How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
A doorway that is boarded up provides the protection needed against wind, rain, and debris. It is essential to analyze the situation and employ the right materials and methods.
To start, clear away obstructions and prepare the area for boarding. If necessary, add metal braces to provide additional stability. Then, use caulk to fill in gaps and increase security.
Take a look at the Doorway
To begin the process of boarding a doorway you first need to determine the opening. You will need to determine the width and height of the doorway to ensure that you have enough material to create a sturdy barrier. This measurement should include frame, jamb, and brickmould (if appropriate). If possible, you'll also need to remove the trim around the doorway. This is a job that is best done with help from a person else, since you'll need to pull the trim off using a wide pry bar or screwdriver. Make sure you wear safety glasses when working with the power tools such as this.
Begin by measuring the width of the door frame inside the doorjamb with a tape measure. Measure the top the middle and bottom, then use the largest measurement as the width of your door. Measure the depth of the jamb at three different points. This measurement should not include any trim or siding on the outside side. Take the level and put it on the side of the strike of the doorjamb. This will ensure that the strike side of the jamb is straight and level.
After you have your doorway measurements, it is time to measure the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung door the manufacturer has provided the door's nominal dimensions (for instance, 3 feet wide and 6 feet 8 inches tall). You should take these measurements in several locations on the frame - especially older doors - as they may not be a perfect rectangle. If the amounts differ, choose the smallest number to determine your measurements.
If you are modifying an existing doorway to accommodate to a new door it is similar to the steps. You will need the length and width of the gap between the jambs. Take the height from the floor all the way 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 measurements, you can determine the size of door you'll need to purchase.
Cut the Plywood
Cutting plywood can be a long and difficult job. It is crucial to have the proper tools and to adhere to some basic guidelines to ensure precise cuts. To ensure that you are safe from injury, it is important to take the proper safety precautions.
Begin by measuring the dimensions of the window you want to put up. Use a tape measure and take several measurements to verify the accuracy. Once you have the measurement, cut the plywood to the desired size using a circular saw or jigsaw. Select a blade with fine teeth and attach it to your work surface to get the most efficient results.
Plywood is a cheap material that offers a fast and effective solution to securing your property in the event of a civil emergency. It can delaminate or warp as time passes, which makes it less efficient in terms of security than steel boarding. It is therefore recommended that you purchase quality plywood boards, and store them in a safe dry location until they are needed.
When cutting plywood, make sure you are following the grain of the wood. This will reduce the chance of tearing out when the boards are used to make a board for the door or window. Be boarding up deal to use a good quality plywood and to smooth the edges of the sheet when you're done cutting it.
Mark the area where you will fix the plywood to the frame of the window or door. Hold the plywood against the door or window and mark the location where the screws will be placed. This will ensure that the screws are placed in a location that is suitable for the type of boarding that you will be doing.
Before beginning cutting, it is recommended to place an edge straight along the cut line you want to make and secure it with a clamp. This will limit side-to-side movement that could cause plywood to tear and allow for precise, precise cuts. After the straight edge is set then place your circular saw or jigsaw and slowly move it across the cutting line to create your first cut.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets can be easily put up, and they are an affordable security measure for residential or commercial properties. However, it's important to take precautions to ensure a secure and stable installation. The right plywood type is crucial for your project. If plywood is not utilized correctly, it could be prone to warping and delaminating over time. Follow the tips below to avoid these issues when installing plywood sheets.
Before you begin cutting and nailing the plywood sheets, be sure the surface is clean, dry and level. If needed, apply a self-leveling compound to correct any imperfections in the surface. Also, make sure to get rid of any objects that could fall onto the sheet of plywood and damage it. Then, put the plywood in place with nails or screws placed evenly across the surface. After that then cover the screw holes with wood filler to shield the wood from moisture infiltration and rot.
Installing 2"x4" braces around windows and doors after they've been covered with plywood will give them extra support and improve security. This step is especially helpful if your property has many glass windows or doors that are prone to breakage.
Steel security panels are another option to secure the window openings. They are more robust than plywood and provide high levels of security. They are also easy to work with and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The best way to protect your home is to use a professional boarding service. This service will safeguard your property from burglars or other damages. They can also assist in the process of reclaiming your property after the threat has been eliminated. You can board up your building if you have all the necessary tools and skills. It's essential to measure, cut, and label the boards of plywood prior to the time to ensure you're prepared in case disaster occurs. This will help prevent a last minute panic that can result in an unfinished board. Also, remember to store the plywood in a dry and secure place until you need it.
Secure the Plywood
For the best security, we recommend to use carriage bolts to secure plywood doors and windows. They are available at most hardware stores and come in a variety of sizes. The bolts should be installed in a manner that the head of the bolt is at a minimum as high as the thickness of the plywood. It's also a good idea in addition to carriage bolts and rebar, to use metal bracing. This will prevent burglars from lifting the plywood to gain entry through an open doorway or window.
To attach the carriage bolts, you must first drill holes in the 2"x4" lumber support member, and then attach them with screws. After the screw has been put in place, a washer is placed over each hole. This will shield the threads and stop them from slipping through. The carriage bolts will then be inserted into each hole, and then tightened. The nuts and washers must be a shade that blends with the wooden support members.
Skylights can be overlooked when boarding up a property, but they are an easy entry point for burglars. This is why it is crucial to secure skylights with the same way as you would secure a window or door. Bolts are also recommended to stop the boards from being lifted. Additionally a security bar or grill should be placed over the skylight for additional security.
Basement doors are an usual entry point for criminals. It is important to secure them correctly. For the best security it's recommended to make the boards as thick as possible and to install bolts to stop them from being removed or lifted. A security grill made of steel is recommended for the basement's door to prevent it from being opened.
It can be difficult to build a wall on a property however it is essential for the safety of you and your neighbors. Follow the tips in this article to install flush door plywood and protect your home from burglars.