How to Go About Boarding Up a Door
Protecting investment properties that are vacant from the elements is feasible by putting up a door with a board. It's not a guarantee against all damages however it can help to avoid some of the problems associated with severe storms.
The boarding of doors and windows will also discourage trespassers and vandals. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming to install plywood boards over the openings in a home.
Take a measurement of the door
The first thing you'll need is a tape measure. You might also want to have an extra chair or ladder for when you need to gain a better view at the top of the frame. Wear gloves and protective glasses when you use these tools.
Start by taking measurements of the width of the door. This can be accomplished by running the tape measure horizontally across the door. Be sure to remove all additional parts of the door, for instance the sweep, when measuring. Then, determine the height from the floor up to the sill or lintel. It is essential to measure multiple places especially for older doors, since they may not be a perfect rectangle. If the measurements differ take the largest number.
You'll have to determine the dimensions of the frame after having determined the height and width. Ideally it should be 2'' larger than the door and 1 2'' higher. This will give enough space to shim the door and frame to fit.
It's a good idea to take off the trim or casing around the jambs of your door to see the studs. This will allow you to determine the exact size of the gap between studs and the edges of the frame.
After you've removed the trim, you can then determine the width of the frame of the door by running the tape measure across the entire frame in three locations and using the smallest measurement to determine your door's width. Also, you should measure the height of the frame from the top to the bottom on both sides, and use the most compact measurement as your door's height.
If you're having issues with these measurements it's best at this point to consult an expert and ask them to visit your home to do the measuring for you. They will tell you what dimensions and what kind of door you need and how to prepare your frame for a new door.
Cut the Plywood
A door frame is usually composed of thin boards or studs that create a hollow space around the door. Two hinges are connected to the studs and hold a typical door in place. If you wish to refinish a door, you will have to remove it from its hinges overnight. Placing plywood into the door opening is a great method to board doors and stop insects from entering the home. It is simple to do this without the need to nail or screw the plywood to the frame of the door.
Plywood is affordable, simple to work with and looks fantastic when completed. This makes it the perfect material for a temporary solution to an issue that requires the removal of an existing door while refinishing or installing a new one. It can be used to secure the opening of a room that is being renovated, like a basement or construction site.
For a wall constructed of plywood begin by measuring the width and height of the door opening. Draw the measurements on the plywood using the help of a utility knife, a drywall square or other straight edge of metal. Then, you should snap an outline of chalk across each of the lines you have marked to indicate where you need to cut. Utilize a circular blade to cut the plywood into the required size.
It is important to shield your ears and eyes when cutting plywood. Wear earplugs or goggles that are protective if possible. It is also essential to use a sharp blade with lots of teeth that will allow you to cut quickly and with minimal tear-out. To avoid breaking pieces of wood from the edges of the cut blade, use a small piece of wood as template to guide the blade and hold it only a hair's length away from the marked line while cutting.
Fastening a pair of short braces to each end is a great way to secure the plywood in place without screwing it into studs. Place one of the braces on the side of the door, and the one on the outside. Then, position two 1-1/2-inch deck screws in each of the holes, and tighten them using an open-end wrench.
Fasten the Plywood
It's time to attach the the frame after you have the plywood sheet cut to the right dimensions and the holes for the stiles and rails of the door frame predrilled. This is a relatively easy project that doesn't require extensive carpentry skills, as long as you follow the correct procedure and use the appropriate tools.
Begin by putting up a worktable near the doorway, with 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. Use boarding up a door and a straight edge made of metal to score the lines. This will act as a guide to the saw blade, and also prevent splintering of plywood when cutting it.
Wear eye protection and use a circular table saw equipped with a fine-toothed blade cut along the score line. Sand the edges of the panel using 120-grit paper to smooth it out and remove any burrs. After sanding the plywood, apply a wood sealer and allow it to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Install the hinges on the door frame. If you're using a T-hinge drill holes in the outer edge of your door to allow for the straps portion of the hinges. Then, put the hinge's outside face on its spot and attach it to the frame with an screw gun. Repeat the same procedure on the inside of the door for each of the remaining hinges, being cautious not to tighten too much on any of them or the panel may shift.
If you are using one outside hinged door, you can make it easier to close and lock using a chain latch by putting a piece wire through the loops on the hinges on the outside. Fold a small piece of make a half-way tie, and then fish it through the two holes on the outside of the door. Then, twist the wires together and secure the door.
Install the Plywood
Place the plywood in the door's opening by using the measurements you have taken. Change the frame's header (top) and the sill. Utilize a level and ensure that there is no slop between the sill and the header. If it isn't perfect, place another shim where required and repeat the process until the header and sill are level.
Once the plywood is in place, secure it with the stainless steel hinge bolts and wingnuts. Use a screwgun equipped with an attachment for hex heads to prevent removing the screws' heads.
While you're at it should your home be constructed with studs that extend across the width of your doorway you can drill hanger bolts into the plywood and into the framing studs. This is much simpler than using a drywall saw to create the hole.
After putting the plywood in place, determine the width and height of the door opening. If needed, trim the bottom of the plywood to match the dimensions of your door frame. Cut two pieces of 1-by-6 framing lumber for braces to are positioned across the upper and lower sides of your door. Put on eye protection and cut along the lines that are marked on the plywood with a circular saw fitted with a fine-toothed knife. Splinters can be removed from cuts by using a sanding tool.
Once you have the braces set attach each one to the plywood with a pair of 2-inch finishing nails. Counter-sink all nail heads when you're done. Cover the braces with a good wood sealing product, such as the wipe-on polyurethane from Minwax.
If your door is too big it is possible to add decorative molding to fill the space between your door and jamb or you can resize your opening. In many cases it is less expensive and simpler to purchase the door. This will also take away any issues that you might have faced with the door you originally purchased if it was damaged and didn't fit for the opening.