20 Insightful Quotes About Boarding Up A Doorway

20 Insightful Quotes About Boarding Up A Doorway

Boarding Up a Doorway

A doorway that is boarded up prevents hail, snow, and rain from further causing damage to the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.

Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be damaged or kicked. They should be set up with composite door frames that will not warp over time.

Find the Doorway

A doorway is an opening that lets you go in or out of an area, a building or an entry point. A doorway could be an entrance point that gives access to another place like a different room in the home or another part of the country.

You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using the tape measure. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking the measurement.  emergency boarding up services  will allow you to measure the frame, and not the actual window or door. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway.

Take a rough measurement of the opening of your current 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 wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to mount the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the most effective method to ensure that the wood will cover the entire space and permit you to install a new window or door.

Measure the Frame

You can add a sense of security for your home by boarding up windows or doors, as well as other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to inspect each window to determine its size and shape and then determine the width of the frame. Note each measurement to ensure that you cut the plywood boards precisely.

Wear protective gear prior to starting to protect yourself from glass breakage and other hazards. Also, it's best to work with a friend because handling large sheets of plywood is much more efficient with a second pair of hands.


Use wide masking to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that cannot be taped. Make sure to cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out for added strength.

If the frame is in good shape, you can save time by skipping the framing process and instead running a new stud straight across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as a drill and hammer (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each piece of plywood according to the frame dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you made earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces wood on which a door is mounted directly. They're crucial in keeping the door shut properly and should be snug and level. If the existing jambs aren't, it's time to adjust them.

Start with the hinge side jambs, with a raised portion towards the center, which is referred to as the doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor within the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding or casing installed around the hinge side jamb to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening in rough form so that you can measure it accurately.

After you've finished measuring, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square until it is equal to the mark you made on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is placed in the frame and aligned with your door. Repeat the process for the jamb side of the door. Once you're done, use a nail gun to secure the strike side of the door stop with 2 1/2-inch nail nails.

Find the Header

A header is a large dimension lumber board that is nailed to the wall's top framing, transferring loads above window and door openings to the studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king studs are secured to the opposite side of the header. They also join against the header at both ends to form a strong column that transfers the weight from the opening to the floor and foundation.

In conventionally framed houses, you can use a set of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. The code includes tables for three different building widths. Interpolation is a method to determine the correct header size.

There are other, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and determines if each is the best choice.

He also talks about rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This removes an element in framing and often results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers, which are a little more complicated to build but offer greater spans than single-ply headers. He also discusses the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in.

Cut the Boards

Before the process of boarding a door, it is important to prepare the space thoroughly. To make enough room for work in and to avoid damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and decor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a safe place for later installation. To increase adhesion, clean the frame and door, and wipe down the entire surface to remove dirt and dust. If needed, sand rough patches to ensure that the boards are securely inserted and offer effective protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood easily and a jigsaw will handle curved areas. It is important to wear protective gear for this process, which includes dust masks and safety goggles.

It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. To reinforce the board, it's an excellent idea to add some vertical pieces to the bottom of your board. After the board is aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed in place.

A doorway that is boarded up can help protect the property or home from harm and unauthorized entry during a storm, disaster or other occurrence. It can also be used to protect vacant homes or prevent theft and break-ins until the property has been reoccupied. The best results can be achieved by analyzing the situation as well as the purpose and type of the boarding.

Install the Boards

Instead of using nails Instead, use strong screws to fix the boards. The strength of these fasteners can distribute the pressure and prevent prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop rain and wind from getting through the gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap in order to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

If you're using a power drill, be sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles for safety. Also, you should make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to correct once you've completed cutting. You'll want to make the cut as precise as you can to ensure that the boards sit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll then need to skim the jambs and the head to ensure they're level with the surface of the wall.

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