January 15th, 2010 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Scott Wells asked:


When you decide its time to replace your doors there is one question which crops up time after time and that is. Why should I choose UPVC doors are they really any better? Well whether you are looking to replace your front door, back door, French doors, Patio doors in fact any doors at all then with UPVC doors you will benefit from more features and better security compared to more traditional types of doors such as wooden doors.

Over the past twenty years there have been some great improvements in UPVC technology and the benefits offered by UPVC doors are vast. One of the most obvious and popular benefits is that they are very low maintenance, rather than with traditional wooden doors where they need to be treated every couple of years to prevent them from rotting UPVC doors require very little maintenance. Just a quick wipe with a damp cloth from time to time will more than suffice and keep them looking as good as new. They are also very durable and hard wearing. The emerging saving benefits are great they will help to keep the heat within your house helping to lower your gas and electricity bills and reduce your carbon foot print. As the vast majority of UPVC doors are either solid or have double glazes windows in them they are also great at keeping the outside noise out.

UPVC doors come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles and can be used for a variety of purposes. UPVC Doors make fantastic front doors and back doors not only because of all the benefits mentioned above but also because they are available in such a range of styles. You can choose between either a solid door or a glazed door. Plain glass or stained glass. The range of colours available is vast from traditional white to wood effect to solid colours such as red or black. There is also wide range of door furniture available to match including letter boxes, door knockers and door handles these come in a range of colours and styles so you can design your own unique door to fit in with the style of your home.

UPVC doors also make fabulous patio doors. Whether its time to replace an existing set of patio doors or your are remodelling your house and think that adding patio doors would help to open up your house and let natural light flood in then UPVC patio doors are a great option. UPVC patio doors run on state of the art steel runners which make them virtually effortless to open and close. The unique design of patio doors means the one panel slides in front of the other. Meaning you can have a very large opening without losing any space within your home. UPVC patio doors can be made to virtually any specification so you are bound to find some to fit in with your needs.



If you are interested in new UPVC doors for you home it is important that you take the time to do your research. Start of by looking on the internet and find out what is available in your local area. Visit a couple of showrooms and make sure that you get a variety of quotes from different companies to ensure you get the best deal for you.



Metal Kitchen Cabinets
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Has your kitty ever slammed his fuzzy little head against a window or patio door?

January 15th, 2010 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Blossomo asked:


My boy cat has - in his excitement to chase down a marauding bird, trespassing cat, dog walkers, or (hissss!) a scary opossum, he has forgotten that glass is vertical barrier through which he cannot pass.

The resounding “KLUNK” is sometimes quite dramatic. He wobbles, then tries to play it off nonchalantly like “Whut? Nothing to see here, move along…”
No worries - he has NEVER cut himself or knocked himself out, and if it were repeated behavior, you can bet I would cat-proof the door.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

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January 8th, 2010 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Johnathan Gerber asked:


When it comes to purchasing accessories for your patio, or more specifically your patio door, a standard rule of thumb is not to proceed if just one party benefits from it. The accessory simply needs to have universal appeal and use. Particularly in the current economic climate, folks are looking for ways to be financially prudent in their spending patterns - no use to therefore buy unnecessary fixtures that will have little benefit. Patio dog doors are a worthwhile buy.

They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. I tend to agree. The least you can do for your best friend is to allow him freedom of movement. Having to constantly open the patio door for your dog whilst you and your guests are relaxing outside is a source of annoyance. If your dog had feelings, I’m sure he would have felt the same!! A patio dog door gives your dog this freedom of movement and you the benefit of less movement! 

The market offers a range of interesting designs. Arguably the most popular remains the panel pet door which is installed on your sliding door tracks. They are generally available in temporary and permanent fixtures and require very little installation effort. Can I hear that sigh of relief from the ‘DIY challenged?

Security concerns are also now a thing of the past. Some very cutting edge, high-tech designs have been introduced in recent years, which counters any security risk a patio dog door may have posed in the past. One very neat function is pet doors that have automated security locks installed. These unlock when your dog is in the vicinity because of a security key attached to his color.

A Couple of things to keeping in mind when you select a suitable patio dog door:

Measure your dog

A Simple thing, but often overlooked. The fact is that a St Bernard will require a different size door as opposed to a small French poodle. It’s best to therefore physically measure your dog’s height and width before deciding on which dog door you’ll be purchasing.

Aesthetic value & Quality

A Wooden panel will not fit with a fiberglass patio doorframe. Not only will this normally create an installation nightmare, but will also look odd. Although a patio dog door is not considered a foremost tool in your decorating efforts, they should at least blend in with the surroundings.

I have always maintained that a vote for quality is a great idea. If your dog is going to use the door often, make sure you buy a product that will withstand years of wear and tear. No use saving a buck now for a flimsy panel which will break in a few months and prompt you to spend money again!

Follow these two quick steps and you’ll be well on your way on choosing the perfect patio dog door for your outdoor area.



Goodman Gas Furnace
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How can I block morning light on a patio door, on the East?

December 28th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
sapiens asked:


This is our bedroom and at 5 in the morning in summertime, the light shines in our eyes. Is there a lining that would block the light?

Daiwa Fishing Reels
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Is there an easy way to change my sliding glass patio door with outside slider to an inside slider?

December 28th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Chris M asked:


My old sliding glass patio door slides to the outside instead of the inside, which of coarse limits my extra security options. I’ve also read that they are easy to lift off the track and break into from the outside with this type of install. Is there a way to switch this around without too much troubleshooting? I’m an average handyman at best. Or should I think about a replacement? And if a replacement is the answer, what would be more secure: French or sliding patio door? Thanks

Coffee Vending Machines
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what is the most efficient style of patio door?

December 20th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
michelliosis asked:


Assuming we’re comparing doors of the same material, manufacture quality, same type/# of panes of glass etc etc -
which style allows the least amount of cold air in in winter — sliding doors, french, single opening patio door?

Troubleshooting Trane Heat Pumps
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If my current patio sliding door alllows road noise & slight cold air, will a new sliding door eliminate this?

December 16th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Dinosaur asked:


The home was built in 1997, it has the original sliding door. we live next to a small highway that has cars passing every 2-3 minutes.

Pet Cpr Training
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Where can I find privacy screen for a patio door? ?

December 14th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Beatnik asked:


I want to see out but not let people see in. Doesn’t have to be 100%, just enough so a person who casually walks by my patio door won’t see me inside.

Ande Fishing Rods
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How do I replace the glass in a patio door?

December 14th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Sunnyone asked:


Just the outside pane shattered so I don’t want to replace it all. I’m looking for the cheapest & easiest solution. thanks!

Rheem Gas Furnace
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December 9th, 2009 | Posted in patios   Comments Off
Ellen Bell asked:


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.



Scented Floating Candles
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