How to Go About Boarding Up a Doorway
Boarding up a doorway provides an effective shield against rain, wind and other debris. It is crucial to evaluate the situation and employ the right materials and techniques.
To begin, eliminate obstructions and prepare the area to allow the boarding. If necessary, install metal braces to provide additional stability. Apply caulk for better security and to fill any gaps.
Take a look at the Doorway
To begin the process of boarding a doorway, you must first determine the opening. To ensure you have enough material to build an effective barrier, you will be required to measure the width and height. This measurement should include frame, jamb, and brickmould (if applicable). If possible, you'll also have to take off the trim around the doorway. It is best to have a second person help to remove the trim using a screwdriver or a pry bar. Wear safety goggles whenever you use any power tool.
Start by measuring the width of the door frame inside the doorjamb using a tape measure. Take measurements at the top, middle and bottom and use the largest measurement as your door's width. Then, measure the depth of the door jamb in three locations - this measurement should not include any siding or trim that is on the exterior of the wall. Place a level on the face of the doorjamb's strike side. This will ensure that the strike side is square and level.
It's time to measure the new door. If you're purchasing a pre-hung, the manufacturer has provided the dimensions for the door (for example, 3 feet wide by 6 foot 8 inches high). These measurements are to be taken at various locations on the frame, especially for older doors that might not have a perfect rectangular shape. If the measurements differ then use the smallest number to determine your measurements.
If you are changing an existing doorway in order to make room for to a new door it is similar to the steps. You'll need to measure the height and width of the opening in the jambs. For the height, measure from the floor to the top of the frame. You'll need to remove the trim and casing around the doorjamb to measure the width. Once you have the measurements, you can determine the size of door you will need to purchase.
Cut the Plywood
Cutting plywood is a difficult and time-consuming job. To ensure that your cuts are precise it is crucial to make use of the correct tools and adhere to some basic rules. Additionally, the proper precautions for safety must be taken to protect yourself from injury.
Begin by measuring the size of the window you'd like to cover with. Make multiple measurements using a tape to ensure accuracy. Once you have a measurement, cut the plywood to size using 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 efficient material to secure your property in the event of an emergency. However, it is susceptible to warping and delaminate over time and make it less effective than steel boarding when it comes to security. It is recommended that you purchase quality plywood boards, and store them in a safe dry location until they are needed.
When cutting plywood, be sure to follow the grain of the wood. This will reduce the possibility of the boards tearing out when used to make a board for windows or doors. Also, ensure that you choose a high-quality piece of plywood and sand the edges of the sheet down after you've cut it.
Mark the area where you will attach the plywood to the frame of the door or window. When you do this, be sure that you hold the plywood against the window or door and mark where you will be putting the screws. This will ensure that the screws will be placed in the correct position for the type boarding you will be doing.
It is a good practice to clamp straight edges along the cutline you want to follow before you begin cutting. This will help to minimize the tiny side-to-side movements which can cause tears in the plywood, and allow you to make a clean, precise cut. After the straight edge is in place you can place your circular saw or jigsaw and slowly guide it across the cutting line to make your first cut.
Install the Plywood
Plywood sheets can be easily installed and are an affordable security measure for homes and commercial buildings. It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your installation is durable and sturdy. It is also crucial to choose the correct type of plywood for your project. If not used properly, plywood can warp or delaminate over time. To avoid this take the following steps when putting in plywood sheets.
Make sure that the plywood's surface is clean, level, and dry before you begin cutting and nailing. If necessary, use a self-leveling material to fix any imperfections on the surface. Make sure to remove any objects that might fall onto the plywood sheet and cause damage. Then, install the plywood using screws or nails equally spaced across the surface. Once you're done then cover the screw holes with wood filler to protect the wood from moisture infiltration and the possibility of rot.
Installing 2"x4" braces around the windows and doors after they have been covered with plywood will provide extra support and increase security. This is especially useful in the case of a large number of windows or doors that can break.
Steel security panels are an alternative option to secure the window openings. They provide greater security and are more robust than plywood. Additionally, they are easy to work with and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The best way to protect your property is to employ an expert boarding up service. This will ensure that your property is safe from burglars and other damages. They can also assist with the process of reclaiming your property once the threat has gone away. But, you can also try to board up your home yourself if you have the proper tools and knowledge. It is essential to measure, cut and label the boards of plywood prior to the time to ensure you're prepared in case disaster occurs. newbury boarding up will help avoid an unplanned panic that could result in a poorly cut board. Also, make sure you keep the plywood in a dry and secure place until you need it.
Secure the Plywood
For the best security, it's recommended that you use carriage bolts to secure windows and doors made of plywood. You can purchase them in most hardware stores and they come in different sizes. The bolts should be positioned in a way that the head of the bolt is at least 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 made of metal. This will stop thieves from lifting the plywood and breaking into a window or doorway.
To install the carriage bolts, drill holes into the 2"x4" support member. Attach them with screws. After the screw is position, a washer should be placed over each hole to shield the bolt's threads and stop them from tearing through the wood. The carriage bolts should be inserted into each hole and tightened. The nuts and washers must be of a color that blends with the wooden support members.
Skylights are often left unnoticed when they are a problem for the boarding of homes however they can be a prime point of entry for criminals. For this reason, it is essential to secure skylights with the same method you would secure a window or door. Bolts are also recommended to avoid the boards being lifted. A security grill or bar could also be put over the skylight for additional security.
Basement doors are a frequent entry point for criminals. It is important to board them properly. For the best security, it's a good idea to make the boards as strong as you can and then install bolts to stop them from being lifted or removed. In addition, a stainless steel security grill should be put over the basement door to stop it from being opened.
It can be a challenge to board up a property but it is necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and your neighbors. By following the tips in this article, you can put up flush door plywood like a pro and protect your home from burglars.