How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway gives an effective shield against rain, wind and debris. The most important thing is to evaluate the situation and use the appropriate materials and methods.
To start, clear away obstructions and prepare the area for boarding. The next step is to add braces made of steel for additional stability if necessary. Finally, apply caulk to seal gaps and improve security.
Take a look at the Doorway
The first step in the process of boarding up a doorway is to measure the opening. You will need to determine the width and height of the doorway to ensure you have enough materials to create a sturdy barrier. This measurement must include frame jamb, brickmould, and jamb (if appropriate). If you can, you'll also have to take off the trim around the doorway. It is best to have a second person help you remove the trim with a screwdriver or a pry bar. Wear safety goggles whenever you work with a power tool.
Begin by taking measurements of the door frame's width inside the doorjamb with a tape measure. Make use of the largest measurement to determine the size of the door. Measure the jamb's thickness at three different places. This measurement should not include any trim or siding on the outside side. Finally, take a level and place it against the side facing the strike of the doorjamb. This will ensure that the strike side is square and plumb.
After you have the doorway measurements, it is time to measure for the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung door, the manufacturer will provide the nominal dimensions of the door (for example 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches high). These measurements are to be taken at various places on the frame, especially for older doors that might not have a perfect rectangle shape. If the measurements differ, you should use the smallest number for your measurements.
If you are changing an existing doorway to accommodate to a new door it is similar to the steps. You'll need to determine the height and width of the opening within the jambs. For the height you need to measure from the floor to the top of the frame. You'll need to remove the trim and casing around the doorjamb in order to determine the width. Once you have the measurements, you can determine the size of door you need to buy.
Cut the Plywood
Cutting plywood is a complicated and time-consuming task. It is essential to have the appropriate tools for the job and to follow some basic rules to ensure accurate cuts. Additionally, appropriate safety precautions should be taken to safeguard yourself from injuries.
Start by measuring the size of the window that you'd like to board up. Measure multiple times with tape to ensure accuracy. Once you have the measurement in hand you can use a circular or jigsaw for cutting the plywood. For the best results, opt for a fine-toothed blade and secure it to the work surface.
Plywood can be a cheap and reliable material to protect your property in the event of an emergency. However, it will warp and delaminate over time, making it less effective than steel boarding in terms of security. It is recommended that you invest in quality plywood boards and keep them stored in a dry and secure place until needed.
When cutting plywood, follow the grain of the wood. This will reduce the possibility of the boards splitting when used to board windows or doors. Choose a good quality plywood and sand down the edges once you've finished cutting the sheet.
Mark the spot where you will screw the plywood to the frame of the window or door. Hold the plywood against the door or window and mark the spot where the screws will be positioned. This will ensure that the screws will be put in the right position for the type boarding you'll be using.
It is a good practice to clamp a straight edge in place along the cutline you want to follow before you begin cutting. This will help to minimize the tiny side-to-side movements which can cause tear out in the plywood and allow you to make a clean, precise cut. After the straight edge is in place you can place your circular saw or jigsaw and slowly move it across the cutting line to make your initial cut.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets can be easily put in place and are an economical security measure for residential or commercial properties. However, it is essential to take precautions to ensure a sturdy and stable installation. It is also important to choose the correct kind of plywood for your project. If the plywood is not utilized correctly, it could become brittle and delaminate over time. Follow the tips below to avoid these issues when installing plywood sheets.
Before cutting and nailing the plywood sheets, be sure that the surface is clean, dry and level. If necessary, use a self-leveling material to fix any imperfections in the surface. Also, make sure to remove any objects that could fall onto the plywood and harm it. Install the plywood with nails or screws evenly spaced across the surface. Cover the screw holes with wood filler after you've finished to prevent moisture from getting into them and rotting.
Installing 2"x4" braces around windows and doors after they have been sprayed with plywood will give them extra support and increase security. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of windows or doors that could break.
Another option to secure the window openings is to install steel security panels. These sheets of metal offer a higher level of security and are more sturdy than plywood. They are also simple to work with, and can withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
The best method to secure your property is by using an expert boarding up service. This service will safeguard your property from intrusions and other damages. They can also assist you in the process of returning the property after the threat has passed. You can put up a board on your building if you have all the right tools and knowledge. It is essential to measure, cut, and label the boards of plywood prior to the time to ensure you're prepared in case disaster happens. This will avoid the last-minute panic that leads to an unfinished board. Remember to keep the plywood in a dry and secure location until you are ready to use it.
Secure the Plywood
To ensure maximum security, it is recommended to use carriage bolts to secure windows and doors made of plywood. They are available at the majority of hardware stores and come in a range of sizes. Install the bolts in a way that the head is at the same height as the thickness of plywood. In addition to the carriage bolts it is an ideal idea to use metal bracing or Rebar. This will stop burglars from lifting the plywood and crashing in through an open window or doorway.
To install carriage bolts drill holes in the 2"x4" support member. Attach them using screws. After the screw has been installed, a washer is placed over each hole. This will shield the threads and stop them from pulling through. Then a carriage bolt should be put 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 ignored when it comes to boarding up properties, but they can be an easy access point for criminals. Skylights should be secured with the same method that you use to secure a window or a door. Utilizing bolts to stop the boards from being lifted is recommended. Additionally, a security bar or grill should be placed over the skylight to provide additional security.
Basement doors are a frequent entry point for criminals. It is important to secure them properly. For emergency boarding up 's a good idea to build the boards as thick as you can and then install bolts to stop them from being snatched or removed. In addition, a steel security grill should be put over the doorway to stop it from being opened.
The process of boarding up a home can be a daunting task but it's vital to the security of your family and neighbors. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you will be able to install flush door plywood with ease and protect your home from burglars.