Boarding Up A Doorway: What Nobody Is Discussing Boarding Up a Doorway

Boarding up a doorway keeps hail, snow and rain from further destroying the property. It also keeps scavengers and vandals away.

Doors are more secure than windows, however they can still be kicked in or broken down. These doors should be paired with composite frame that won't shift over time.

Take a look at the Doorway

A doorway is an opening that lets you enter or leave the room, building, or an entry point. A doorway could be an access point that allows you to go to a different location for instance, a different room in the house, or a completely different part of the country.

To determine the size of the doorway is, you'll have to take measurements. Using a tape measure, begin by measuring the width of the frame's interior from one side to the other. It is crucial to remove any brickmould or trim pieces prior to taking the measurement. This will ensure that you are only measuring the frame, not the actual windows or doors. Use the largest number of these measurements to determine the size of the doorway.

Make a rough estimate of the opening of the current door if you are planning to replace it. This can be done without removing the old door by removing it from the jamb using a wide pry bar. This will reveal the rough framing which will be used to hang the new door. The rough opening's height should be measured three times, and the smallest number is the height of the new door.

You can also determine how wide the doorway is by running a tape measure across the frame at three different places: left, center and right. Record the largest measurement to determine the width. This is the best way to ensure that the plywood will cover the entire surface and permit you to put in an entirely new door or window.

Measure the Frame

You can add measurable protection to your home by boarding up windows, doors and other openings that let in the elements. The first step is to inspect each window to determine its size and shape and then measure the width of the frame. Take note of each measurement, so you can cut the plywood boards to the dimensions of the frame.

Before starting, put on protective gear to guard against broken glass and other hazards. It's also best to work with someone else since it's easier to handle large sheets of plywood with an extra pair of hands.

Use wide masking to tape the cracks and then remove any panes that are not taped. Make sure to cover those that are left with heavy plastic trash bags. You can also wrap the trash bags in out to increase their strength.

If the frame is in good condition, you can save time by avoiding the framing and simply running an entirely new stud across the gap at the middle of the window. This will give the board-up additional strength without requiring the additional effort of taking out and reinstalling the framing.

Make sure you have a few sheets plywood and some tools, such as a drill and hammer (if you need to cut the sheets). Based on the frame's dimensions, mark each board with the window number that corresponds to it. Attach the plywood to the frame using the pilot holes you previously drilled.

Measure the Jambs

The jambs are the three pieces of wood to which doors are directly hung. They are crucial for keeping a door shut properly. They should be tight and even. You'll have to adjust the jambs if they aren't level.

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

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

After you've measured and marking the locations of the hinge holes on both sides of the hinge jamb. Utilizing a combination-square, determine the depth of the hinge mortise. Then adjust the square to match the marks on the jamb of the hinge. This will ensure that the hinge is properly centered in the frame and correctly aligned to your door. Repeat the process for the latch jamb side of the door. When 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.

Take a look at the Header

A header is a thick dimension lumber board that is fixed onto the wall framing. It transfers loads over window and doors openings to the studs below. When properly constructed the jack and king studs are secured to each end of the header. They also butt up against the header on both ends to create solid columns that transfer the weight of the opening to the foundation and floor.


The code provides a series tables that can be used to determine the size of a header in the frame of a typical 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 wider size to get the appropriate header size.

But there are other better, more efficient alternatives to the standard 2x12 header that could save lumber, reduce thermal bridging, and free up space for insulation. Mike Guertin examines these options and when each is appropriate.

He also discusses rim-board headers that can bridge an opening without the need of a header. This eliminates a step in the framing and often results in stronger frames. He also talks about box headers, which are more difficult to construct and have greater spans than single-ply. He also covers the schedule for fastening these different headers, which calls for common nails of 8d spacing every 3 inches.

Cut the Boards

It is crucial to thoroughly prepare the area before the process of boarding up a front door. Get rid of furniture and other decor to allow for ample space and to avoid damaging items. Remove the doorknobs and locks and keep them in a secure place to be reinstalled later. To ensure better adhesion, wash the door and frame, and wipe down all surfaces to remove dirt and dust. If needed smooth rough patches to ensure that the boards fit properly and provide effective protection.

Once the doorway is cleared, it is time to start cutting the plywood boards. A circular saw can cut straight lines through wood and easily cut through it. A Jigsaw is ideal for curved areas. It is important to wear protective gear during this step, including dust masks and safety goggles.

It is essential to align the board with the frame and jambs once it is cut to size. 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 properly aligned and secured, it is now ready to be put in the desired position.

The act of boarding up a door way can help safeguard a home or business from damage and unauthorized entry during a disaster, storm or other occurrence. It can be used to protect vacant properties or stop burglaries and thefts until the property is reoccupied. A thorough assessment of the situation and the reason 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 using nails, use heavy-duty screws to secure the boards. The strength of these fasteners will distribute pressure and resist prying, enhancing the effectiveness of your board. The sealing of the edges with caulk or weatherstripping is a way to stop water and wind from leaking through the gaps. It's also an excellent idea to leave a space for ventilation to prevent stuffy air and moisture accumulation.

If you're using a power drill, make sure you wear gloves and goggles for safety. Also, you should use a straightedge and pencil to mark your cutting, as mistakes can be difficult to correct once you've completed cutting. You'll want to make your cut as precise as you can so that the boards will fit perfectly against the door casing and frame. You'll then need to skim the head and jambs to ensure that they're even with the surface of the wall.

You should do this before an event to allow time to secure any other areas that could be vulnerable. You can save lots of time and effort by preparing ahead. Your property can be protected from criminal activity, wind and flying debris with the right preparation. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe from danger.