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10 Things Everybody Hates About Boarding Up A Doorway Boarding Up A Doorway
Boarding Up a Doorway

By boarding up the doorway, you will prevent further damage to your property from hail, snow or rain. It also helps keep vandals, squatters and scavengers away.

Doors are more secure than windows, but they can still be kicked in or broken down. They must be paired with sturdy frames for doors made of composite material that won't deteriorate over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is a hole in a wall that you can go in or out of an area, building, or passageway. A doorway can also be a portal which allows access to another place, such as another room in the home or another part of the country.

To determine how big a doorway is, it's necessary to measure the doorway. Start by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the opposite side using a tape measure. It is important to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, not the actual door or window. Take these measurements in three places and use the largest number as the dimensions of the doorway.

If you want to replace the door, measure the width of the door's opening. It is possible to do this without removing the existing door by removing the old one away from the jamb with an oversized pry tool. This will reveal the rough framing that will be used to mount the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the height of the new door.

You can also measure how wide the doorway is by using a tape measure to measure the frame at three different locations: center, left and right. Take the measurement with the highest value to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure your plywood will cover all the area and allow you install a new window or door.

Measure the Frame

The act of boarding up windows, doors, and other openings which let in elements can provide a significant amount of protection for your home. Begin by carefully examining each window to determine the size and shape. Then, you can measure the width of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.


Wear protective gear prior to starting to shield yourself from glass breakage and other dangers. It's also best to work with someone else, as it is easier to handle large sheets of plywood with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape secure the cracks, and then remove any panes that aren't taped. Make sure to cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can even seal the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.

If the frame is good it is possible to save time by running a brand new stud across the gap that is in the middle of the window. This will give your board-up more strength without having to remove and install the framing.

Take a few sheets of plywood and a few tools such as the hammer and drill (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each board according to the frame's dimensions. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes that you made earlier.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are three pieces of wood that a door is directly mounted to. They are essential to keep a door shut properly. They should be snug and even. If the jambs you have aren't, you'll need to adjust them.

Start with the hinge side jambs, which have a raised part towards the center, which is referred to as the doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the slab of the door, and helps keep it from hitting the frame when it closes. Install a plywood strip to the bottom of each stud, so that it raises the floor inside the opening in about 1/2 inch (photo). This will prevent the door from scratching the carpet, tile or throw rug when it is opened and closed.

To determine the exact measurement of the hinge's side jamb, you must remove any trim or molding placed around it. This will reveal the opening, which will allow you to measure it accurately.

Mark the locations of the hinge holes both on the outside and inside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination square locate the hinge mortise depth and adjust the combination square so that it is equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge is aligned with the frame and is properly aligned with the door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb. Utilize a nail gun as well as 2-1/2-inch screws to secure the strike side.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a large, dimensional lumber board nailed to the wall's top framing, which transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs attached to each end of the header as well as the jack studs that are rubbing against it at both ends create a sturdy support column that transfers loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation.

In conventionally framed houses you can make use of a set of tables in the code to determine the size of the header for a specific span. The code has tables for three different widths of buildings. Interpolation is a method to determine the appropriate header size.

There are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could reduce the need for lumber, decrease thermal bridging, and free up space to be used for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're the right choice:

He also discusses Rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening without the need of a header. This eliminates an additional step in framing process, and can result in stronger frames. He also talks about box headers that are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors covers the fastening schedule for these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spaced every 3 in.

Cut the boards

Before boarding up a door, it is essential to prepare the space thoroughly. Clear away furniture and decor to give you ample work space and to avoid damaging items. Detach the doorknobs and locks and store them in a safe place to be reinstalled later. Clean the frame and door and wipe the surfaces down to remove dust, dirt, and debris to ensure better adhesion. Sand rough patches if necessary to ensure that the boards fit tightly and provide effective protection.

After the doorway has been cleared, it is time to cut the plywood boards. A good circular saw can make straight cuts and cut through wood quickly and a jigsaw will handle curved areas. It is important to wear protective equipment during this procedure, including a dust mask as well as safety goggles.

After the board is cut to size, it is essential to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also an excellent idea to add a few vertical pieces lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. Once the board is properly aligned and secured, it is ready to be nailed into the correct position.

The act of boarding up a doorway can help to protect the property or home from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property is returned to its original location. Thoroughly assessing the situation and the purpose of the boarding up will aid in determining the best material choice and method of installation for the most effective results.

Install the Boards

Instead of nailing, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. These fasteners are strong and resist the pull of prying. This will increase the durability of your board. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used to seal the edges and prevent the infiltration of wind and water through the gaps. It is a good idea to leave a ventilation gap in order to avoid humid air and stuffy air.

If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with an eraser and a straightedge because mistakes are harder to rectify after cutting. You'll want to make the cuts as precise as you can so that the boards will fit perfectly against the frame and door casing. You'll then need to skim the jambs and the head so that they are even with the face of the wall.

It is recommended to start this process before the storm hits so that you will have plenty of time to board up other vulnerable areas. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with the proper preparation. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your property is safe.

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