tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82273009939966563792023-06-22T04:33:09.745-07:00Home Improvement: Doorsanjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-58337027046495420112011-11-22T22:54:00.000-08:002012-03-22T22:54:49.012-07:00Knobs Instead Of Handles? The Better Option Overall?<div style="text-align: justify;">The household doorknob was developed many years ago before there was ever thought of a lever design that might work in the same manner. Whilst the door lever handle has captured a major proportion of the door furniture market, there is a range of markets where the door knob has a potential usage. There has been quite a resurgence in the designs of the different types of door knobs and this has rejuvenated the market for this type of door handle.<br />
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The lever type of door furniture has some advantages that require some consideration before a change is made, firstly the lever type is easier to open as it requires a straight push down rather than a twisting action. This is particularly important if people are moving through the doors with things in their hands as the door can be opened without putting the items down before opening the door.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
There is also the problem that most lever handles are anti-ligature in their operation, which means that you cannot easily catch something on them from clothing that will cause a strangulation type accident. The doorknob does have a problem in this respect as a loose piece of clothing may catch over the full handle being round and smooth and the person may be pulled up very quickly if moving at speed. The level to which this is important will need to be considered but the advantage of a smooth round doorknob is that any snagged clothes will often pull off equally quickly. The turning of a doorknob does have some advantages where young children are concerned as they rarely have the strength to turn a doorknob in order to escape the confines and safety of the room they are in.<br />
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There are some superb designs around at present and this article will just consider the glass and acrylic market. They will fit in any house of character but this is not the only market as the smooth lines and simple materials also allow them to fit well into a modern house.<br />
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There are some smooth round doorknob designs that are made from high quality acrylics and these have very clean lines, the shapes are usually spherical or oval and they are often slightly opaque or whitish in colour. The glass knobs can be very ornate with a spherical shape with is multi-faceted so that they look excellent in position on the door. There are several different designs both in size and shape and number of facets on the glass but they fit very well with a brass or stainless rose.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-43714638082592571502011-11-20T22:53:00.000-08:002012-03-22T22:54:02.636-07:00Handles Are More Than Just A Pretty Look<div style="text-align: justify;">When the new kitchen is installed take a little time and examine what is required for your kitchen and not just what looks the most attractive. Certainly looks are vitally important but the conditions in a kitchen and the problems that are particular to this area warrant a good examination so that sometime later you are not cursing the choice made. In any kitchen there will be a theme presented by the kitchen units that have been bought and installed and there will be a desire that the theme is continued with the door handles but consider some of the options first.<br />
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Any kitchen door handle will have to take a fair amount of abuse as it is an area where the doors are in continual usage and they will be opened in a regular pattern. Also the door handles are often opened whilst the person using them has something else in his hands or a simple one off operation is required. In this case the handle can be damaged or broken.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Cheap plastic handles may look the part but sometimes are not quite robust enough. Check that they do not have protrusions on them that can get caught. Such handles often catch in the aprons or blouse or shirts of the person in the kitchen, not only can this cause damage to the clothes often a person is walking with hot food items or sharp tools each of which could cause an accident. There is even the problem that they are not an anti-ligature handle and so if you catch a tie or other similar item you can cause a serious strangulation injury if you fall at the same time. It sounds extreme but there is lot of design work that goes into the manufacturing to avoid such a problem, as there are still many accidents that occur each year.<br />
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Get a door handle that is easy to clean, so many germs are transmitted in the kitchen that it is a major area for the transfer of diseases and germs. Any health scan always comes up with pictures that look like a fiery volcano of germs. One person lays the germs down and the next user picks them up. Handles with nooks and crevices may look good but they can be a nightmare particularly where children are concerned. Choose a door handle with a smooth easily cleaned surface, none or limited protrusions and of a good construction. Ask the supplier and get his opinion.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-90422096172398157892011-11-18T22:52:00.000-08:002012-03-22T22:53:20.067-07:00Why Composite Doors Are The Best Choice<div style="text-align: justify;">When looking for a front door the main requirements we ask for are durability, security, economy and aesthetics. Also, as awareness towards environmental and energy saving issues increases, energy efficiency is becoming another important condition to consider when choosing the closure elements for our homes. And it has been proven that the type of doors that are best fulfilling all those requirements are composite doors.<br />
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These doors are most often made out of a hardwood subframe that contains the composite material, high density polyurethane foam that forms a solid core, which is very hard. It is this hard core that gives this type of doors the resistance they are known for. The standard composite slab is more than 40mm thick and weighs around 75kg, which makes it really difficult to break through and gives it the sturdy feel that real wooden doors have. Also, thanks to the high density of the filling material, upon installation these doors offer a very good acoustic isolation and heat losses are dramatically reduced. They are not only a very secure door option, but also compliant with legally required U-values, offering great energy efficiency.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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The faces give an aesthetic finish and weather protection to the composite slabs. They generally are 3mm aluminium, UPVC or glass reinforced plastic skins. The most popular and most resilient ones are the glass reinforced plastic skins. These types of faces feature an appearance as close as it gets to authentic timber in which you can even feel the wood grain, but unlike real timber doors need almost no maintenance. There's no need to sand or repaint them and, as the colour is applied during manufacture, it runs through the skin, so the paint will never crack or flake, and can't be seriously damaged or scratched. Also, the colours are not known to discolour or fade if exposed to direct sunlight. So they can look and feel like a proper wood door but they are much better in front of weathering and aging. The glass reinforced plastic skins offer, as well, great resistance towards warping, bowing, twisting and denting. The aesthetic options these skins provide are endless, featuring all kinds of styles, looks and colours, which makes a good marketing and selling point.<br />
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The materials involved in the manufacturing of are plastics that are made of non-toxic materials. This and their energy efficiency make them a very environmentally friendly solution for our front door. The high performance standards, resistance and aesthetic features of this type of doors would make you think that they are very expensive. But the truth is that composite doors are in the price range of both UPVC and wooden doors, offering much better features for all the requirements above discussed. For the same price they are more secure and harder to break in through, more energy efficient and better looking. Besides, they are sold generally with a comprehensive ten years guarantee. The manufacturers clearly trust the durable materials and high quality standards they work with to offer the best features in the market at competitive prices, so every household can afford the safety and efficiency that a composite door can offer.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-73642009890206326802011-11-17T22:52:00.000-08:002012-03-22T22:52:39.681-07:00A Great Shower Door Installation<div style="text-align: justify;">If you do it the right way, there are few pleasures on earth better than a hot shower in a glass-encased shower stall. Of course, there's one thing that really is better than that - a hot shower in a shower stall encased in glass that you put there yourself. A shower door installation, for the DIY enthusiast, can be a very entertaining project to take up. It isn't that hard, but it does involve skill, patience, the use of the right tools and results that can simply look stunning. Stunning in the way that can make you feel good about yourself. So here's a little shower door installation guide for the first-time DIY enthusiast.<br />
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The first thing you need to do is to cut that track. You need to carefully measure the area inside the shower door, and use the measurement to cut the track. You can use a hack saw for it. If you really want straight edges, a miter box would be good idea.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
You need to temporarily hold the track in place now. You need to place it on the bathtub or the shower area and then hold it in place with tape. Look for the side rails and slide them in place. You can use a plumb level to make sure that things are level.<br />
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Now you need to mount the jambs on either side of the curb. First mark the holes where they will go, and then remove the jambs and everything. You'll need to roll out the heavy equipment now. Get a 3/16 inch bit for you drill that is able to cut into a smooth surface like tile, and drill away. You only need to get plastic nail holders or wall holders that'll be able to hold screws now. You hammer them into the holes you've made, and you're set for the screwing in.<br />
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You can now apply caulk on the track, and make sure that it's installed in place. Do make sure that you have it installed them the right way in. The weep holes need to be on the inside.<br />
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Now that you have all the groundwork in place, it's time to install the header, the rollers and the door. That's where you actually do the shower door installation.<br />
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To install the header, take a side rail up, screw it into the wall and then pick a header up. It needs to go into the other side rail. The other side of the header needs go into the rail that's fixed on the wall.<br />
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You just need to fix the rollers to the door so that it'll be able to support the door that hangs off them. You know where to put them. Just put them in the groove, and hang the door. Voila! You're done.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-82580894904086032222011-11-15T22:50:00.000-08:002012-03-22T22:51:58.973-07:00Update Your Home and Add Beauty With French Patio Donrs<div style="text-align: justify;">Making your home look beautiful is something you strive for when you're selecting new furnishings and décor. Yet, making your home look good goes beyond simple furnishings. French patio doors are just one way to make your home beautiful and inviting. Modern homes today use French patio doors as an inexpensive way to add a touch of class and you can do the same for your home if you know the factors to consider.<br />
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French Patio Doors Buying Factors<br />
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When it's time to buy new French patio doors for your home, there are a lot of things you need to consider. You'll want to investigate the energy efficiency of each style of door you're considering. Not all doors will offer the same degree of energy efficiency, but in order to keep your energy costs low, this is a very important factor to consider. From the door frame to the window pane, there are many elements that can be energy efficient.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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In addition to energy efficiency, you should select the doors that match your home's design aesthetic. You'll want your doors to coordinate with the exterior and interior of your home, so consider the colors, stains, and general décor of your home when purchasing them. There are many types of French patio doors that make it possible to select one that meets your design and functionality needs.<br />
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Types of French Patio Doors<br />
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Choosing the right one involves much more than finding one that fits your size requirements. In fact, there are a number of types of doors to choose from and you'll want to give thought to each type before making your decision.<br />
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* Single French Door: This type is great for saving space and money. It's far more efficient and you'll have an easy time fitting a sliding door on it.<br />
* Double French Door: This type has two doors that open and close so that the whole door is available for entry or exit.<br />
* French Patio Doors with Screen: Using this type is inexpensive and energy efficient depending on the weather and location in which you live.<br />
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The bottom line when choosing your French patio doors is to choose doors that are economical, energy efficient, and match the look of your home. With so many options, styles and colors to choose from, it's easy to find the doors that will add a touch of class and beauty to your home.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-26800399077540874302011-10-13T21:49:00.000-07:002012-03-22T22:50:25.867-07:00Benefits of Wooden Exterior Doors<div style="text-align: justify;">Wooden exterior doors are a wonderful addition to any home. From cute little bungalows with stucco walls to sprawling mansions with brick details, they add a beautiful touch to the overall look and feel of a structure to truly make it feel like a home. Choosing wooden exterior doors to most other common types of doors, there are many benefits that come along with them, especially when they are made by some of the top professionals in the business.<br /><br />Just because a door is a seemingly simple design doesn't mean just anyone can make one of wood, there are many important steps and details involved to ensure the door is solid, sturdy and prepared for a variety of outdoor conditions. The difference between a professionally made wooden door and a cheaply made one is the way it can withstand heavy use over time.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Warm and Inviting<br /><br />Wooden exterior doors immediately add a sense of warmth to a home. Wood is naturally considered a warm material no matter if it's painted or in its natural state. The wooden doors are also a very inviting sight compared to the cold and sterile look and feel of metal doors or the cheaper look of plastics. If you would like a nice pleasing look for your home, choose to get either modern or traditional wooden exterior doors for the front and the back.<br /><br />Versatile for Décor<br /><br />Wooden exterior doors are also very versatile depending on the colour and style you desire. From simple solid doors, cut out windows or decorative moulding, there are many different style combinations that can be perfectly customized for your exact preferences. Even the general shape of the door can change from the standard rectangular design. Choose from rounded tops, French door designs, arches or a truly unique shape as you envision it.<br /><br />Natural Insulator<br /><br />Wood is a wonderful natural insulator for a home. Unlike cold metals, they retain the heat indoors and block the cold from outside. Also, the thicker the door, the more strength and insulation you get, but just make sure to have proper framing done to block any possibilities of air flow through the gaps between the door and the frame.<br /><br />Sense of Security<br /><br />Since wood in naturally strong, dense and durable, there is also a greater sense of security when installing wooden exterior doors. Not only are you able to choose from a wide variety of wood types and densities but you can also opt for custom doors that are reinforced for even more security and long-lasting qualities.<br /><br />Add Curb Appeal<br /><br />Wooden doors are not just beautiful for the home owners to look at and enjoy but also for anyone who may be visiting or just passing by. Wooden doors add a lot of curb appeal because of the warm inviting feel they give to a structure. If you happen to choose to sell the home one day, you will certainly have much better luck getting potential buyers with a wooden exterior door than with anything else, simply ask any professional real estate agent.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-41191885885403280502011-10-07T21:48:00.000-07:002012-03-22T22:50:25.867-07:00Wooden Exterior Doors to Show Elegance and Class<div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone would like to take pride in their home and create a beautiful environment that will immediately put them at ease while at the same time offer elegant curb appeal for others who may pay a visit every now and then. Having a home that shows true elegance and class will not only increase the overall value of the home but also have great appeal that perfectly shows off your personal sense and style.<br /><br />In order to complete such a look, consider the following tips that many professionals recommend to home owners looking to give their place a sophisticated lift:<br /><br />Wooden Exterior Doors<br /><br />Wooden exterior doors add a wonderfully elegant touch to a home. Since wooden exterior doors instantly add a warm and inviting feeling, many classic homes will have traditional designs while others will combine the warmth of the wood with more contemporary designs.<br /><br />While many people choose only to add front wooden exterior doors, it's also possible to have the same style for all of the doors around the home. This will give a nice complete look to a home. In addition to the matching doors, there are other options than many homeowners should consider for a clean polished look to a home. Many designers will also recommend getting wooden trim or wooden shutters to match the wooden exterior doors.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Manicured Landscape<br /><br />To follow suit with the surrounding area of the home, it's very important to keep it to the same standard and look as the overall home design, especially with the exterior. No matter how beautiful a home may look, if the landscape surrounding it is not clean and polished, it defeats the purpose of putting in so much effort in the first place.<br /><br />Try to maintain a clean manicured environment around the home. It's not necessary to have a full time gardener; however it does help to have professionals spruce up lawns and gardens at least once or twice a year. From general lawn maintenance, visual features, driveway cleanliness and flower beds, keeping a clean and healthy looking environment will do wonders to a home and even provide a personal sanctuary that everyone would love to come home to.<br /><br />Combine Details for a Polished Look<br /><br />One thing that professionals like to do for tying in the outdoor décor with the gardens is to add details pulled directly from the home's exterior and add it into the landscape. For example, details from the wooden exterior doors, like the same type or colour of wood, the same pattern or style or even decorative details can be repeated throughout the garden in small detail. One look at the whole picture will instantly show the effort and true elegance of the property as a whole.<br /><br />If you are thinking of changing the look of your home or simply thinking of ways to give it a nice decorative boost without going over the top, consider the versatility of wood and how it can instantly create a warm natural looking space. Whether you like traditional, artsy, modern or ethnic styles, wooden doors and landscapes can easily be crafted and customized according to any taste and style. The options are virtually endless to customize and create the perfect home exterior that you would simply love with other options further down the line to add and change small details for an entirely new look.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-38761985981026459982011-09-26T21:47:00.000-07:002012-03-22T22:50:25.867-07:00Wooden Exterior Doors to Increase Home Value<div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to spruce up your home and increase the home value while you're at it, consider changing the doors and even the windows as a start. The most common materials that most people choose to change for their homes are metal, fiberglass or wooden exterior doors and windows. Experts in real estate will always tell you that the look and condition of the exterior of a home will not only help determine what the value of the home is, but it's also a big part of the impression people immediately get about the interior and even the owners of the home.<br /><br />If you would like to have a warm and inviting home for your family or if you would like to increase your home value, there are a few tips to think about when looking to change a few exterior elements.</div><a name='more'></a><br />Choose Wooden Exterior Doors<br /><br />Wooden exterior doors are commonly found on high-end elegant homes and should be considered for anyone's home. Naturally, there are many different price points and styles to choose from, with many companies offering consultation and custom designing options, no matter what their requirements or budgets may be. The warmth and appealing look of beautiful wooden exterior doors immediately offers visitors a welcoming feel and instantly adds more curb appeal, especially when choosing more decorative designs.<br /><br />Have Matching Windows<br /><br />Whether you were thinking of just changing the doors or the windows, it's generally recommended to consider changing up both at the same time or at least as closely together as possible. Having a home with very different windows and doors may work for some people but from a financial and design point of view, matching décor is always beneficial. Choosing wooden exterior doors for each of the doorways of the home will certainly add to the home's value but changing to wooden window frames or matching shutters will increase the value twice as much or more than the doors.<br /><br />Regardless of the main exterior walls of the house, wooden exterior doors with matching wooden windows make the home look like it was given a professional facelift.<br /><br />Consider Styles and Designs<br /><br />Before choosing any new wooden exterior doors or windows, always consider the style and design that will work best for you. Some people like simplistic, some like old-fashion charm and others like modern artistic designs that offer a unique look among other homes.<br /><br />One of the best things about choosing wood is that it can be customized however you like. From hand carvings, colour schemes, natural styles or other decorative add-ons, the options are endless.<br /><br />One easy way to see just how a particular door or windows will look on your home; take a few photos of each side you would like changes made and take them and either sketch quick designs or ask a professional to give you a few photo samples to place on your home's photo. At least this will give you a better understanding of how it will look before committing to such an investment.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8227300993996656379.post-62105325616356597322011-09-20T21:46:00.000-07:002012-03-22T22:50:25.867-07:00Wardrobe Sliding Doors: Why Choose Built-In Sliding Wardrobe Doors<div style="text-align: justify;">1, They are easy to install, and any capable DIY person will be able to install them easily, or you can organise your own joiner to fit them, who should be able to fit them within a couple of hours.<br /><br />2, They are made-to-measure, which means they can fit virtually any nook and cranny in your home and can be designed to fit from floor to ceiling, making full use of every available inch of space, thus maximising storage.<br /><br />3, They come in a number of finishes, which means they can be designed to complement any style of home décor. Full panel doors will fit most traditional rooms,whereas the split panel doors with horizontal bars will give a more contemporary look and feel. You can also mix and match different finishes such as mirrored panels, coloured glass panels or wood panels, really whatever suits you and your personal taste.</div><a name='more'></a><br />4, They can be installed in damp areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, as long as careful consideration is given to the construction material i.e. using aluminium frames and glass / mirrored panels.<br /><br />5, They can be used in cramped areas because the doors don't open outwards but slide behind each other, and are therefore ideal for small or compact rooms, thus maximising the floor space in the room.<br /><br />6, Sliding wardrobe doors don't have to be just for bedrooms, they can be used in hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, in just about any space, or any room.<br /><br />7, Sliding wardrobe doors are best suited to fit between 2 walls but they can be fit into a corner of a room with the use of an end panel or they can be used free-standing with the use of an end panel on each end of the wardrobe.<br /><br />8, The interiors can be as bespoke as the doors, so if you require lots of shelving space for shoes or lots of full height hanging space, just design the storage that best suits your needs/requirements.<br /><br />9, Choosing mirrored panels can help create the sense of space in smaller rooms, making the room look and feel much bigger than it actually is. They are also great in bedrooms, providing full length mirrors for seeing yourself in.anjargarry 08http://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156321768559194noreply@blogger.com1