How to Go About Boarding Up a Door
Boarding up a door is one method to shield vacant investment properties from the elements. It's not guaranteed to stop all damage but it can assist to prevent some of the issues that are associated with severe storms.
Boarding up windows and doors can also deter trespassers, vandals, and squatters. Installing plywood boards over openings could be time-consuming and costly.
Take a measurement of the door
The first thing you'll require is an accurate tape measure. You might want to keep a chair or ladder nearby in case you need a better view of the top of the frame. If you need to use these tools, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.
Once you have the measuring instrument, start by taking the door's width measurement. This can be done by running the tape measure horizontally across the door. Be sure to remove any other door components, such as the door sweep, from the measurement. Then, take a measurement of the height by measuring from the floor to the existing sill or lintel. It is crucial to take measurements in several places, particularly when measuring doors that are older as they may not have a perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements are different, use the largest figure.
After you've logged the width and height measurements, you'll need to determine the size of boarding you need for the frame. Ideally it should be 2'' larger than the door and 1 inch thicker than the door. 2'' higher. This will allow plenty of room to put the door and frame into place.
When you're ready to take the door frame's width and height measurements It's recommended to remove any trim or casing the door jambs, so you can see the studs behind them. This will help you determine the exact size of the gap between studs and the edges of the frame.
Once you've removed the trim, you'll be able to measure the dimensions of the door frame by running the tape measure across the entire frame in three places and using the smallest measurement to determine your door's width. You should also measure the height of the frame from top to bottom on both sides and use the most compact measurement to determine the height of your door.
If you are having trouble with the measurements, seek out a professional who will come to your home and do the measurement. They'll tell you the size and style of door you require and how to prepare your frame to accommodate a replacement door.
Plywood can be cut into pieces
A door frame is typically composed of thin boards or studs that create a hollow space around the door. Two hinges are attached to the studs and hold a typical door in its place. This means that, if you wish to finish the door, it is important to remove the hinges from the door overnight. Placing plywood in the door opening is a great method to board the door and keep insects from gaining entry into the home. It's easy to do this without nailing or screw the plywood onto the frame of the door.
Plywood is a breeze to work with, inexpensive and looks stunning when completed. It is the ideal material to make a temporary solution for a problem where you have to take down an existing door in order to refinish or install a new one. It is also useful to secure the opening in an area that is being renovated, such as an unfinished basement or construction site.
To build a wall made of plywood begin by measuring the width and height of the door opening. Make notes using an utility knife and a metal straight edge like a drywall or a square. Then, snap a chalkline across each line to indicate where you want to cut. Utilize a circular blade to cut the plywood to the desired size.
When cutting the plywood it is important to protect your eyes and ears. Wear earplugs or goggles that are protective if possible. It is also important to use a blade with many teeth, that will allow you to cut quickly and with little tear-out. Use a small piece of wood to guide the blade. Keep it a hair's distance from the mark when cutting.
Attaching a pair of shorter braces on each side is a great way to secure the plywood in place without screwing it into studs. Place one brace inside and the other outside of the door. Install a deck screws in each hole and tighten by using an open-end ratchet.
Fasten the Plywood
It's now time to connect the frame to the panel after you have the wood sheet cut to the correct dimensions and the holes for the stiles and rails of the door frame predrilled. This is a straightforward project that does not require extensive carpentry skills, provided you follow the correct procedure and use the proper tools.
Start by setting up a table near the doorway. There are two sawhorses and a 2-by-4 frame lumber at each end of the table. Make marks during the measurement process to guide you while cutting the plywood. Utilize a utility blade and a straight edge made of metal to score the lines. This will create a guideline for the saw blade and help to prevent splintering during cutting the plywood.
Wear eye protection and use a circular table saw with a blade that has a fine-toothed edge to cut along the scored line. Sand the edges of the panel with 120-grit paper to smooth it out and remove any burrs. After sanding, apply a wood sealer and let it dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Install the hinges on the frame of the door. If you're using a T-hinge make holes in the exterior face of your door for the strap portion of the hinges. Then, place the hinge's outside on its spot and attach it onto the frame using an screw gun. Repeat the same procedure on the inside of the door for all of the remaining hinges, being careful not to overtighten any of them, or the panel may shift.
If you have a single hinged T on your outside door, you can make the latch easier to close by putting a wire through the loops of the exterior hinges. Fold a piece of tie wire in half, and then put it through the two holes on the exterior of the door. Then twist the wires and lock the door.
Install the Plywood
Based on the measurements you have taken, place the plywood in the door opening. Shim the header (top) of the frame and the sill (bottom). Use a level to make sure there's not any slop in the header or sill. If it's not perfect then place another shim if required and repeat the process until the header and sill are even.
When boarding up windows is in the frame, fasten it with the stainless steel hinge bolts and wings nuts. Make use of a screwgun that has an attachment for hex heads to avoid removing the heads of the screws.
If your house has studs running the length of your doorway, you can drill hanger bolts into each of the framing members. This is much easier than using a drywall cutter to create the hole.
After putting the plywood in place, take measurements of the width and height of the door opening. If necessary, trim your bottom plywood to match the height the door frame. Cut two pieces of framing lumber 1 by 6 to form braces for the lower and upper ends. Cut along the lines marked on your plywood using a circular blade fitted with teeth that are finely tipped. Wear eye protection. Splinters can be removed from the cuts by using a sanding device.
Once you have the braces set attach each one to the plywood with pairs of finishing nails that measure 2 inches. When you're finished counter-sink the heads of all the nails. Seal the braces and the plywood with a quality wood sealer, such as this wipe on polyurethane from Minwax.
If the door is still too big for the doorway, you can add an ornamental molding to fill in the gap between the jamb and the door or alter the size of the opening. In many situations, it's more affordable and easier to simply get the right door. It also solves any issues that you might have experienced with the door you originally purchased, if it was damaged or was not fit for the opening.