Archive for the 'Doors' Category

Mar 09 2010

The Benefits of PVC Front Doors

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Many homeowners are replacing their old wooden front doors for updated, PVC front doors. A PVC front door is made with a synthetic material that offers a number of benefits over wood and metal alternatives. Unlike other types of doors, a PVC door will not show any signs or wear or damage when exposed to changing weather conditions like variations in heat and humidity.


They will eliminate the need for regular refinishing, which can be a day long job in terms of application and require another few days to dry. If you are looking for a way to weather-proof your home and reduce the amount of time spent in home maintenance, switching to a PVC front door is a good idea.


PVC front doors can be purchased in a number of styles. For those with older homes, many manufacturers now make doors that will mimic the look of any home style. These can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of a heavy weight, solid oak door, but will still complement the look of your home. These doors can be solid or contain glass panels or inserts. If you do opt for a door that features glass portions, make sure that any glass is double glazed for maximum heat retention.


The benefits of PVC doors are not confined to the doors themselves. In many cases, ordering a frame that is custom built to your existing door frame is easy and inexpensive. This can save hundreds on installation costs and ensure that the seal between door and frame is air tight.

As the PVC door is less likely to warp, you can rest assured that this seal will last as long as the door itself, which can have a huge impact on monthly heating and cooling bills. PVC front doors are an attractive, inexpensive alternative to traditional wood or metal.

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Feb 18 2010

Sliding Glass Doors – The Homeowner’s Buying Guide

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Shopping for a sliding glass patio door can be a little overwhelming. Just visit any home center or big box hardware store and you’ll find several dozen choices on the floor, and possibly hundreds more options in special order catalogs. How does the average homeowner know where to begin? In the following article, we’ll explain what you need to know before you go shopping for a sliding glass patio door for your home.

One of the first things you’ll want to pay attention to when shopping for a sliding door is the frame. Factory constructed patio doors come in several different frame styles. Solid wood frames are a very high end option, and are usually only found on custom manufactured doors. Many factories have gone to what’s called a wood clad frame. This is an aluminum frame with a fitted outer wood cover. This reduces the cost of the door, while still giving the illusion of a high end wood frame. For the most economical of patio doors, you’ll likely be looking at basic aluminum frames. Single part hollow aluminum extrusion is usually the frame of choice for lower priced models of patio doors. One thing you might want to look for is a thermobrake aluminum frame, which is essentially constructed in two pieces, so that in very cold weather, you won’t get frost on the aluminum inside panel.

The type of glass used is the next important consideration in buying your patio door. Glass panels come in either single or double panes. Double pane glass, also known as an IG unit, is preferred. This glass will be tempered, meaning that if it breaks, it won’t shatter and create a safety hazard. One of the newest trends in windows and doors is Low-E, or low emissivity, glass. Low-E glass is used to create very energy efficient doors and windows, because it reflects heat back to its source rather than absorbing and transmitting it inside your home. The other benefit to Low-E glass is that it will help reduce ultraviolet light transmission, which will prevent your carpet, furniture, and window coverings from fading and discoloring.

The last thing to consider when comparing sliding glass doors is the type of hardware used. Most sliding patio doors feature a single point lock, which is usually a hook style latch that locks by hooking into the patio door frame. Single point locks are not very secure, because the patio door can usually be lifted right out of its frame, even when the handle is in the locked position. A better alternative is a double point lock, which means that there are two hooks, pointing in opposite directions, locking into the door frame. This prevents the possibility of the door being lifted out of its frame.

If security is a concern, there are various aftermarket products that can be added to your patio door to make it more secure. Blocking bars can be added, that extend across the stationary side of the sliding door, blocking the door from being opened. If the blocking bar is made of a substantial metal, it will provide a good degree of security. Most blocking bar systems have mechanical attachment methods. Another add-on security option is a security pin. These devices are usually installed at the very bottom or top of the inside of the door, to prevent the door from opening when pinned.

For more information on what type of sliding glass patio door is right for you, visit your local home center and spend some time talking to the sales staff. They are usually well versed in the various aspects of the door lines they carry, and they should be able to guide you in the right direction.

Home Products ‘N’ More offers a line of sliding glass door locks to replace the old hardware on your door. For free shipping on all patio door locks, visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Sliding_Glass_Door_Locks_s/37.htm

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Feb 17 2010

How to Build a Screen Door

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Constructing a screen door is a good solution to keep your abode properly ventilated while also preventing bothersome mosquitoes from entering your residence. The screen should be constructed according to the overall size of the entrance of your home so that it looks good. You can also install a curtain to add more privacy.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN BUILDING A SCREEN DOOR

Some of the materials that you need for your screen door are paintbrushes, brushes for glue, polyurethane glue, one inch nails, one by one cleats, screening mesh, hardware frame for the door and varnish.

TOOLS

The tools that you needed to make your project are staple gun, tape measure, size 10C clamps, staples, knife, saw, ¾ inches chisel, a ¼ inches x ¾ inches screen molding, a 5/4 of 1 ¼ lumber frame, spade, nails and hammer.

STEPS IN BUILDING YOUR SCREEN DOOR

Carefully place the needed parts so that they are accessible when you begin placing the whole thing together. You can either acquire pre-cut lumber for the parts of your screen or you can measure the parts that you needed yourself. You have to make sure that you place the necessary labels on the parts to avoid any complications later.

Place the wooden boards into the machine that holds the saw and manipulate it in the appropriate direction. You can attach horizontally a board on to a pair of other board with screws at a ninety degrees angle. A pair of the lower wooden boards could be place on the workbench which could help secure the jig square properly.

Place the cutting depth of the machine to half the board’s thickness and start cutting it one at a time-slowly moving machine back and forth until you have finish the whole board. The chisel will help you smooth out the joints of the wooden board.

To assemble the screen door, place the different parts together to make sure that every fits perfectly. Once you are sure that the parts fit correctly, use polyurethane glue to connect it. Use a disposable brush to place glue in the joints of your project.

Use the C-clamps to secure the door’s joints. You can only tighten the C-clamps after you are sure that the shape of each individual joint is a flawless square. You can check if the entrance is a perfect square if the diagonals are equal. Wait until the glue dries before doing the next step.

You should varnish the frame before placing the screen. Attach the screen mesh thoroughly on the door frame and make sure that there are no uneven areas. Secure the screen with staples and place the stiles around it. Shave the screen edges with a knife to give it a more refine look. Place the molding around the edges of the screen to cover the staples.

Once the whole door is prepared, you can attach the frame. There are numerous choices so feel free to choose whatever matches your taste. You can also place hinges made out of spring and handle on both sides of your door to make things easier.

Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a screen door or how to build a screen door in general.

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Feb 16 2010

Can Fireplace Doors Stand the Test of Time?

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Fireplace doors are an important aspect of any home’s fireplace and it doesn’t matter what kind of material was used. Of course, safety comes first and having a fireplace door is a lot like having a barrier between yourself and your fireplace. After all, you wouldn’t to have burn related accidents right? When it comes to the way it looks, there are a plethora of styles available for your choosing and you can opt to get a ready made one at your local home supply store or have one custom made according to your taste. Whichever route you choose to go, there would always be a style that would satisfy the most discerning of palettes and one that would go well with any home. The thing is, you would want your fireplace doors to blend in with the current design of your home and fit its aesthetic. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy thing to do.

Of course, one would require their fireplace doors to perfectly match the aesthetic of their home and compliment the current decorations, right? Fortunately for us, this can be done quite easily. As for finishes, there’s a wide variety of available finishes for fireplace doors.

To achieve this kind of door finish, manufactures would utilize electricity as a kind of sealant to help fortify and strengthen the painting process. As mentioned above, this would result in a significantly stronger and higher quality finish when pitted against the techniques that were used a few years ago. But before a door receives this kind of treatment, there are other steps that it has to go through. The first of which would be the stage wherein manufacturers would take grounded particles of pigment as well as resin and apply an electric charge to it. These particles would then be electrically charged and subsequently stick together.

This electrically charged mixture of pigment and resin would then be sprayed onto the prepared fireplace doors which would be placed in an oven afterwards to aid the coating when it comes to smoothing the frame out. As you can see, there are plenty of steps involved in the manufacturing of one door. So it’s no surprise that these doors are as durable and of high quality as they are.

There is quite a bit of work that goes into the creation of a single door so you could just imagine the thought process that went into it and the quality of the product itself.But what makes powder coat finished doors a better choice compared to other type of finishes? Well, for starters, when you get powder coat finished doors for your fireplace; you are actually getting for yourself a far more resilient door which is not prone to scratching, chipping as well as rust.

But why should you choose a powder coat finished door over others? This is because the benefits are numerous. They are the best choice because they would last longer as they are more durable and resistant to damages such as rusting, chipping and scratching. They are also eco friendly because there is no solvent involved in making them. So, where can you get these types of fireplace doors? You can find them at the local home depot, fireplace specialty stores as well as online. But before you go out and buy one, keep in mind to take the proper measurements for your fireplace. Otherwise, you could end up with a beautiful fireplace door that is ill fitting.

If you would like to learn more about fireplace doors, you are welcome to stop and check out our website about fireplace door.

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Sep 03 2009

Installing a Lock

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Changing the locks in your home is one of the simplest home repair jobs there is. The first thing to do is decide what the lock is for. For example, if you are changing the doorknob or handle on a closet, you probably don’t even have to bother with a lock. You can just use a free through passage doorknob or handle. If you want to lock the closet because it contains valuables or dangerous materials, you can’t use this kind of doorknob.

A privacy door knob is what is usually used in bedrooms or bathrooms. They are made so that you can unlock these doors from inside the room.

Entrance locks are used where you want to limit access. You may want to put an entrance lock on the door to the garage so that young children cannot get near dangerous chemicals or tools.

Decorator type door knobs make the door look nicer. Frequently you will see them used with French doors or on patio doors. They do not lock, so you won’t use them where you want to limit access. These locks come in two styles: you can have the handle inside and out, or only on one of the sides, with a plug to cover the hole.

Single deadbolt security lock. These are the most popular for home entrances. This kind of lock has one tumbler on the exterior and requires a key for entrance.

Double deadbolt security lock. If you desire extra security, you will want a double deadbolt lock. It can be secured from both the inside or the outside with a key. If you really want additional security, consider adding a chain to the door.

Latch sets with decorative deadbolts can have a knob or a handle. It is a lock with both a deadbolt and a door latching system. They can be used together or separate.

Once you know what the choices are, you can go ahead and choose the locks and handles for your home. You may need to change locks for security, or you may just want to update the look of the locks and handles in your home.

If you are changing locks, you may have to also change the latch plate. If you are getting new, better quality locks, the latch plate indentation for the old one is probably not the depth you need. Just open the plate on the latch on the inside part of the door and remove it. Then fit the new latch plate onto the hole that is already there. It it is not a good fit, you may have to shape it a little to make it fit.

You have to align the striker for the deadbolt with the opening in the frame of the door. You will not have a very secure lock if these holes do not line up.

Once you have taken these steps, use extra long screws on the areas of the plate that have already been drilled and you will make the lock more secure. You may use woodworking equipment to adjust it so it is tight to make sure the lock will hold.

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Sep 02 2009

Door Hinges – An Important Part Of Your Home

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

Door hinges well may be the most under appreciated items in your home. Think about it, how often do you think about your door hinges? You probably only really notice them when they begin squeaking or creaking. You notice them even more when they start to frustrate you because no matter how much WD40 you have, it isn’t going to stop your hinges from failing. Unfortunately door hinges getting old and squeaking and creaking is a part of life. Its just time passing.

When your door hinges have gone past their prime, you can’t always find matching hinges to replace the ones that had treated you so well, for so long. So, your only option is to replace all the hinges on a door and if there are more doors in the room, you’ll probably have to replace those as well, or else that one hinge will be a tacky standout.

Although they are small pieces of hardware, they will catch the eye if there’s one that doesn’t match. It’s the old truth that no one notices when things are right, but they always seem to see when things are wrong.

Most doors today are sold pre-hung, with hinges on them, when you get a new door it usually comes with factory standard door hinges. If you are remodeling you want to make sure the new door hinges fit the style of all the other ones in the house. Thankfully they are easy to swap out. The holes for door hinges are usually standard as long as you buy the same size that you had previously.

The door hinges you have will likely have either two or three holes. How you change the door hinges depends on which style you have. If you are replacing three-hole door hinges, you should start by putting in the middle screw first, then put in the bottom screw. Finally you should put in the top screw. If you repeat this on both the top and bottom of a cabinet door you will be able to keep your door in alignment. If you have two-hole door hinges things can get a little trickier. The easiest way to do them is to have someone help you. Their job will be to hold the door in place while you put the screws in. You can also balance the door on something while you put the screws in. But, this can be a little frustrating if the door moves or shifts before you get both screws in place.

When you are shopping for door hinges to use, you may find yourself marveling at all the designs on the market, but you need to keep a few details in mind. There are two choices in door hinges – removable pin or fixed pin. Which one you want will depend on if you ever need to take the door off. Removable pin doors allow you pop the door down should you need to do something like move a piece of furniture through a doorway that is a little too skinny for the furniture pieces. Also make sure to look at how your door hinges are currently constructed and that any bolt on the new door hinges won’t interfere with your molding.

Author Jennifer Akre, owner of many sites dedicated to indoor and outdoor home decor products and information, provides online consumers with advice on purchasing gorgeous cabinet hinges decorative door hinges and stylish hinges.

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Sep 01 2009

Antique Door Knobs – A Great Finishing Touch To Any Home Remodeling Project

Published by Medesto Remodeler under Doors

For years now you have been contemplating remodeling your home because you are ready to give it a new look and feel. So, you are going to go all out and change up the look of everything by repainting, putting in new moldings and fixtures, and even redecorating. To complete the space, you need to make sure that you have the little details in place and antique door knobs are a spectacular option for putting the finishing touch on your remodeling project.

Antique door knobs have a gorgeous appearance thanks to their lovely detailing and eye-catching designs. They can be crafted from all sorts of substances as well, giving you a lot of lovely selections to choose from, perfect for installing on the doors throughout your home. For example, one very pleasing selection is those that are crafted from glass or crystal. Now, they can be very plain, yet sophisticated featuring just a smooth circular sphere or you can get ones that are cut in the shape of rosettes and even small diamonds. You can even get ones that have spiraling reflecting designs set in them and they also come in different stunning colors like emerald green, baby blue, even violet, and ruby red or pink.

Another common material that antique door knobs are crafted from is porcelain or ceramic. These options will usually be oval or circle in shape and what is great about them is the fact that they are the perfect canvas for hand painted detailing and designs. Like, you can get a cream colored one that has a floral theme painted right on it or a white colored one that can have a lovely ring design painted on it.

So as you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to antique door knobs, but if you are not into the antique look, do not worry because there are a lot of other door knob choices out there as well.

Like, you can get ones that have a very modern feel crafted from different metals featuring brushed, contemporary finishes. You can even get ones that are made from a combination of eye-catching substances like metal and glass. Basically, there are just a lot of selections and one of the best ways to check them all out is by hitting the internet and doing some online shopping. Just by the click of the mouse you can breeze through the stores and then when you find what you want, it is shipped right to your house, making shopping convenient because you do not have to waste time by driving to that local hardware store.

If you have decided to remodel your entire home, make sure that you do it right by putting all the little things in place and one great way to finish things off is with gorgeous antique door knobs. They are extremely pleasing to the eye and are an ideal choice for installing on the doors throughout your home.

Author Jennifer Akre, owner of many sites dedicated to indoor and outdoor home decor product and information, provides online consumers with advice on purchasing gorgeous antique doorknobs, elegant glass door knobs and jewel-like glass doorknobs.

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Jun 28 2009

How to Fix an Aluminum Sliding Door

Published by Medesto Remodeler under DIY, Doors

Aluminum sliding doors are located in various rooms of a building. This could be used as terrace or patio doors leading into the garden. Other places could be on first floor leading into the balcony from a family room upstairs or bedroom. The are different types used, one side fixed and other sliding and or two sliding panels and a fixed one. The room and size of opening determines which type to use. This also determines the glazing to be put.

When ready to fix an aluminum sliding door, whether due to replacement or anew, first measure the opening. Ensure that all railings , rollers, glazing are all in place. Line the opening smooth with plaster and check sides, floor and top. Ensure corners are square, jambs are plumb while top and bottom level. Fix the frame work by screwing into the reveals and jambs. Hacking the bottom part slightly recesses the framework for it to be flush with floor.

After the aluminum sliding door framing is in place, assemble the fixed part. Take the glazing and tie the frame round, it while inserting the rubber lining. Slide this panel and screw it into the frame firmly. Start sliding panel assembly and fix glazing as before, insert the rollers and push into the guiders. Let the panel roll along to the fixed side. screw adjust the wheels by pushing them up or down. Clean debris on guiders and remove dust.

Now that aluminum sliding door is assembled, place correctly each panel. Ensure that the fixed panel is on the outer guider and sliding part in the inside one. This prevents draught during windy days. Add the linings on the grooves provided to stop shaking during windy days or when opening. Add the locking latch and test the mechanism when inside and outside the room. Fix the alarm system if provided on moving panel and frame,then clean the door.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

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