How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
The boarded-up doorway offers measurable protection from rain, wind and dirt. The key is to assess the situation and use the appropriate materials and methods.
Start by clearing the area and then preparing it for board. If needed, you can add metal braces to provide additional stability. Apply caulk to increase security and to fill any gaps.
Find the Doorway
To begin the process of boarding a doorway you must first measure the opening. You'll need to be aware of the width and the height of the doorway to make sure you have enough materials to construct a sturdy barrier. This measurement includes the frame, jamb and brickmould - if there is one. If possible, you will also have to remove the trim around the doorway. This job should be done with the help from a person else, since you will need to pry the trim loose using a wide pry bar or screwdriver. Wear safety glasses when working with the power tools such as this.
Start by measuring the door frame width inside the doorjamb using a tape measure. Take measurements at the top the middle and bottom, then use the largest measurement as your door width. Take measurements of the depth of the jamb at three different locations. This measurement should not include any trim or siding on the outside side. Finally, take an appropriate level and place it on the side of the strike of the doorjamb. This will verify that the strike side of the jamb is straight and level.
After you have the doorway measurements, it's time to measure for the new door. If you're buying a pre-hung door, the manufacturer has provided the dimensions that are nominal for the door (for instance, 3 feet wide by 6 foot 8 inches high). It is recommended to measure these measurements in a variety of places on the frame - particularly older doors as they may not be an exact rectangle. If the measurements differ, choose the smallest number for your measurements.
If you are modifying an existing doorway to fit an entirely new door the steps are the same. You'll need to measure the width and height of the opening in the jambs. For the height you need to measure from the floor to the top of the frame. For the width, you'll need to remove any trim and casing that is around the doorjamb. Once you have the measurements, you will be able to determine the size of the door you'll need to purchase.
Plywood can be cut into pieces
Cutting plywood can be a challenging and time-consuming job. It is important to have the appropriate tools for the job and to adhere to some basic guidelines to ensure accurate cuts. In addition, proper precautions for safety must be taken to protect yourself from injuries.
Start by measuring the size of the window that you want to board up. Take multiple measurements with tape to ensure precision. Once you have the measurement you want, cut the plywood according to the measurement using a circular saw or jigsaw. For the best results, go for a fine-toothed cutting blade and attach it to the work surface.
Plywood can be an affordable and effective material to secure your property during an emergency. It can delaminate or warp as time passes, which makes it less effective in terms security than steel boarding. It is recommended to purchase high-quality plywood boards and keep them in a safe, dry place until they're needed.
When cutting plywood, you should follow the grain of the wood. This will decrease the chance of the boards breaking when used to board windows or doors. Also, ensure that you choose a high-quality piece of plywood and smooth the edges of the sheet down once you are finished cutting it.
Mark the spot where you will fix the plywood to the frame of the window or door. Place the plywood against the door or window and mark the location where the screws will be attached. This will help to ensure that the screws are in a location that is appropriate for the type of boarding you are constructing.
Before beginning cutting, it is recommended to place a straight edge along the cut line you want to make and clamp it in place. This will minimize the side-to-side movements that can cause plywood to tear, and will allow for an accurate, clean cut. Once the straight edge is placed, position your circular or jigsaw along your cutting line and then guide it slowly.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets can be easily installed and can be a low-cost security option for homes and commercial buildings. It is essential to take the appropriate precautions to ensure that the installation is durable and sturdy. The correct type of plywood is important for your project. If plywood isn't properly used, it will be prone to warping and delaminating over time. To avoid these problems take the following steps when putting up plywood sheets.
Before cutting and nailing the plywood sheets, make sure that the surface is clean, dry, and level. If needed, apply a self-leveling material to fix any imperfections in the surface. Also, be sure to get rid of any objects that could fall onto the sheet of plywood and cause damage. Install the plywood using screws or nails evenly spaced across the surface. Cover the screw holes in wood filler after you've finished to prevent moisture from entering and rotting.
Installing 2"x4" braces around the windows and doors after they have been sprayed with plywood will provide extra support and increase security. This is particularly helpful if your property has lots of glass or doors that are vulnerable to breaking.
Steel security panels are an alternative option to secure the window openings. They provide an increased level of security and are more robust than plywood. They are also easy to work with, and are able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
A professional boarding service is the best method to safeguard your property. This service will safeguard your property from intrusions and other damage. They can also assist in the process of reclaiming your property once the threat has gone away. But, you can also attempt to board up your structure yourself if have the proper tools and knowledge. It's essential to measure, cut and label the plywood boards ahead of time to be prepared when disaster occurs. This will help avoid the last-minute panic that can result in a poorly cut board. Be sure to keep the plywood in a dry and safe location until you are ready to use it.
Secure the Plywood
For maximum security to ensure maximum security, you should use carriage bolts for plywood windows and doors. You can buy them at most hardware shops and they come in different 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 bracing of metal. This will stop burglars from lifting up the plywood to gain access through an open doorway or window.
To install the carriage bolts, first drill holes in the 2"x4" lumber support member and then affix them to the support member using screws. Once the screw is put in place, a washer is 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 then tightened. The nuts and washers must be of the same color to match the wooden support members.
Skylights can be overlooked when boarding up a property but they're an easy entry point for criminals. This is why it's important to secure skylights with the same method you would secure a windows or door. Utilizing bolts to stop the boards from being lifted is also suggested. A security bar or grill can be erected over the skylight to provide additional security.
Basement doors are another frequent entrance point for criminals, and it's essential to ensure that they are boarded properly. It's best to build the boards stronger and install bolts in order to prevent them being taken off or removed. Additionally, a steel security grill should be placed on the basement door to prevent it from being opened.
Boarding up a property can be a daunting task but it's vital for the security of your family and neighbors. Follow the steps in this article to install flush door plywood and protect your home from burglars.