How to Go About Boarding Up a Door
Boarding up a door is one method of protecting vacant investment properties from the elements. It may not prevent all damage, but it can help to avoid some of the problems associated with severe storms.
The boarding up of windows and doors will also deter trespassers and vandals. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming to set up plywood boards over the openings of a property.
Measure the Door
The first thing you'll need is an accurate tape measure. You might also want to have a chair or ladder on hand for when you need to gain a better view at the top of the frame. If you must use these tools, be sure to wear gloves and goggles.
Start by measuring the width of the door. You can do this by running a tape measure horizontally along the door. Make sure to remove any additional parts of the door, like a sweep, before measuring. Then, you can take the height measurement by measuring from the floor to the sill plate or lintel. It is crucial to measure in multiple locations, particularly when measuring older doors as they might not be the perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements differ then use the largest number.
After you've taken the width and height measurements then you'll have to determine what size boarding you need for the frame. It should be at minimum 2 inches larger and 1'' taller than the door. 2'' higher. This will give you plenty of room to move the frame and door to fit.
When you're ready to measure the door frame's width and height measurements It's a good idea to remove any trim or casing around the door jambs so that you can see the studs that are behind them. This will let you determine the exact distance between the frame's studs and the edge.
After you've removed your trim, you can then measure the width of the frame of your door by running the tape over the entire frame in three locations and using the smallest measurement to determine your door's width. Also, you should measure the height of the frame from top to bottom on both sides, and then use the shortest measurement as the height of your door.
If you're having issues with these measurements It's a good idea to consult a professional and have them visit your home to take the measurements for you. They'll be able give you the exact kind of door and size you require and how to prepare the frame to accommodate a new door.
Plywood can be cut into pieces
A door frame is usually made of a series of studs or thin boards that create a hollow space around the door. Two hinges are attached to the studs and hold the door in its place. This means that if you need to finish the door, it's necessary to remove the door from its hinges for a night. Placing plywood into the door opening is a great way to board the door and keep insects from getting into your home. It is simple to do this without the need to nail or screw the plywood to the frame of the door.
Plywood is cheap, easy to work with, and looks great when it is completed. This makes it the perfect material for temporary solutions to a problem that requires removing an existing door and renovating or installing a brand new one. It is also a great option to secure the opening of the room being renovated, like an unfinished basement or construction site.
To build a wall made of plywood, start by taking measurements of the width and height of the door opening. Note the measurements on the plywood using a utility knife and a drywall square or other straight edge made of metal. Then, draw an outline of chalk across each line to mark the area to cut. Use a circular blade to cut the plywood to the desired size.
It is important to shield your eyes and ears when cutting plywood. Wear earplugs or protective goggles when you can. It is also important to use a blade with lots of teeth which will allow you to cut quickly and with little tear-out. Use a small piece of wood to guide the blade. Hold it about a hair's breadth away from the line you are cutting.
Fastening a pair of short braces at each end is a good way to secure the plywood in place without screwing it into the studs. Put one brace on the side that is inside and the other one on the outside of the door. Then, position a pair of 1-1/2-inch deck screws in each of the holes, and tighten them using an open-end wrench.
Fasten the Plywood
When you have a piece of plywood cut to the proper dimensions and with the holes for stiles and rails predrilled and ready to secure the panel to the frame. This is a simple task that doesn't require advanced carpentry skills as long as you use the correct tools and follow the correct steps.
Begin by putting up a table near the doorway, with two sawhorses as well as 2-by-4 framing lumber at each end of the table. Utilize the marks you made during the measurement process to guide you when cutting the plywood. Use a utility blade and a straight edge made of metal to cut the lines. This will create an outline for the saw blade and prevent splintering when you cut the plywood.
Wear eye protection and cut along the scored lines using a circular or table saw with a fine-tooth blade. Then sand the edges the plywood panel with 120-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the panels and remove any burrs that may have formed from the saw cuts. After sanding apply a wood sealer and allow it to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Install the hinges onto the door frame. If you're using a T-hinge, make holes in the exterior face of your door for the straps portion of the hinges. Then, screw the outside hinge to the frame using a screwdriver. Repeat the process for every hinge on the inside of your door. Be cautious not to overtighten them, or the door could move.
If you have a single T-hinged outside door you can make it easier for the latch to close by placing a wire through the loops of the outside hinges. Fold a small piece of tie wire in half, and then put it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then, you can twist the wires to fix the door.
Install the Plywood
Place the plywood in the opening of the door according to the measurements you have taken. Adjust the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Utilize a level to make sure there's no slop in either the header or sill. If it's not perfect then place another shim if it is needed and continue the process until the sill and header are even.
When the plywood is in the frame, fix it with the stainless steel hinge bolts and wings nuts. It's a good idea utilize a screw gun that has a hex-head attachment to prevent stripping the head of the screws.
While you're at it if your house was built with studs running across the width of your doorway make holes for hanger bolts in the plywood and into the framing studs. This is a simpler job than making the hole using the aid of a saw for drywall.
After putting the plywood in place, determine the width and height of the door opening. If necessary, trim your plywood bottom to fit the height of your door frame. Cut two pieces of framing wood 1-by-6 as braces for the upper and lower edges. Put on eye protection and cut along the lines drawn on the plywood using circular saws fitted with a fine-toothed knife. Splinters can be removed from the cuts using a sanding tool.
After you have the two braces in place attach each one to the plywood with a pair of 2-inch finishing nails. Counter-sink all nail heads after you've finished. Make sure to seal the braces and the plywood with a quality wood sealer, like this wipe-on polyurethane from Minwax.
If the door is too big, you can either add decorative molding to fill the gap between your door and jamb, or you can reduce the size of your opening. In many instances, however it is less expensive and easier to simply buy the door. merton boarding up can also alleviate any problems that you might have faced with the original door if it was damaged and could no fit for the opening.