DIY Advice Needed
 

I asked about this last week but didn't get help. I live in FL where
hurricanes are a threat. We have double doors at the front entrance
and there are only a few inches of wall space on either side of the
doors. We need a way to reinforce the doors in case of high wind but
we also need to be able to open them in a hurry in case of emergency.

We would like to put a 2 x 4 across the door. Thought perhaps
attaching a hinge o the 2 x 4, then finding something to put on the
door trim that could be slid through the holes in the hinge and screwed
on. Any ideas? Would appreciate help. I've looked and can't come up
with anything.

One thing -- in the security section. There is a metal pole with a
slightly rounded top that is placed under the door knob and keeps
intruders from pushing the door in. Would those be effective in strong
wind? They look very strong.

Thanks.

wrote in message
ups.com...
I asked about this last week but didn't get help. I live in FL where
hurricanes are a threat. We have double doors at the front entrance
and there are only a few inches of wall space on either side of the
doors. We need a way to reinforce the doors in case of high wind but
we also need to be able to open them in a hurry in case of emergency.

Storm doors?

Pagan

We would like to put a 2 x 4 across the door. Thought perhaps
attaching a hinge o the 2 x 4, then finding something to put on the
door trim that could be slid through the holes in the hinge and screwed
on. Any ideas? Would appreciate help. I've looked and can't come up
with anything.

One thing -- in the security section. There is a metal pole with a
slightly rounded top that is placed under the door knob and keeps
intruders from pushing the door in. Would those be effective in strong
wind? They look very strong.

Thanks.

" writes:
We have double doors at the front entrance and there are only a few
inches of wall space on either side of the doors. We need a way to
reinforce the doors in case of high wind but we also need to be able
to open them in a hurry in case of emergency.
completely speculating here.

How about a plywood/fibercloth panel that sits outside the doors and
has metal strapping that slides between the jam and/or between the two
doors?

How about making a carpeted "t" that braces against the opposite wall?

you also need to give more information.
is there a brace between the doors?
do they open in or outward?
How much space between the inner section of the door and the opposite
wall?
is you goal to keep them closed, or protect the outside?

I didn't re-read last weeks posts, but i seem to remember there being
some answers... did you explain/address them?

Why more floridians don't build geodesic or monolithic concrete dome
homes, i don't know. Those things are said to be able to take huge
wind loads. Actually i do know... darn home owners associations.
but that's another argument... ;)

--
be safe.
flip
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Dorot,

One of the first things I noticed when I was in Fla. was that doors
opened outward so they can not be blown in by high winds. I was told this
was a code requirement. You could certainly bar a door with a 2X4 as you
propose. I don't understand why you want a hinge for this. Double doors
often come with bolt type latches where the bolt slides into the floor.
These would look nicer than your bar. one on each door should hold them
closed

Dave M.

Sorry I wasn't more clearer. My front doors open inward. There is a
bolt on one door that slides into the floor and another one that slides
up in to top....then the other door has a lock that comes into the
first door.

What I am looking for is something that I can take off between
hurricanes and simply caulk up the screw holes for possible use later.


The only I have found so far is to put a "hasp" on both sides of the
door (on the trim) then attach one side of a hinge to both ends of the
2 x 4 - putting the free side of the hinge up to the hasp - and then
dropping a strong pin in to hold it up there. (Hope I am explaining
this...some helpful soul at HD suggested it). Storm doors might help
-- will consider that.

These doors open into an entry way that has about 4 inches on each side
then expands into a great room. Very large room with two sets of
sliding glass doors across from it...and they will be covered by
plywood. We can hopefully go out the garage side door in an emergency
but hate to limit our egress posibilities by covering the front door in
such a way that we can't leave in a hurry.

Appreciate all of you taking the time to think this one through.

Dorothy

Dorot,

I still can't picture what you propose with the hasp and hinge. But you
already have floor and ceiling deadbolts installed on one of your double
doors. Installing the same deadbolts on the other door of the set should
look good, be very secure, and easy to unbolt in an emergency. In case of
fire the top deadbolts might be hidden by smoke.

Dave M