15 Astonishing Facts About Boarding Up A Door
How to Go About Boarding Up a Door
Protecting investment properties that are vacant from the elements is attainable by boarding up a door. It's not guaranteed to stop all damages, but it can help to avoid some of the issues that are associated with severe storms.
The idea of boarding up doors and windows can deter trespassers, vandals, and squatters. Placing plywood boards over doors and windows could be time-consuming and costly.
Measure the Door
You'll require a tape measurement. It is a good idea to keep a ladder or chair nearby in case you need to see more clearly the top of the frame. If you have to use these tools, make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.
Start by taking measurements of the width of the door. You can do this by running the tape measure horizontally across the door. Make sure to remove any other door components such as the door sweep and door sweep, from this measurement. Then, take a measurement of the height from the floor up to the existing sill or lintel. It is crucial to take measurements in multiple places, particularly when measuring older doors as they may not be a perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements are different then use the largest number.
You'll need to determine the size of the frame after you've measured the width and height. It should be at a minimum 2 inches wider and 1'' higher than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow plenty of room to move the frame and door to fit.
It's a great idea remove the trim or casing around the jambs of the door to be able to see the studs. This will let you measure the exact gap between the studs of the frame and the edge.
Once you've removed the trim, you can determine the dimensions of the door frame by running the tape measure across the entire frame in three places and using the smallest measurement as your door's width. Also, you should measure the frame's height from top to bottom on both sides. Use the shortest measurement to determine the width of your door.
If you are having trouble with the measurements, you should consult a professional to come to your home and do the measurement. They'll inform you of the dimensions and what kind of door you need and how to prepare your frame to accommodate a replacement door.
Cut the Plywood
A door frame is usually composed of thin boards or studs that create an open space around the door. A typical door is secured by two hinges fixed to the studs. This means that, if you wish to refinish the door, it's essential to take the hinges off the door over the course of a few days. Placing plywood in the door opening is an easy method to board a door and prevent insects from entering the home. This is easy to do without the need to screw or nail the plywood to the door frame.
Plywood is a breeze to work with, affordable and looks stunning when completed. This makes it the perfect material for temporary solutions to problems that require the removal of an existing door while finishing or installing a new one. It can be used to secure the opening of a room that is being transformed, such as an excavation site or basement.
Begin by measuring the width of your door opening and the height. Note the measurements using a utility blade and a straight edge made of metal such as a drywall or a metal square. Then, you should snap a chalk line across all the marked lines to mark the areas you want to cut. Finally utilize a circular saw to cut out the plywood into a size.
It is important to shield your ears and eyes while cutting plywood. Wear earplugs or goggles that are protective when you can. It is also essential to use a blade with lots of teeth which will permit you to cut quickly and without any tear-out. To minimize the chance of breaking pieces of wood from the edges of your cut blade, use a small piece of wood as template to guide the blade and keep it only a hair's length away from the mark while cutting.
Attaching a pair of shorter braces on each side is a great way to hold the plywood in place, without putting screws into the studs. Put one brace inside and the other outside of the door. Then, position a pair of 1-1/2-inch deck screws into each of the holes and tighten them using an open-end wrench.
Secure the Plywood
When you have a piece of plywood cut to the proper dimensions and with the holes for the door frame's stiles and rails predrilled and ready to secure the panel to the door frame. It is a fairly straightforward project that does not require extensive carpentry skills, provided you follow the correct procedure and use the appropriate tools.
Set up a table near the entrance with two sawhorses at each end and framing lumber 2x4s. Use the marks made during the measurement process to guide you when cutting the plywood. Cut the lines using a utility knife and a drywall square or any other metal straight edge. This will act as a guide for the saw blade and will prevent splintering of the plywood when you cut it.
Wear eye protection and use a circular or table saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade cut along the scored line. Sand the edges of the panels with 120-grit paper to smooth it out and eliminate any burrs. After sanding, apply a wood sealer and let it dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Install the hinges onto the door frame. If you're using T hinges, make holes through the exterior of the door for the straps of the hinges. Then, attach the hinge's outside edge to the frame with the screwdriver. Repeat the process for each hinge on the interior of your door. Be careful not to tighten them too much, or the door could move.
If you have an outside hinged door with only one T you can make it easier to close and lock using a chain latch by putting a piece wire through the loops on the outside hinges. Fold a small piece of tie wire in half, and then fish it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then twist the wires together and secure the door.
Install the Plywood
Based on the measurements you have taken and place the plywood into the door opening. Change the frame's header (top) and the sill. Use a level to ensure that there is no slop between the header and sill. If it isn't perfect then place another shim if it is needed and continue the process until the sill and header are plumb.
Once the plywood has been put set, secure it with the stainless steel hinge bolts and wingscrews. It's a good idea to utilize a screw gun that has a hex-head attachment to prevent stripping the head of the screws.
If your home has studs running the length of your doorway, you could drill hanger bolts into each of the framing members. This is a far easier task than cutting the hole with the aid of a saw for drywall.
After putting Suggested Internet site in place after installation, take measurements of the width and height of the door opening. If needed, trim the bottom of the plywood to match the height your door frame. Cut two pieces of framing wood 1-by-6 as braces for the lower and upper ends. Cut along the lines drawn on your plywood using circular blades with teeth that are finely-toothed. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from cuts by using a sanding device.
After you've put in the braces, use two pairs of 2-inch finishing nail to attach each brace to the plywood. Counter-sink all nail heads after you've finished. Cover the braces and plywood with a quality wood sealer, such as this wipe on polyurethane from Minwax.
If your door is too big, you can either add decorative molding to fill the space between your jamb and door, or you can reduce the size of your opening. In many cases, however it is less expensive and easier to simply buy a new door. It also removes any problems you might have encountered with your door's original model in the event that it was damaged or was not fit for the opening.