How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway provides measurable protection against rain, wind and debris. The key is to assess the situation and use the right materials and techniques.
Start by clearing the area and preparing it for board. Then, you can add braces made of metal to provide additional stability, if needed. Apply caulk for better security and to seal any gaps.
Take a look at the Doorway
The first step in the process of boarding up a doorway is to determine the size of the opening. You will need to determine the width and height of the doorway to make sure you have enough materials to create a sturdy barrier. This measurement includes the frame, jamb, and brickmould - if there is one. It is also necessary to remove any trims from the outside of the doorway If you are able to do so. It is best to have someone else assist to remove the trim with a screwdriver or a pry bar. Be sure to wear safety glasses when working with the power tools such as this.
Begin by measuring the width of the door frame within the doorjamb using a tape measure. Take measurements at the top, middle and bottom and use the largest measurement as the width of your door. Then, measure the depth the door jamb in three places. This measurement should be inclusive of any siding or trim that is on the exterior of the wall. Take an appropriate level and place it on the side of the strike of the doorjamb. This will confirm that the strike side of the jamb is straight and level.
It is now time to measure the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung door, the manufacturer will have provided the dimensions of the door (for example, 3 feet wide and 6 feet 8 inches tall). 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 you should use the smaller figure to determine your measurements.
If you are modifying an existing doorway in order to make room for an entirely new door the steps are the same. You will require the dimensions of 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 that is around the doorjamb. Once you have measurements, you can determine the dimensions of door you'll need to buy.
Cut the Plywood
Cutting plywood can be a lengthy and difficult task. To ensure precise cuts it is crucial to use the right tools and adhere to the basic guidelines. To protect yourself against injury, you should also adhere to the correct safety precautions.
Begin by measuring the size of the window that you want to board up. Utilize a tape measure and take multiple measurements to double-check accuracy. Once you have your measurement you want, cut the plywood to size using the circular saw or jigsaw. For the best results, go for a fine-toothed cutting blade and secure it to the work surface.
Plywood is a cheap material that provides a quick and efficient method of securing your property in the event of a disaster. However, it is susceptible to warping and delaminate over time, making it less efficient than steel boarding in terms of security. It is recommended that you purchase quality plywood boards, and store them in a safe dry area until they're needed.
When cutting plywood, you should follow the grain of the wood. This will decrease the risk of tear out when the boards are used to make a board for a window or door. Also, ensure that you use a good quality plywood and sand the edges of the sheet down once you are finished cutting it.
Once you have the piece of plywood cut to size then mark where you'll have to attach it to the frame of your window or door. When you do this, be sure you put the plywood up against the window or door and mark the area where you'll have to screw it. This will ensure that the screws are placed in the correct position for the type boarding you are planning to do.
Before cutting, it's recommended to place an edge straight on the desired cut line and then clamp it down. This will reduce the tiny side-toside movements that can cause tears in plywood and will allow you to make the cut with precision and accuracy. After the straight edge has been placed, position your circular or jigsaw on the cutting line and move it slowly.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets are easily installed and are an economical security measure for residential or commercial properties. It is essential to take the appropriate precautions to ensure that the installation is strong and stable. It is also important to select the appropriate plywood type for your project. If not properly used plywood may warp or delaminate over time. Follow the tips below to avoid these problems when installing plywood sheets.
Before you start cutting and nailing the plywood sheets, be sure the surface is dry, clean, and level. Make use of a self-leveling adhesive should you need to correct any imperfections on the surface. Be sure to remove any objects that could fall on the plywood sheet and cause damage. Install the plywood with screws or nails evenly spaced across the surface. Cover the screw holes with wood filler after the project is completed to stop moisture from getting in and rotting.
Installing 2"x4" braces around the windows and doors after they have been covered with plywood will provide extra support and improve security. This step is especially helpful in the case of lots of glass or doors that are prone to breakage.
Steel security panels are a different option to secure window openings. They provide an increased level of security and are more robust than plywood. In addition, they are easy to work with and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
The best method to secure your property is by using a professional boarding up service. This will help protect your property from burglars or other damages. They can also assist you in the process of returning the property after the threat has passed. But, you can also attempt to secure your structure yourself if have the proper tools and know-how. It is crucial to cut and mark the plywood before disaster strikes. This will help avoid a last-minute panic that could result in a poorly-finished board. Be sure to keep the plywood in a dry and secure place until you need it.
Secure the Plywood
To ensure maximum security, it is recommended that you use carriage bolts to secure windows and doors made of plywood. You can buy them at many 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 plywood. In addition to the carriage bolts it is recommended to use metal bracing or Rebar. This will prevent burglars from lifting the plywood and then breaking through a doorway or window.
To attach the bolts for carriages, first drill holes into the 2"x4" lumber support member and then affix them using screws. After the screw is installed, a washer will be placed over each hole. This will shield the threads and stop them from pulling through. The carriage bolts can then be inserted into each hole and tightened. The nuts and washers must be of the same color to match the wooden support members.
Skylights can be overlooked when you are boarding up your property however they can be an easy entry point for criminals. Skylights must be secured with the same method you use to secure a window or door. Utilizing bolts to stop the boards from being lifted is also recommended. A security bar or grill could also be put over the skylight to provide additional security.
Basement doors are a common entrance point for criminals, which is why it's essential to ensure that they're properly boarded. It is recommended to build the boards stronger and install bolts in order to prevent them from being removed or lifted. Additionally, emergency boarding up 24/7 should be placed on the basement door to prevent it from being opened.
It can be a challenge to build a wall on a property but it is necessary for the safety of you and your neighbors. Follow these tips in this guide to install flush door plywood and safeguard your home from burglars.