How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway provides the protection needed against wind, rain and debris. It is essential to analyze the situation, and then employ the right materials and methods.
To begin, remove obstructions and prepare the area to allow the boarding. If needed, you can add metal braces to provide additional stability. Apply caulk for better security and to fill any gaps.
Take a look at the Doorway
The first step of boarding a doorway is to measure the opening. To ensure you have enough materials to create a strong barrier, you'll have to determine the width and height. This measurement must include frame jamb, brickmould, and frame (if applicable). You will also need to take any trim off the exterior of the doorway, as much as you can. This task requires assistance from someone else, as you will have to pry the trim loose using a wide pry bar or screwdriver. Be sure to wear safety glasses when working with a power tool such as this.
Start by measuring the width of the door frame inside the doorjamb with a tape measure. Measure the top, middle and bottom and make the biggest measurement as the width of your door. Take measurements of the jamb's thickness at three different points. This measurement should not include any trim or siding on the exterior side. Place a level on the face of the doorjamb's strike side. This will verify that the strike side of the jamb is straight and level.
It's time to measure the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung door, the manufacturer will provide the dimensions for the door (for example, 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches high). It is important to take these measurements in a variety of places on the frame - especially older doors - because they might not be a perfect rectangle. If the numbers differ, use the smallest figure to determine your measurements.
If you are modifying an existing doorway to accommodate to a new door the steps are the same. You will need the width and height of the opening between the jambs. For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the frame. For the width, you'll have to take off any trim and casing around the doorjamb. Once you have the measurements, you can figure out the size of door you'll need purchase.
Cut the Plywood
Cutting plywood can be a lengthy and difficult task. To ensure precise cuts it is crucial to employ the correct tools and follow some basic rules. To ensure that you are safe from injury, it is important to use the appropriate safety precautions.
Begin by measuring boarding up windows and doors of the window that you want to board up. Make multiple measurements using tape to ensure precision. Once you have the measurement, cut the plywood to size using the circular saw or jigsaw. Select a blade with fine teeth and fix it to the surface you are working on for the best results.
Plywood is an affordable material that can be a quick and effective solution to securing your property in the event of a disaster. However, it will warp and delaminate over time which makes it less effective than steel boarding when it comes to security. It is recommended to buy high-quality plywood boards and keep them in a safe dry location until they are needed.
When cutting plywood, follow the grain of the wood. This will decrease the risk of the boards breaking when the boards are later used to make a board for windows or doors. Choose a good quality plywood and sand down the edges once you've completed cutting the sheet.
Mark the spot where you will fix the plywood to the frame of the window or door. The plywood should be placed against the window or door and mark the location where the screws will be attached. This will help to ensure that the screws are placed in a location that is appropriate for the kind of boarding you'll be using.
Before you begin cutting, it's recommended to place an edge straight along the cut line you want to make and then clamp it down. This will reduce side-to-side movements which could cause plywood to tear and provide an accurate, clean cut. Once the straight edge is placed, position your circular or jigsaw along your cutting line and guide it slowly.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets can be easily put in place and provide an economical security measure for homes or commercial properties. It is crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your installation is strong and stable. It is also essential to choose the correct type of plywood for your project. If not installed correctly plywood may be prone to warping or delaminating over time. Follow the tips below to avoid these problems when installing plywood sheets.
Make sure that the plywood's surface is level, clean, and dry before you begin cutting and nailing. Make use of a self-leveling adhesive if necessary to correct any imperfections on the surface. Also, be sure to get rid of any objects that could fall onto the plywood and cause damage. Then, put the plywood in place with nails or screws placed evenly across the surface. Once you're done then cover the screw holes with wood filler in order to protect them from moisture intrusion and decay.
Once the windows and doors are covered with plywood, it's a good idea to install a series of 2"x4" lumber braces around them to give more support and enhance security. This step is especially helpful if your property has many glass windows or doors that are prone to breakage.
Another option to secure the windows is to use steel security panels. They are more durable than plywood and offer high levels of security. Additionally, they are easy to work with and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
A professional boarder service is the best way to protect your property. This will help protect your property from intrusions and other damages. They can also assist you with the process of reclaiming your property following the threat has passed. However, you can also try to board up your home yourself if you have the appropriate tools and skills. It is essential to measure, cut and label the plywood boards in advance so that you're ready when disaster happens. This will help prevent a last minute panic that can result in an unfinished board. Be sure to keep the plywood in a dry and safe location until you are ready to use it.
Secure the Plywood
To ensure maximum security to ensure maximum security, you should use carriage bolts for doors and windows made of plywood. They are available in most hardware stores and are available in a variety of sizes. Install the bolts in a way that the head is at least the same height as the thickness of the plywood. It is also a good idea in addition to rebar and carriage bolts, to use metal bracing. This will stop thieves from lifting the plywood and crashing through a window or doorway.
To install carriage bolts drill holes in the 2"x4" support member. Attach them using screws. Once the screw is installed, a washer is placed over each hole. This will shield the threads and stop them from slipping through. Then, a carriage bolt can be inserted into each hole and then tightened. The washers and nuts should be of an color that is compatible with the wooden support members.
Skylights are often overlooked when you are boarding up your property but they're an easy entry point for burglars. Skylights should be secured using the same method that you use to secure a window or a door. Utilizing bolts to stop the boards from being lifted is suggested. A security grill or bar can be erected over the skylight to provide additional security.
Basement doors are another common entrance point for criminals, so it's essential to ensure that they're properly boarded. For the best security it's a good idea to build the boards as thick as you can and to put in bolts to stop them from being lifted or removed. In addition, a steel security grill should be put over the basement door to stop it from getting opened.
It isn't easy to put up a board on a house but it is necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and your neighbors. By following the suggestions in this article, you can put up flush door plywood like a pro and keep your home safe from burglars.