How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
The act of boarding up a doorway gives measurable protection against wind, rain, and debris. It is important to assess the situation, and then use the appropriate materials and techniques.
To begin, eliminate obstructions and prepare the area for boarding. If necessary, add braces made of steel to give stability. Finally, apply caulk to fill in gaps and increase security.
Take a look at the Doorway
To begin the process of boarding a doorway, first you need to measure the opening. You will need to be aware of the width and the height of the doorway to make sure that you have enough material to create a sturdy barrier. This measurement includes frame jamb, brickmould, and frame (if appropriate). You will also need to remove any trim from the outside of the doorway If you are able to do so. This task requires assistance by a third party, as you'll need to pry the trim loose by using a large pry bar or screwdriver. Wear safety glasses whenever you use a power tool.
Start by measuring the width of the door frame within the doorjamb with a tape measure. Measure the top, middle and bottom and make the biggest measurement as your door's width. The jamb's depth at three different points. This measurement should not include any trim or siding on the outside side. Then, take a level and place it against the face of the strike side of the doorjamb. This will ensure that the strike side is square and plumb.
After you have the doorway measurements, it's time to measure for the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung, the manufacturer has provided the nominal dimensions of the door (for instance, 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches high). It is recommended to measure these measurements at multiple places on the frame - especially older doors - as they may not be an exact rectangle. If the numbers differ, you should use the smallest number to determine your measurements.
If boarding up company are modifying an existing doorway to accommodate to a new door it is similar to the steps. You will need to measure the width and height of the opening within the jambs. The height should be measured from the floor all the way to the top of frame. You'll need to remove the trim and casing around the doorjamb in order to measure the width. Once you have the measurements, you will be able to determine the size of door you will need to buy.
Plywood can be cut into pieces
Cutting plywood is a difficult and time-consuming job. It is essential to have the proper tools for the job and to adhere to a few basic rules to ensure that the cuts are precise. To ensure that you are safe from injury, it is important to use the appropriate safety precautions.
Begin by measuring the size of the window that you'd like to cover with. Make use of a tape measure, and take multiple measurements to double-check the accuracy. Once you have your measurement then cut the plywood according to the measurement with a circular saw or jigsaw. For the best results, opt for a fine-toothed blade and attach it to the work surface.
Plywood is a cost-effective and effective material to secure your home during an emergency. It can delaminate or warp over time, making it less effective in terms of security than steel boarding. It is recommended that you purchase quality plywood boards and keep them stored away in a dry, safe place until required.
When cutting plywood, be sure you are following the grain of the wood. This will minimize the likelihood of tearing out when the boards are used to board up windows or doors. Use a high-quality plywood and sand down the edges after you have completed cutting the sheet.
After you've got the plywood cut to size, mark where you will need to screw it to the frame of your window or door. When doing this, make sure to hold the plywood up against the window or door and mark the location where you'll need to attach the screws. This will help ensure that the screws are placed in a way that is suitable for the type of boarding that you will be doing.
Before beginning cutting, it's a good idea to place a straight edge along the desired cut line and secure it with a clamp. This will reduce side-to-side movement that could cause plywood to tear and allow for an accurate, clean cut. Once the straight edge is in place then place your circular saw or jigsaw and slowly guide it along the cutting line in order to make your initial cut.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets are easily installed, and they are a cost-effective security measure for commercial or residential properties. However, it is essential to take care to ensure a sturdy and stable installation. The right plywood type is essential for your project. If plywood is not used correctly, it can warp and delaminate with time. To avoid this take the following steps when installing plywood sheets.
Make sure that the surface of the plywood is level, clean, and dry prior to cutting and nailing. Apply a self-leveling material should you need to correct any imperfections in the surface. Make sure to remove any objects that might fall onto the plywood sheet and cause damage. Then, put the plywood in place with nails or screws placed evenly across the surface. Cover the screw holes in wood filler after the project is completed to prevent moisture from getting in and rotting.
Once the windows and doors are covered with plywood It's a good idea to install a series of 2"x4" lumber braces around them to provide more support and enhance security. This is especially useful when you have a lot of windows or doors that can break.
Another option for securing the window openings is to use steel security panels. They provide a higher level of security and are more durable than plywood. In addition, they are easy to work with and are able to stand up to extreme weather conditions.
The best way to secure your property is by using a professional boarding up service. This service will ensure your home is secure from burglars and other damages. They can also help you in the process of reclaiming your property once the threat has been eliminated. You can secure your building if you have all the necessary tools and skills. It is important to cut, measure and label the plywood before disaster strikes. This will avoid an unplanned panic that could result in a poorly-finished board. Be sure to keep the plywood in a dry, secure place until you need it.
Secure the Plywood
To ensure maximum security, carriage bolts are recommended for doors and windows made of plywood. They are available at most hardware stores and come in a range of sizes. The bolts should be positioned in a manner that the head of the bolt is at the same height as the thickness of the plywood. It's also a good idea, in addition to carriage bolts and rebar to use bracing of metal. This will stop burglars from lifting the plywood and breaking through a window or doorway.
To install the carriage bolts, drill holes in the 2"x4" support member. Attach them with screws. After the screw is place, a washer must be placed over each hole to shield the threads of the bolt and stop them from pulling through the wood. Then a carriage bolt should be put into each hole, and then tightened. The washers and nuts should be of a color that blends with the wooden support members.
Skylights are often ignored when they are a problem for boarding up properties however they can be an easy access point for criminals. Skylights must be secured with the same method you use to secure a window or a door. Bolts are also recommended to avoid the boards being lifted. A security bar or grill can be erected over the skylight for extra protection.
Basement doors are another common point of entry for criminals, which is why it is essential to ensure that they are properly secured. For the best security it's recommended to build the boards as thick as possible and to install bolts to prevent them from being lifted or removed. A security grill made of steel should also be installed over the door of the basement to prevent it from being opened.
The process of boarding up a home can be a daunting task, but it's one that's essential to ensure the safety of your family members and neighbors. By following the suggestions in this article, you can install flush door plywood like a pro and ensure your home is safe from burglars.