commercial boarding up service Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow, and rain from further damaging the property. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.

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

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a hole in a wall through which you can go in or out of the building, room or passage. A doorway can also be an entrance point that gives access to another place like a different room in the home or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of the doorway is, you'll have to measure the doorway. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using a tape measure. Before you take this measurement, it is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces. This will ensure you only measure the frame, not the actual door or window. Measure these measurements in three places and use the largest number as the size of the doorway.

If you are looking to replace the existing door, measure the width of the door's opening. This can be accomplished without removing the old door by removing it from the jamb using an extended pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing 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 is the height of the new door.

You can also determine the width of your doorway by running a tape measure across the frame in three different locations: center, left and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best method to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and allow you to install an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

Boarding up windows doors, windows and other openings that let in the elements can offer a substantial amount of security for your home. First, carefully inspect each window to determine the dimensions and shape. Then, take a measurement of the width of its frame. Make a note of every measurement, so that you can accurately cut the boards to the dimensions of the frame.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to safeguard against broken glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with someone else, as it is easier to work with huge sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.

Use wide masking to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that are not taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. Seal the trash bags from the inside to increase their strength.

If the frame is good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a brand new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.

Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools such as a hammer and drill (if you're required to cut the sheets). Mark each board according to the frame dimensions. Then using the pilot holes that you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that doors are directly mounted to. They're crucial in keeping the door shut correctly and should be tight and level. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll have to adjust them.

Start with the hinge side jambs. They have a raised section towards the center, referred to as a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame as it closes. Screw a strip of plywood to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor within the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will stop the door from scratching the tile, carpet or throw rug when it is opened and closed.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing that is affixed to the jamb on the hinge side to get a precise measurement. This will expose 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. With a combination square, locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure that the hinge is centered within the frame and aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Use a nail gun and finishing screws of 2 1/2 inches to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a heavy dimension lumber board that is fixed on top of the wall framing. It carries loads above windows and doors to the studs below. When properly framed, the king studs nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs butting up against it on both sides make a strong support column that transfers weight from above the opening down to the floor and foundation.

The code offers a series of tables that can be used to determine the size of a head in an ordinary frame house. The code includes tables for three different building widths. You can use interpolation to determine the appropriate size of the header.

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

He also talks about Rim-board headers, which can connect an opening without the use of a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing process and usually results in stronger frames. He also explains box headers, which are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. He also explains the fastening schedule for 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 prepare the space thoroughly. To create enough space to work and prevent damage to your possessions, take down all furniture and décor. Remove doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be used later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust dirt and other debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure that the boards are fitted tightly and provide effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared after which it is time to begin cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and cut easily through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for areas that are curving. It is essential to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including dust masks and safety goggles.

When the board has been cut to size, it is essential to ensure that it is aligned with the frame and jambs. To reinforce the board, it's an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces to the bottom of the board. Once the board is properly aligned and secured, it is ready to be nailed in the desired position.

emergency boarding up up a doorway can help protect a home or business from harm and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property is reoccupied. The best results can be obtained by assessing the circumstances as well as the purpose and kind of the commercial boarding up service.

Install the Boards

The boards should be screwed down using screws that are heavy-duty, rather than nails. These fasteners are strong and resist tearing. This improves the efficiency of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's also a good idea to leave a gap for ventilation to avoid stuffy air and moisture buildup.

If you're using a power drill, be sure you wear gloves and goggles for safety. It is also recommended to make use of a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, since mistakes will be more difficult to correct once you're done cutting. You'll have to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so that they fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head will need to be trimmed so that they are level with the wall.

It is best to do this before the storm strikes so that you have plenty of time to secure other areas that are at risk. A little planning can save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your home or business for a possible catastrophe. Your property can be secured from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with right preparation. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from harm.