Tag Archives: Door

What Are Your Options When It Comes UPVC Doors?

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Why should I change my current doors?

It’s probably sensible to address this point first and foremost. There are a few advantages uPVC doors have over their aluminium or wooden alternatives. Maintenance, insulation, cleanliness and appearance to name a few. They can transform your home in many ways and indirectly help you reduce your carbon footprint. You’d be amazed at the level of insulation these things can offer, and you’ll really feel the difference at home or in the office. So, now that’s out of the way, what are your purchase options?

Front and back door options

The exterior doors (front and back) are perhaps the most important things to consider here. They are, after all, the main entrances to your home so security should probably take priority over design. Luckily, uPVC doors are some of the most robust currently on the marketplace and offer advanced locks to discourage potential intruders. Front doors made from uPVC are well noted for their durability and strength, and will also last a lot longer in poor weather conditions. Some front and back doors made from uPVC can also be semi glazed. While some might argue this would diminish their security, uPVC glass is also incredible difficult to break and shouldn’t have any affect on insulation levels easier. Many might prefer the look of a semi glazed door, particularly for use in a conservatory which we’ll look at next.

Patio and French doors

The main reason people choose French doors is for the mount of light they can let into a room. They’re most often used in conservatories or ‘garden rooms’ but they can be used inside too. Most modern french windows tend to be 90% glass and offer the same level of light as a sky light window – perfect for a summer room or garden property. The glass can also have a variety of designs, from mullioned patterns or letting the frame ‘criss-cross’ along the glass. This can add style as well as an added layer of security and is well worth considering for a traditional property which perhaps wants to retain some original features while at the same time reaping the benefits of uPVC doors.

Interior doors

Most internal uPVC doors actually look like their traditional wooden alternatives. Where security is less of a concern, perhaps their main benefit lies in their ability to deter drafts and insulate rooms within the home.

Door Hinge – A Lot of Power in a Small Package

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Every morning you probably open and close at least five doors before you leave t o go to work. You close the bathroom door to jump in the shower. You open the medicine cabinet to get your toothbrush and toothpaste. You reach for your cereal to grab a quick bite to eat and the front door swings shut behind you before you leave. All of these doors and more would not work without a door hinge or two. And what would the world be like without this oh so important invention? Well picture going into and out of your house through a hole in the roof because you are no strong enough o move a large rock or slab of wood everyday in front of the entrance.

Hinges are surprisingly strong. They can generally do eight to ten times the work they are assigned. So the door hinge puts the power of the Roman goddess Cardea into your hands. And the best way to see the biggest variety of door hinges is to shop online. Don’t drag yourself all over the city looking for that perfect hinge to complete your kitchen makeover. Instead browse the selection online and compare and buy hinges from the comfort of your living room.

There are several types of door hinge available. The most common is the butt hinge. This consists of two flaps with screw holes attached by a pin or a rod. To take the door down all you would have to do is remove the pins. You can choose to add finials or balls to the pins for a decorative touch.

Garage doors are usually attached with T-hinges. Shaped like the letter T the horizontal part is attached to the door frame while the vertical part is attached to the door. These hinges can be plain or ornamental and lift up rather than out.

If you have folding doors you might use a Soss hinge. Named for its inventor this door hinge is recessed into the door edges so when the door is folded it is completely concealed. It must be installed exactly or it will not work.

If dealing with cabinet doors the type of hinge you use will depend on the door type. There are three door types; lipped, flush and overlay. A lipped door has a lip cut around it and works well with most hinges. A flush door rests within the frame and works well with butterfly hinges. A butterfly hinge works like a butt hinge but is hung on the outside and is more ornamental ranging in styles from colonial to art deco.

The pivot hinge is made for overlay doors. One is mounted on the top and the other on the bottom with portions of each bent over and mounted to the frame and door resulting in a concealed hinge. Perhaps the most popular hinge is the spring mounted hinge. Fitted with a small spring inside this door hinge allows the door to close on its own, automatically.

So the next time you open or close a door stop for a moment to ponder the power and utility of the humble door hinge; it deserves it.

4 Tips to Select the Right Garage Door for Your Home and Budget

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It may be the biggest feature of the front of your home. Even if it’s tucked to the side, it’s still big and very noticeable. When it’s time to replace your garage door, you’re not only making an investment in the security of your home; you can add a beautiful new look! Increasing the curb appeal of your home can even increase its value. Here are 4 things to consider.

Start with the material. Steel is the most popular material for garage doors. Steel is easy to maintain and can be insulated to be more energy efficient. Wood is another choice. You pay for a beautiful, natural look with increased maintenance. Wood doors need to be repainted or re-stained on a regular basis. Aluminum is the least expensive garage door in some instances and very expensive in others. It’s light which makes it easy to open manually and good for large openings. Today’s aluminum doors are sturdier than older aluminum doors and may have dent-resistant laminated panels. The least expensive aluminum doors may have panels made of other materials such as high-density polyethylene.

Match your home. Today’s garage doors come in many different styles. You can find a door that looks like the opening to a walled Spanish mission for your territorial home. Go architectural and modern with the look of smoked glass panels in a sleek frame. If your home is All-American and you want a traditional panel garage think about spicing it up with extra features.

Color. If you can match the color of your trim, go for it. It will give you a tied together look. If you want to be bold, paint your front door the same color as your garage door. Don’t go too bright – that garage door is big.

Windows. Don’t underestimate what the addition of windows can do to add a stylish look to your garage. Try to match the shape or design of the windows in your home for a very chic, tied-together look. A hint. Have the windows frosted because (choose one)

  1. You don’t want the neighbors to see your mess, or
  2. You don’t want a thief to see all the valuables you have stored in your garage.

Have fun. Take your time. Some garage door manufacturers have apps on their websites that let you upload a photo of your home and try different styles so you can get a clear idea of what looks good with your home. When you’re ready to buy, contact a locally-owned garage door company. They’ll know the most about your climate and can help you make good decisions on materials and insulation.