Notes

An In-Depth Look Back The Conversations People Had About Boarding Up A Doorway 20 Years Ago
Boarding Up a Doorway

By securing the doorway, you will protect your home from the effects of hail, snow or rain. It also helps keep scavengers, vandals and squatters away.

Doors are more secure than Windows However, they can be broken or kicked. They should be set with composite frames that won't shift over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is an opening that lets you go in or out of a room, a building, or an entry point. The doorway can also be an entry point that allows access to another area for instance, an additional room within the same home or different part of the country.

You'll need to determine the size of the doorway. Begin by measuring the width from one side of the frame to the other using the tape measure. Before taking this measurement, it is crucial to remove all brickmould and trim pieces. This will allow you to measure the frame, not the actual window or door. Make the most of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway.

If you want to replace the existing door, you should take a measurement of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by removal of the old door by removing it from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will expose the rough framing that will be used to assemble the new door. The height of the rough opening in three places and use the smallest of the numbers as the height of the new door.

You can also measure the width of the doorway by running the tape across the edge of the frame in three locations in the center, left and right. Record the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best method to ensure that your plywood will cover the entire space and permit you to put in a new door or window.

Measure the Frame

The act of boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in elements can offer a substantial amount of protection for your home. The first step is to examine each window to determine its size and shape and then take measurements of the width of the frame. Note every measurement to ensure that you cut the boards of plywood accurately.

Before you begin, put on protective gear to protect yourself from broken glass and other hazards. It is also recommended to work with a partner, as it is easier to work with large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.

Use wide masking tape to secure the cracks, and remove any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining ones with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can even wrap the trash bags in out for added strength.

If the frame is still good and sturdy, you can cut down on time by running a new stud across the gap in the middle of the window. This will give your board more strength without having to remove and reinstall the framing.


Get a few sheets of plywood as well as some tools, such as a drill and hammer (if you need to cut the sheets). Mark each sheet in accordance with the frame's dimensions. Then, using the pilot holes you drilled earlier, attach the plywood to the frame.

Take a look at the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood that doors are directly hung. They are vital to keep a door shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they're not level.

Start with the side jambs of the hinge, which have a raised part toward the center that's called a doorstop. The doorstop rests on the door slab to prevent it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece of plywood to the bottom of each stud such that it raises the floor inside the rough opening by about 1/2 inch (photo). This will help prevent the door from scratching against the tile or carpet as it's opened and shut.

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

After you've measured, mark the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. With a combination square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise and adjust the combination square so that it's equal to the mark you made on the hinge jamb. This will ensure the hinge is placed in the frame at a proper angle and properly aligned with the door. Repeat the procedure on the latch jamb side the door. After you're done, you can make use of a nail gun to fix the strike side of the door stop with 2-1/2-inch finishing nails.

Find the Header

A header is a large dimension lumber board that is attached onto the wall framing. It transfers loads above the door and window openings to the studs below. When framed in properly the king studs that are nailed to the opposite end of the header as well as the jack studs rubbing up against it on both sides make a strong support column that carries the weight from above the opening to the floor and foundation.

The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in an ordinary frame house. A typical header is a double 2x12 and the code has tables for three widths of a building; you can interpolate for the next size to get the appropriate size for the header.

There are better options than the standard 2x12 header. They can save lumber, cut down on thermal bridges and allow for more space to create insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and explains when they're appropriate:

He also talks about rim-board headers, which can bridge an opening in the wall without a header; this eliminates a step in the framing process and usually results in an even stronger frame. He also explains box headers, which are more difficult to build however, they offer larger spans than single-ply. repairmywindowsanddoors covers the schedule for fastening these headers that calls for 8d common nails spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area prior to making a boarding plan for a front door. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and prevent damage to items. Remove the doorknobs, locks, and other hardware and store them in a safe place to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust dirt, debris, and dust to improve adhesion. Sand rough patches as needed to ensure the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.

After the doorway has been cleared and the doorway is clear, it's time to cut the plywood boards. A circular saw can make straight cuts through wood and easily cut through it, while a Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. Wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and a dust mask is crucial during this step.

When the board has been cut to size, it is important to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also a good idea to add some vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board to provide reinforcement. After the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into the desired position.

Boarding up a doorway can help safeguard your home or business from harm and unauthorized entry in the event of a storm, disaster or other event. It can also be used to secure vacant properties or prevent theft and break-ins until the property is returned to its original location. The best results can be achieved by assessing the situation and the need, as well as the kind of the boarding.

Install the Boards

The boards should be secured using screws that are heavy-duty instead of nails. The strength of these fasteners will help distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. Weatherstripping or caulk can be used to protect the edges and stop the infiltration of wind and water through gaps. It's a good idea also to leave a ventilation gap in order to prevent humid air and stuffy air.

If you're using a power drill, make sure to wear a pair of gloves and goggles to protect yourself. Mark your cuts with the aid of a straightedge and pencil since mistakes are harder to rectify after cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards to ensure they're perfectly fitted against the door casing and frame. The jambs and the head will need to be trimmed so that they are in line with the wall.

It is recommended to do this prior to an event to allow enough time to cover any other areas that are at risk. A little planning can save you a lot of time and will help you prepare your home or business for an impending catastrophe. With the proper preparation your property will be safe from criminal activity and damage from flying debris and winds. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your home is secure.

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