Category: Doors


What Are Roller Garage Doors?

Filed Under: Doors
Dec.10, 2010

Adding doors to garages in one’s homes is one of the most popular home improvement projects that home owners in many countries seem to be undertaking these days. There are a number of reasons why so many house owners seem to be zeroing in on garage doors as one of the best things that they can add to their homes.


The first of course is safety. Garages that are built into homes are and always have been one of the most weak areas of household security and if there is a break-in in a house that has an integrated garage more often than not the garage will have been the point of entry as garages are notoriously weak. There are many ways to get around this weakness. Some people add security and surveillance systems to their homes, others fit burglar alarms in their garages but the former solution can be prohibitively expensive and out of the reach of many home owners in these tough economic times. The latter solution of a burglar alarm is not necessarily a great one. What home owners have realised that the simple act of retro fitting their garage with a set of heavy duty garage doors is one of the easiest and more cost effective way of greatly boosting the security of the garage and by extension of the entire house.


Roller garage doors are one of the most secure forms of garage doors and they have other advantages as well. They can be installed quickly and easily with minimum amount of breaking down and rebuilding necessary and hence they are a great choice for people who want to retrofit existing garages with new doors. Roller garage doors also take very little space when they are opened because as the name suggests they roll up into a small space near the ceiling of the garage and hence unlike other types of doors that slide up into the roof, if you are using roller type doors you can have ceiling fans, lamps and other ceiling mounted fittings in your garage. This makes roller type garage doors especially convenient for garages that are being used as dens or home gymnasiums. To make these type of doors even better, they can be ordered with insulating material inserted into the individual metal slats of the door which makes the doors perfect for garages in colder climates that need to be used by people and not just to park automobiles.

All types of custom roller garage doors can be ordered at http://www.lakesdoors.co.uk/

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Sectional Garage Doors Make Sense

Filed Under: Doors
Nov.21, 2010

A lot of home owners these days are looking for ways to increase the value of their properties in a tough market where the buyer is spoilt for choice and everyone is looking for a way to increase the value of their home and give it an edge over similar properties on the market. One such way that a lot of these people have happened upon in the last few years is adding garage doors to their garages. This not only gives the garages all the advantages of being a closed in area it also literally adds another room of usable space to one’s property as a lot of people these day are doing a lot more with their garages then just parking their vehicles in them. People have workshops, dens, home gyms and other creative uses for their garages these days and in all these use case scenarios a set of doors on the front of the garage can be a huge boon.


On all kinds of garages in general and on garages that are being used for other purposes than to park vehicles in particular, one of the most popular types of doors that are being fitted these days are sectional garage doors. These have many advantages over other kinds of garage doors especially when it comes to home use. The first and most important to many people is that they are one of the most aesthetically pleasing forms of garage doors and are available in a number of finishes and a number of materials that allow them to blend in with any type traditional design or an ultra modern piece of architecture. You can order your sectional type garage doors in any material of your choosing be it steel, aluminium, wood or even new materials like GRP or fibre. In addition to this you can have them painted in any colour you could possibly think of so that they fit in perfectly with your house.


Sectional garage doors can also be ordered either without insulation or with many different thicknesses of pre-installed insulating materials so they are the perfect type of door no matter what kind of climate you live in. Also these doors are one of the few types of garage doors that can have windows installed into them. This makes them perfect for the kinds of garages that are being used as additional rooms in houses like a den or a gym. This also makes the room very light and airy and perfectly practical for everyday use. If you want to enjoy the benefits of privacy as well as sunlight you can specify frosted glass windows in any number of finishes for the perfect look. This makes them the perfect kind of door for home garages.

Find out more about the benefits of sectional garage doors online at http://www.lakesdoors.co.uk/

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Choosing Doors That You Will Never Grow Tired Of – For Patios, Conservatories and As Room Dividers

Filed Under: Doors
Nov.09, 2010

Four years ago, I believed that bifolding doors offered the perfect solution for both patio door and contemporary room divider requirements but they were hard to track down four years ago, being marketed under various descriptions, such as folding-sliding doors, sliding-folding doors, multi-fold and bi-fold doors – and there were very few companies selling them. Eventually, though, I found exactly what I wanted at a good price, with a good delivery date and from a local manufacturer/installer. Everything in the garden was rosy – and I enjoyed looking at it through my aluminium framed bifolds.


Then, in 2009, frameless glass doors arrived in the UK.


Popular in Spain as ‘glass curtains’, these single glazed door panels could not replace bifolds as patio doors as they did not adhere to building regulations regarding thermal values. Designed as external enclosures for balconies, they were not 100% weather-proof, either. However, as conservatory doors or internal room dividers for both contemporary homes and period homes, there was – and is – nothing that compares. With virtually nothing to see except the view beyond the glass, a partition comprising frameless glass doors fits in with every interior design style.


So the heart says “I want frameless glass patio doors” even though the head knows they are impractical. In this consumer-led age, necessity is no longer required to be the mother of invention – desire will do – and a couple of UK-based door companies worked hard on developing the concept into a reality. Several months later, frameless double glazed doors became available.


For two glass panels to maintain high insulation properties, the cavity between them must remain impermeable which means that there has to be a seal or gasket all round. Although there are no frames at the side of the doors, there is a narrow, visible gasket. When compared with the frames on bi folding doors, this blip on the landscape is negligible.


Installations of frameless glass patio doors are now just about in the hundreds in the UK, some photographs are available to view on a small number of web sites. There are also some installers importing similar products but buying British will not only ensure faster installation of this made-to-measure home improvement item, you will be helping British business to re-build the economy.

Bee Primrose purchased SunSeeker bifolding doors and liked them so much that she was delighted when asked to help with the website & marketing. Sunseeker Doors is a UK manufacturer and installer of frameless glass doors and aluminium-framed bi folding doors. Compare both products.

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Slide Your Way Through With a Sliding Glass Door

Filed Under: Doors
Aug.31, 2010

A sliding glass door, also known as a patio door, is a wide and full length glass window opening in a structure that offers an easy access from a certain area in the home to the outdoors. Glass doors with slide features allow ventilation and a good source of lighting. A glass door with slide features is a fixture consisting of two panels with one part installed and is a fixed part of the door while the other is movable that allow people to get in and out freely. The benefit of a glass door with slide features is that it allows the owner a taste of both worlds. With the sliding door wide open, he gets to enjoy the advantage of feeling outdoors in the comforts of being indoors.


The Sliding glass door was introduced as an architectural structure that provided style and functionality among homeowners in the western side of the world and was later adapted by the Japanese in their own traditional architecture which shows the resemblance of their own native sliding doors. Later, more countries start to show awareness in this new addition to the household fixture. Residential and commercial complexes have adapted this architectural and construction design, in beautifying their own establishment and institutions and to give a wider and more open view on the world.


There are different design options for a sliding glass door. Among these are the traditional, disappearing and the trackless and disappearing kinds. The traditional design consist of the two paneled glass doors with slide features where in one side is fixed and the other is movable. The disappearing style is when the panels are inserted into slots within the wall, that allow the panels to be pushed way through and no trace of a door is witnessed. Another is the trackless and disappearing kind which shows a trackless floor plane for the full outdoor experience. They can also disappear into the wall slots or side pockets.


The main use of sliding glass doors is to provide a more outdoor feel to the area and allows the home owner to be able to have ready options of choosing between keeping the house closed or open. It is usually a good source of light because of the full length glass panel. It also brings in fresh air to the place and is suitable for get togethers and parties because it widens the room.


Sliding glass door frames are usually made from wood, aluminum, stainless steel, or steel, which also have the most strength.  The most common material is PVC or plastic.  Replacement parts are most needed for the moving and sliding parts of the door, which glide within the track and the locking mechanisms.

Elija has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website that discusses products such as the best steel security doors and a door security bar that can be useful in your decision in your home security needs.

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How to Choose Rustic Entry Doors

Filed Under: Doors
Jul.24, 2010

It can be hard when deciding which kind of entry door to use due to the amount of types and styles available. Rustic entry doors can be made out of many different types of material. Oak, mahogany, and iron are three popular types of material that people like to use. There are also many different finishes to choose from. Doors can be purchased at home improvement stores, ordered online, salvaged from previous homes, or custom made. Because of the vast amount of replacement doors available, prices vary widely.


When planning to purchase rustic entry doors, it is important to consider the type of material which is best for the home. This may be based on the style, age, and location of the home. For example, it may not be a good idea to try to install modern French doors on a log cabin. As far as durability, making sure the door will last through weather conditions in the home’s geographical area, is a must.


Another thing to be careful of when planning to buy entry doors is your budget. Exterior doors can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. It is probably a good idea to set a concrete budget, before starting to look for a door. In order to have an idea of current prices for doors, search online. Looking online will allow you to get an idea of the different styles available. You will be able to find pictures of homes showcasing rustic entry doors in order to better tell which type would be better for your home. You can buy the doors online, if you find one that works well. However, please double check the listed measurements and the description to make sure you know exactly what you are ordering. It’s also a good idea to go in to home improvement stores and talk with store representatives who are knowledgeable about rustic entry doors. You can even bring in a picture of your entryway, let them know what you are considering, and ask them if they have any advice.


Salvaging an old door can be a good idea however, it may require more work for installation. Try to get a door as close to the same size as the current one as possible. Be aware that adjustments will probably be needed in order to make the door perfect for a new home.

Find more information about doors at: http://hubpages.com/hub/custom-hardwood-doors

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Buyers Guide to Contemporary Front Doors

Filed Under: Doors
Jul.02, 2010

European design has always attracted the rest of the world, creations from a continent where civilization flourished early on. French and English architecture proliferated with their uncompromising artistry and intricate detailing. No modern residential expanse would be caught without those influences in their entry doors and windows, the most visible parts of the home from the outside. Italian and Scandinavian furniture design enjoy the same popularity at present, dominating the market for contemporary front doors and apertures with crisp, clean lines on one hand and superior craftsmanship on the other.


In architecture and the rest of the arts, labeling something as modern may be taken two opposing ways, as either present-day or in reference to modernism, a movement in the late 19th to early 20th century toward innovating conventional ideas. Thus, modern entrances may mean modernistic period doors taking off of the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian such as art nouveau and neo-Georgian, and art deco eras. Otherwise, contemporary front doors are reflective of ideas borne out of recent times, which at this point revolve highly around the sensible use of space and natural resources.


A great example is the non-fussy, all smooth facings seen in several modern entryways, especially flush doors made with fine plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard) and molded doors made with MDF or HDF (high density fiberboard). Stainless steel, clear and frosted glass, vinyl, sheet metal and composite materials are highly sought after, along with rust and warp resistant fiberglass and veneer that eliminated the need to stain or paint. Wood grain, silver and chrome finishes, glazing and double glazing are all common marks of contemporary interior design.


A fresh set of hardwood and softwood varieties, including maple and pine, offer a break from oak, mahogany and other timbers once favored for older wood doors. Closet doors are also inspiring contemporary front doors and exterior doors with their efficient use of floor space, such as bypass or pocket type sliding, double and bifold. Space-saving sliding glass doors known as Arcadia and energy-saving revolving doors that consume fewer air conditioning are added to great effect, as are sidelites / sidelights, mullions and transoms.

Jimmy Alexander is a reviewer about Contemporary Front Doors. Please visit his Sliding Closet Doors site for more information.

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Open Your Home to a Whole New Way of Life With French Doors

Filed Under: Doors
Jun.25, 2010

When we invite visitors into our home we want to create some sort of positive impression so that when they leave they are talking about your home in a positive light. A home is the prized possession of most people as we take tremendous pride in the way it looks and feels and should do our very best to make it look presentable. If you want to create an impact on people then you need to think of ways in which you can make your home unique.


One such proven way of making a home different from many others out there is by investing in a set of French doors. If you have been looking for a way to make your home look like a place indoors, then these really are the best possible home improvement investment you could make. They will bring an enormous amount of light into your property. So, if on those days when the sun is not shining your home tends to look gloomy inside, a pair of French doors will soon change that.


The also offer great looks, both from the inside and outside. The lines used on them are extremely eye catching and whenever a visitor enters your home, they will be one of the first things that they stand up and take notice of. They really are unmissable and will offer something that no other feature could bring to your home. Just like uPVC windows and conservatories, they could also help increase the sale value of your home, as such features tend to capture the interest of buyers more than those homes which do not have them.


If you are looking for doors which can provide a great entrance both in and out of your home, then these doors are the perfect solution.

Conservatory Outlet specialise in the manufacturing and installation of Conservatories, French doors, UPVC windows and uPVC windows and doors. For more information on conservatory installations in your area visit http://www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/ or call 0800 915 8844 for a free no obligation quote.

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Composite Door Glazing

Filed Under: Doors
May.09, 2010

Composite doors are modern front doors, which are similar to uPVC in the level of maintenance and energy efficiency, but carry the traditional charm of wooden doors with their appearance. Composite doors are constructed from a variety of materials including a very tough fibreglass skin, a reinforced wood and composite PVC frame and a thermal foam core. These materials combined create the perfect front door, both in appearance and function. Composite doors come in a number of different options, with solid and glazed styles and different hardware for you to choose from. The styles with large windows make perfect back doors, as the doors are suited to all external situations. The glazing used in composite doors is often tempered, which is both four times stronger than standard glass and safer as when it breaks it shatters into blunt cubes instead of sharp shards.


Double glazing, also sometimes known as twin glazing, is commonly used in modern windows and doors. Most people know what double glazing is, either from experience of buying or from the multitude of advertisements that we are exposed to. For those who do not know, double glazing is glazing made from two panes of glass which are separated, allowing air to remain trapped between the two. As air does not conduct heat well, it acts as a thermal barrier. This allows the heat inside a home to remain inside and the cold air outside to remain outside. A single pane of glass would allow heat to escape at a rapid rate. Double glazing in doors can be clear, like windows, or it can have a design. This design is applied to the external pane of glass. The internal pane can remain clear or, if preferred, can be textured to allow for privacy.


Triple glazing is a much newer concept than double glazing. Many people will not know what exactly triple glazing is. Triple glazing is decorative glass which uses three panes of glass instead of just two. The central glass pane in the construction is the glass which holds the decorative design. This could be bevelled, embossed, stained or textured glass, or a combination of all. This glass is then encased in the final glazing construction between two sheets of clear glass. This is done for many reasons. Firstly, the end unit is easy to clean as both external glass surfaces are smooth and flat. Usually it would be difficult to clean in bevels and around lead strips. Secondly, it allows for stained glass designs which are traditionally joined with lead to be protected, offering a higher level of security. It offers the same benefits as double glazing when it comes to thermal insulation and sound proofing.


When choosing a front door, you may also wish to choose side panels. These are the panels either at one side, both sides or the top of your front door. Side panels can be glazed, or in the same composite materials as your composite door. Composite side panels can have glazing which matches the glazing in the front door, clear glazing or obscure textured glass.

For more information on composite doors and front door glazing, visit http://www.compositedoorshop.co.uk.

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The #1 Reason Most Garage Door Openers Fail

Filed Under: Doors
May.04, 2010

“I bought a new garage door opener last month and now it doesn’t work!” If you’re in the process of researching and buying a new door, make sure this headline doesn’t become your story!


Many people don’t realize that a garage door opener is only as good as the system it is lifting. The spring and pulley assembly are built to do the “heavy lifting,” while the opener is only made to move an object that feels like 5-10 lbs. You probably figured out that your garage door weighs much more than 5 lbs. In fact, most single doors weigh 100-150 lbs. and double wide ones can weigh 400 lbs. or more!


So how do you protect your garage door opener from burning out a month or two after installation?


Balance


A properly balanced door is a MUST when you want to protect your opener and make sure you get the full life out of it. When the correct size springs (in good working condition) are placed on a door, it should balance properly. This effectively makes the door feel like 5-10 pounds, allowing the door opener, you, your grandmother, whoever, to open the door easily.


If the opener is lifting a door that feels like 100-150 lbs. due to wear and tear on springs and cables, you’re going to run into potential problems. Gears are going to strip, the motor is going to burn out, and your door eventually wont open. It becomes a big mess, and your brand new door and opener are useless.


Before you install a new garage opener, make sure you figure out why your old one broke. Most often it’s because springs or other hardware are in disrepair and your door is off balance.


Is Your Garage Door Balanced?


Balance is what you strive for when it comes to your garage door. Before a technician installs your garage door opener make sure they do a safety inspection on your door to diagnose any probelms it is or may be having. This should be done before any repairs or installation occurs, otherwise your new opener is going to suffer the same fat as your old one very quickly.


You can also perform a simple test yourself to determine if your garage door is balance. It does not require any technical training or tools.


First, engage the emergency manual release. This is the red pully dangling from the center of the opener. This will unhook the door from the operator, allowing you to lift the door yourself. Next, manually lift your door halfway. Make sure no children, pets, or objects are nearby. Also be sure to keep your feet safely away from the area where the door closes.


Lastly, certain that the area is secure, lightly let go of the handle. If you feel it immediately begin to start dropping grip the handle to slow its fall. DO NOT Stop the falling door with your foot. If your door is balance, it will stay in position without falling. If it doesn’t and starts to close on it’s own, you have an imbalanced door.

Jim Flick provides tips and tricks for getting the most out of your garage door service. If you run into trouble with your door and can’t seem to fix it yourself, give Garage Door Cleveland a call.

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Up and Over Garage Doors

Filed Under: Doors
Apr.08, 2010

Up and over garage doors are what many have come to know as a garage door. There are other varieties despite their dwindling numbers, but up and over garage doors have been developed to provide a fit to those with special considerations. This makes them suitable for most people in most settings. The development of so many options has, of course, led to a number of decisions that must be made when you select a garage door, but then with each decision you come closer to having the best fit of garage door for you.


Consider these qualities of up and over garage doors:


Automatic


A number of up and over doors are available with motors. This allows for hands free raising and lowering of them. In many cases these motorized doors are equipped with remotes to allow the door to be raised remotely, from a vehicle for example. These are quite common, but for some installations there may be little need for a motorized door.


If you are considering one for a storage facility or a barn’s garage you may find that a motorized option is not necessary and possibly less practical. In these cases you can find ones that are opened manually and can be locked when closed. It is a simple practicality that may appeal to you.


Solid or Sectional


Up and over garage doors often come in two varieties. Solid ones are solid pieces of material. They are lifted up and over the garage in a single piece. These have obvious benefits and obvious negatives. They can be ornately decorated solid pieces of wood for example. The appearance is often a striking one when lowered and may maintain a seamless quality to the home. When they are lifted however they require a certain amount of space in front of them. This is due to the angling required to direct a solid straight piece up and over the garage space. As a result you will have to open the garage door before anyone or anything is directly in front of the door. Likewise it may reduce the amount of space that you have inside your garage. This may not be a problem unless your vehicle is a tight fit to door.


Sectional pieces more than remedy the space difficulty. These garage doors are fabricated using various numbers of sections to create an entire door. At the connection of each section the door can flex. This allows basically straight-up and straight-down retraction and lowering. It allows a vehicle to pull directly up to the door before raising it and to park directly inside the door without preventing the door from lowering. Some people do not like the appearance of sectional doors though. There are many combinations of colors and some do have a nearly seamless appearance. Most however are noticeably sectional doors.


Materials


You will find quite different materials in solids and sectionals. The security aspect is fairly comparable. They both offer the option of windows, but it is not common to find a wooden sectional. There are some makers of custom doors though. If you have something specific in mind you may be able to find an option that is similar.

David has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website that discusses some great ideas on home renovating products such as the best garage door prices and a great range of roll up garage doors that can be used for all garage spaces to give their house some great street appeal.

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