15 Gifts For The Boarding Up A Doorway Lover In Your Life

15 Gifts For The Boarding Up A Doorway Lover In Your Life

Boarding Up  service for boarding up windows

By boarding the doorway, you will protect your home from the effects of hail, snow, or rain. It also keeps scavengers as well as vandals out.

Doors are more secure than Windows, but can still be broken or kicked. They need to be paired with sturdy door frames constructed of composite materials which won't change shape over time.

Measure the Doorway

A doorway is an opening in a wall through which you can go in or out of an area, building, or passage. It can also be a portal that provides access to another area like an additional room within the same house or different part of the country.

To determine how big a doorway is, you'll have to take measurements. Begin by measuring the width of one side of the frame to the other using a tape measure. It is essential to remove any trim or brickmould prior to taking this measurement. This will ensure you only measure the frame, and 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 are looking to replace your door, take a measure of the door's rough opening. This can be accomplished by removing the old door by prying it away from the jamb with an extended pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to assemble the new door. The height of the opening should be measured three times over and the smallest number will be the height of your new door.

You can also determine the width of the doorway by running the tape measure along the edge of the frame in three locations such as left, center, and right, and then recording the measurement with the largest size as the width of the doorway. This is the best way to ensure that your wood will cover the entire space and allow you to install a new door or window.

Measure the Frame

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

Wear protective gear before you begin to safeguard yourself from breaking glass and other dangers. It is also recommended to work with a colleague since it's easier to handle large plywood sheets with a second pair of hands.

Use a wide masking tape fix the cracks, and then take out any panes that can't be taped. Cover the remaining panes with heavy plastic garbage bags. You can also seal the trash bags inside out to increase their strength.

If the frame is still good it is possible to save time by putting a new stud through the gap in the middle of the window. This will give the board-up additional strength without requiring the additional effort of removing and installing the framing itself.

Take a few sheets of plywood and some tools like 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 that you drilled earlier, connect the plywood to the frame.

Find the Jambs

The jambs are the 3 pieces of wood that a door is directly attached to. They are crucial for keeping the door shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if the jambs aren't level.

Start with the hinge side jambs that have a raised section towards the center, which is known as a doorstop. The doorstop is placed against the door slab and keeps it from hitting the frame when it closes. Attach a piece or plywood on the bottom of every stud to raise the floor in the rough opening about 1/2 inch. (Photo). This will stop the door from scraping against tiles or carpet when it is shut and opened.

Remove any trim, molding, or casing around the jamb on the hinge side to obtain an accurate measurement. This will reveal the opening, allowing you to measure it accurately.

Note the locations of the hinge holes on the inside and outside of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise. Then adjust the square to match the mark on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is centered in the frame and aligned to your door. Repeat the procedure for the latch jamb. Once you're done, employ nail guns to secure the strike side of the door stop by using two-and-a-half inches of nail finish.

Measure the Header

A header is a large dimension lumber board that is nailed to the top of wall framing, and transferring loads over doors and windows to the studs below. When framed in properly, the king studs nailed to each end of the header as well as the jack studs butting against it on both ends make a strong support column that carries the loads from above the opening to the floor and foundation.

The code includes a set of tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in a conventionally framed house. The code includes tables for three different building widths. You can use interpolation to determine the proper size of the header.

However, there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header, which can save lumber, reduce thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Builder Mike Guertin takes a look at these options and decides if they're the right choice:

He also discusses rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without using the use of a header. This removes an element in framing and often results in stronger frames. And he discusses box headers which are more difficult to construct, however they offer more spans than single-ply headers. He also covers a fastening schedule for these alternative headers, which calls for 8d common nails spaced every 3 inches.

Cut the boards

It is essential to clean the space thoroughly prior to the process of boarding up a front door. To allow enough space for work in and to avoid damage to your belongings, you must take out all furniture and decor. Take out the doorknobs, locks and other hardware and store them in a secure place to be installed later. Clean the door and frame and wipe the surfaces down to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris for better adhesion. Sand rough patches, if needed, to ensure that the boards fit securely and provide adequate protection.

After the doorway has been cleared, you can start cutting the plywood. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and cut easily through it, whereas a Jigsaw is more suitable for curved areas. It is important to wear protective equipment during this step, including a dust mask and safety goggles.

After cutting the board to size, it is crucial to check its alignment with the frame and jambs. It is also recommended to add a few vertical pieces of lumber to the bottom of the board for reinforcement. Once the board has been aligned and secured it is now ready to be nailed into place.

A doorway board is a way to protect your home or business from damage or unauthorized entry in the event of a storm or disaster. It can also be used to secure vacant buildings or to prevent theft and break-ins until the property can be occupied. The most effective results can be obtained by assessing the situation as well as the purpose and type of the boarding.

Install the Boards

The boards should be fastened with screws of high-quality instead of nails. The strength of these fasteners can distribute pressure and withstand prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your boarding. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping can stop rain and wind from getting through gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation in order to avoid stale air and moisture accumulation.

Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when using a power tool. Also, you should use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cuts since mistakes will be more difficult to correct after you're done cutting. You'll need to be as precise as you can when cutting the boards, so they're perfectly fitted against the door frame and casing. You'll then need to skim the head and jambs so that they are even with the face of the wall.


It is best to start this process prior to the storm's arrival so that you will have plenty of time to cover other areas that are vulnerable. You can save lots of time and effort by planning ahead. Your property can be protected from wind, criminal activity and flying debris with right preparation. You will also have peace of mind knowing your home is secure.