window to determine its size and shape and then determine the width of the frame. Note down every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame. Wear protective gear prior to beginning to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with someone else since it's easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands. Use a wide masking tape seal the cracks and then take out any panes which aren't taped. Cover the remaining cracks with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even cover the trash bags inside out for extra strength. If the frame is in good condition it is possible to save time by skipping the framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap at the midpoint of the window. This will give the board more strength, without the extra effort of removing and installing the framing itself. Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as the hammer and drill (if you have to cut the sheets). Referring to the frame measurements and marking each board with its corresponding window number. Then using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame. Find the Jambs The jambs are three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They are vital to keep the door shut properly. They should be tight and even. If the existing jambs aren't, you'll need to make adjustments. Begin with the side jambs of the hinge. They have a raised portion toward the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Install a piece of plywood to the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the opening by about ½ inch. (Photo). This will prevent the door from scraping against tiles or carpet as it's opened and shut. Remove any trim, molding or casing that is affixed to the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will reveal the rough opening so you can accurately measure it. After you've finished measuring and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise, then adjust the square to match the marks on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge will be placed in the frame at a proper angle and aligned properly with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side of the door. When you're done, employ nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop by using 2-½-inch finishing nails. Measure the Header A header is a thick, dimensional lumber board nailed to the top of wall framing, transferring loads above window and door openings to the studs below. When properly framed the king and jack studs are secured to each side of the header. They also join against the header on both ends to form a strong column that transfers the weight of the opening to the floor and foundation. In conventionally framed homes, you can use tables in the code to size the header to fit a certain span. The code has tables for three different building widths. Interpolation is a method to determine the proper header size. There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, reduce thermal bridges and allow for more space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and when they're suitable: He also talks about rim-board headers that can connect an opening without the use of a header. This removes an element in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. He also discusses box headers, which are a little more difficult to construct but provide greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 in. Cut the boards Before making a decision to board up a door it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area. Remove furniture and decorations to allow for ample space and to avoid damaging items. Remove the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe location for later reinstallation. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt and other debris for better adhesion. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide adequate protection. After the doorway has been cleared, it is time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is ideal for areas that are curving. It is important to wear protective gear during this procedure, including a dust mask as well as safety goggles. It is crucial to align the board with the frame and jambs when it has been cut to size. To reinforce the board, it's an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. Once the board has been fixed and aligned, it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position. The act of boarding up a doorway can help to protect your home or business from harm and unauthorized entry in the event of a storm, disaster, or other event. It can also be used to protect vacant homes or stop burglaries and thefts until the property has been returned to its original location. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the purpose of the boarding up will aid in the material selection and the method of installation to get the best results. Install the Boards Instead of using nails instead, use screws that are strong enough to fix the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist the pull of prying. This improves the efficiency of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk is used to seal the edges and prevent rain and wind from getting in through gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a ventilation gap to avoid humid air and stuffy air. Wearing gloves and goggles is a must when working with power tools. Mark your cuts with a pencil and a straightedge, as mistakes are more difficult to fix after you've finished cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The next step is to clean the jambs and head to ensure that they're even with the face of the wall. It is recommended to do this prior to a storm so you have time to board up any other areas that could be vulnerable. A little planning will save you time and help you prepare your business or home for an impending disaster. Your property will be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.