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The importance of proper door installation and why you should hire a professional

Doors play a crucial role in our homes, providing security, privacy, and insulation. However, improper door installation can lead to a host of problems, including air leaks, security vulnerabilities, and even damage to the door itself. In this blog, we'll take a look at the importance of proper door installation and why you should hire a professional.

Doors play a crucial role in our homes, providing security, privacy, and insulation. However, improper door installation can lead to a host of problems, including air leaks, security vulnerabilities, and even damage to the door itself. In this blog, we'll take a look at the importance of proper door installation and why you should hire a professional.

Safety and Security

One of the primary reasons to hire a professional for door installation is safety and security. A properly installed door can help protect your home from intruders and keep your family safe. A professional installer will ensure that the door is secure, with properly functioning locks and hinges, to prevent break-ins and keep your home safe.

Proper Fit and Functionality

A professional installer will ensure that your door fits properly and functions correctly. Improperly installed doors can stick, drag, or not close properly, causing frustration and inconvenience. A professional installer will take the time to ensure that the door fits snugly and opens and closes smoothly.

Energy Efficiency

Properly installed doors can improve your home's energy efficiency, reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint. A professional installer will ensure that the door is properly insulated and sealed, preventing air leaks and drafts that can drive up your energy bills. This can also improve the comfort of your home, as it will be better insulated against outdoor temperature fluctuations.

Avoiding Damage to the Door

Improper installation can cause damage to the door itself, reducing its lifespan and causing expensive repairs or replacement. A professional installer will take care to install the door correctly, preventing damage to the door, hinges, or frame.

Compliance with Building Regulations

Hiring a professional for door installation can ensure that your door complies with local building codes and regulations. This can be especially important if you are installing a fire door or other specialised type of door, where compliance with building codes is essential for safety.

Expert Knowledge and Experience

Professional installers have the knowledge and experience to install doors correctly, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring optimal performance. They will be able to advise you on the best type of door for your home, taking into account factors such as security, insulation, and aesthetic appeal.

Warranty Protection

Many door manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty protection. If you install the door yourself or hire an unlicensed contractor, you may void the warranty and be responsible for any repairs or replacements.

Time and Convenience

Installing a door yourself can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you lack the necessary tools and expertise. Hiring a professional installer can save you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your home improvement project.

In conclusion, proper door installation is essential to ensure safety, security, energy efficiency, and longevity. Hiring a professional door installer can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your door is installed correctly and functioning optimally. A professional installer will have the knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done right, saving you time and hassle while ensuring the best possible outcome. By investing in professional door installation, you can protect your home and family while enjoying the many benefits of a properly installed door.

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How to maintain and extend the lifespan of your doors

Doors are an essential component of any home, providing security, privacy, and insulation. However, they are subject to wear and tear, and over time, they may start to show signs of damage, such as squeaking, sticking, or warping. Proper maintenance is essential to keep your doors in good working condition and extend their lifespan. In this blog, we'll take a look at some tips on how to maintain and extend the lifespan of your doors.

Doors are an essential component of any home, providing security, privacy, and insulation. However, they are subject to wear and tear, and over time, they may start to show signs of damage, such as squeaking, sticking, or warping. Proper maintenance is essential to keep your doors in good working condition and extend their lifespan. In this blog, we'll take a look at some tips on how to maintain and extend the lifespan of your doors.

Regular Cleaning

The first step in maintaining your doors is to keep them clean. Regular cleaning can help remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate on your doors over time. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your doors, making sure to remove any excess water to prevent damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the surface of your doors.

Lubrication

Doors that creak or squeak when opening or closing may need lubrication. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinges, locks, and other moving parts to reduce friction and noise. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dust and dirt, making the problem worse.

Tighten Loose Screws and Hardware

Over time, screws and other hardware can become loose, causing your doors to rattle or not close properly. Tighten any loose screws and bolts to ensure a secure fit. If the screws are stripped, replace them with new ones of the same size and type.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a material used to seal gaps around doors and windows, preventing drafts and improving energy efficiency. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, reducing its effectiveness. Check your weatherstripping regularly and replace it if necessary.

Adjusting the Door

If your door is sticking, dragging, or not closing properly, it may need to be adjusted. Use a level to check the alignment of the door and adjust the hinges as necessary to ensure a smooth operation. If the problem persists, you may need to have a professional adjust the door.

Protecting Against Moisture

Moisture can damage your doors, causing warping, swelling, or rot. Protect your doors against moisture by installing a storm door, using a door sweep, or sealing gaps around the door frame. Avoid using a hose or pressure washer to clean your doors, as this can force water into the wood or other materials.

Protecting Against Sunlight

Sunlight can cause fading, discoloration, or other damage to your doors. Protect your doors against sunlight by installing a UV-protective film or using a door canopy or awning. Avoid painting your doors a dark color, as this can absorb more sunlight and cause more damage.

Preventing Damage from Pets

Pets can scratch or damage your doors, especially if they like to scratch or chew on them. Train your pets not to scratch or chew on the doors, and provide them with toys or other distractions to keep them occupied. If necessary, install a pet door to prevent damage to the main door.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections can help you identify potential problems before they become more serious. Check your doors regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or warping. Address any problems as soon as possible to prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your doors.

In conclusion, maintaining and extending the lifespan of your doors is essential to ensure their continued functionality and security. Regular cleaning, lubrication, tightening loose screws and hardware, weatherstripping, adjusting the door, protecting against moisture and sunlight, preventing damage from pets, and regular inspections are all key components of proper door maintenance. By following these tips, you can keep your doors in good working order.

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The benefits of upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency

One of the most significant contributors to high energy bills is inefficient doors. Older doors may have gaps, cracks, or other defects that allow air to leak in and out of your home, causing your heating or cooling system to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Upgrading your doors can help improve your home's energy efficiency, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. In this blog, we'll take a look at the benefits of upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency.

One of the most significant contributors to high energy bills is inefficient doors. Older doors may have gaps, cracks, or other defects that allow air to leak in and out of your home, causing your heating or cooling system to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Upgrading your doors can help improve your home's energy efficiency, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. In this blog, we'll take a look at the benefits of upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Reduced Energy Costs

One of the most significant benefits of upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency is reduced energy costs. By replacing old, inefficient doors with new, energy-efficient ones, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home. This can result in lower monthly utility bills, saving you money in the long run.

Improved Comfort

Upgrading your doors can also improve your home's comfort levels. Energy-efficient doors are designed to prevent drafts, ensuring that warm air stays in during the winter and cool air stays in during the summer. This can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, making your home more comfortable to live in.

Increased Property Value

Upgrading your doors can also increase the value of your property. Energy-efficient features are highly sought after by homebuyers, and investing in these features can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This can result in a higher resale value and a faster sale when you decide to put your home on the market.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

By upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency, you can also reduce your carbon footprint. When your heating or cooling system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, it uses less energy, reducing your home's overall energy consumption. This can help reduce your impact on the environment and promote sustainable living.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Upgrading your doors can also help improve your home's indoor air quality. Old doors may have cracks or gaps that allow dust, pollen, and other allergens to enter your home. Energy-efficient doors, on the other hand, are designed to prevent air leakage, ensuring that outdoor pollutants stay outside. This can help improve your home's air quality, making it a healthier place to live.

Noise Reduction

Energy-efficient doors can also help reduce noise pollution in your home. The insulation in these doors is designed to absorb sound waves, preventing noise from entering your home from outside. This can be particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy area or near a busy road.

Long-Term Savings

Finally, upgrading your doors can result in long-term savings. Energy-efficient doors are designed to last longer than traditional doors, meaning you won't have to replace them as often. Additionally, the money you save on your monthly utility bills can add up over time, resulting in significant savings in the long run.

Wide Ranging Benefits

In conclusion, upgrading your doors to improve your home's energy efficiency can provide a wide range of benefits, including reduced energy costs, improved comfort, increased property value, reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, noise reduction, and long-term savings. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills, improve your home's comfort levels, and promote sustainable living, upgrading your doors is an excellent place to start.

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A beginner's guide to choosing the right doors for your home

Choosing the right doors for your home can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the various types and styles available. However, the right doors can make a significant difference in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and security. In this beginner's guide, we'll take a look at some essential factors to consider when choosing the right doors for your home.

Choosing the right doors for your home can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the various types and styles available. However, the right doors can make a significant difference in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and security. In this beginner's guide, we'll take a look at some essential factors to consider when choosing the right doors for your home.

Material

Doors can be made from various materials, including wood, steel, fibreglass, and uPVC. Each material has its pros and cons, and the choice you make will depend on your preferences, budget, and home's style. Wooden doors are classic and traditional, while steel and fibreglass doors offer more security and durability. uPVC doors are low maintenance and cost-effective.

Style

Doors come in various styles, including panelled, glazed, French, sliding, bi-fold, and stable. The style you choose will depend on your preferences, the home's architectural style, and the function of the room. For example, panelled doors are perfect for traditional homes, while bi-fold doors are ideal for modern homes with large openings.

Size

The size of the door is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right doors for your home. Measure the door opening before making any purchase to ensure that you get the right size. Standard door sizes are typically 2 feet 6 inches or 3 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches or 7 feet tall. However, some doors can be customised to fit your specific needs.

Security

Security is a crucial factor to consider when choosing doors for your home. Ensure that the doors you choose have robust locks and are made from durable materials that can withstand forced entry. Look for doors that have been tested and certified by third-party organisations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) or Secured by Design (SBD). These organisations provide a certification that proves the doors have been rigorously tested and meet the required security standards.

Energy Efficiency

Doors can significantly affect your home's energy efficiency, and it's essential to choose doors that will help you save on your energy bills. Look for doors that have been rated by the Energy Saving Trust, which rates doors based on their energy efficiency. Energy-efficient doors are designed to minimise heat loss and prevent cold drafts from entering your home.

Maintenance

The amount of maintenance required for your doors will depend on the material you choose. Wooden doors require regular painting or staining to maintain their appearance and prevent rotting. Steel and fibreglass doors are low maintenance and require minimal upkeep. uPVC doors are also low maintenance and only need occasional cleaning to keep them looking their best.

Sound Insulation

Doors can significantly affect the noise levels in your home. If you live in a noisy area or have noisy neighbours, you may want to consider doors with excellent sound insulation properties. Look for doors with thick insulation or those that have been rated for their sound insulation properties.

Fire Resistance

Fire safety is crucial when it comes to choosing doors for your home. Look for doors that have been rated for their fire resistance properties, especially if you have a multi-story home. Fire-resistant doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving you and your family more time to escape in case of a fire.

Style Consistency

Ensure that the doors you choose complement the overall style of your home. Choosing doors that clash with the rest of your home's décor can be an eyesore and detract from your home's overall beauty.

Professional Installation

Finally, it's essential to have your doors installed by a professional. Proper installation is crucial to ensuring that your doors function correctly and provide the security and energy efficiency you need. Professional installers have the experience and tools needed to install your doors correctly, so they work as they should.

Choosing the Right Doors

Choosing the right doors for your home can significantly affect your home's appearance, functionality, and security. Consider factors such as material, style, size, security, energy efficiency, maintenance, sound insulation, fire resistance, style consistency, and professional installation when making your choice. Taking the time to choose the right doors can make a significant difference in the long run, both in terms of your home's value and your overall satisfaction.

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Top 10 most popular door styles for homes in the UK

Doors play a significant role in shaping the aesthetic and functional appeal of a home. Not only do they provide entry and exit points, but they also serve as a way to add style and character to a property. In the UK, there are several popular door styles that have remained in demand over the years. In this blog, we'll take a look at the top 10 most popular door styles for homes in the UK and what makes them so appealing.

Panelled Doors

Panelled doors are a classic design that is commonly found in traditional UK homes. They consist of multiple rectangular or square panels that are framed by a wooden or uPVC border. Panelled doors are versatile and come in various styles, including two, four, and six-panel configurations. They can be stained or painted to match the home's décor, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a timeless look.

Glazed Doors

Glazed doors are a beautiful option that allows natural light to enter the home while maintaining privacy. They feature one or more panels of glass framed by uPVC or wooden borders. These doors are popular in modern homes and are available in several styles, including French doors, sliding doors, and bi-fold doors.

Stable Doors

Stable doors are a traditional option that is perfect for country-style homes. They consist of two halves that open independently, allowing homeowners to enjoy fresh air while keeping pets and children inside. Stable doors are popular in kitchens and living areas, where they add a cosy and rustic charm.

Composite Doors

Composite doors are an excellent choice for homeowners who want the look of traditional wooden doors without the maintenance. They consist of a wooden core encased in a durable outer layer of uPVC or fibreglass. Composite doors are available in various styles and colours, making them a popular choice for modern and traditional homes alike.

French Doors

French doors are a classic style that is popular in homes with large openings. They consist of two doors that open outwards or inwards, providing a wide entrance to the garden or patio area. French doors are available in various materials, including uPVC, wood, and aluminium, making them a versatile option for homeowners.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are a modern option that is becoming increasingly popular in UK homes. They consist of several panels that fold back against each other to create a wide opening to the garden or patio area. Bi-fold doors are available in various materials, including uPVC, aluminium, and timber, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a contemporary look.

Dutch Doors

Dutch doors are a charming option that is perfect for homes with a cottage-style aesthetic. They consist of two halves that open independently, allowing for ventilation while maintaining privacy. Dutch doors are available in various materials, including uPVC and timber, making them a versatile option for homeowners.

Pivot Doors

Pivot doors are a modern option that is perfect for contemporary homes. They feature a unique opening mechanism that allows them to pivot on a central axis, creating a wide entrance to the home. Pivot doors are available in various materials, including timber, glass, and aluminium, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a sleek and modern look.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a space-saving option that is perfect for small homes and apartments. They consist of a sliding door that disappears into a wall cavity when opened, creating more floor space. Pocket doors are available in various materials, including uPVC and timber, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a minimalist look.

Fire Doors

Fire doors are a safety feature that is required in most homes in the UK. They are designed to withstand fire and smoke for a specific amount of time, providing a barrier between spaces in a building.

Find the Right Door

You can explore the range of doors on our website or get in touch with our expert team if you have any questions. We have an extensive range of interior doors and exterior doors so we’re sure we’ll have something that’s perfect for you.

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Choosing Door Furniture For Your Front Door

An investment in your front door is just the beginning of making sure the front of your house looks amazing. Remember how important first impressions are when it comes to the front entrance of your home. If you ever choose to sell your home in the future, then those all-important first few minutes could make all the difference to a sale. It also provides a warm welcome to guests who enter your home for the first time.

An investment in your front door is just the beginning of making sure the front of your house looks amazing. Remember how important first impressions are when it comes to the front entrance of your home. If you ever choose to sell your home in the future, then those all-important first few minutes could make all the difference to a sale. It also provides a warm welcome to guests who enter your home for the first time. 

Here our main focus is on the door furniture of your front door. What type of things are we talking about? 

Door furniture matters.

Well, we’re looking at door handles, keyhole covers, doorbells, letter plates, and door knockers. You may not decide to have all of them, but they all carry their own charm.

Letter plates.

Plates should always match everything else as well as your front door. This is a prominent feature and should be a good match in terms of style and colour.

Door knockers.

These should be in the centre of your door and again match everything else. It should, however, stand out against the colours you have on your door so it is prominently seen. If your property is quite modern, then a more sleek, minimalist look might be best, while a more traditionally classic choice should be something such as a Lion’s Head or more antique design in black, gold or brass. 

Who’s that ringing at the door?

Doorbells can be difficult to install depending on the complexity of the design. A wired doorbell will need someone professional or knowledgeable enough to install it so there are no issues in making it work. Wired is a long-term solution that requires little in the way of maintenance once you do have it installed correctly. And it works well with most doors, while a battery-powered one, will require constant battery changes during its lifetime. 

Handles or knobs - consider the style of your property.

Whether or not to have door handles or knobs really depends on the style of the door and your personal taste. Try to consider what will look best on your door and the rest of the property. Again, we’re looking at either modern or classic and what will look best and which is reflective of the era it’s from. Your door could be very modern or it could be emulating Regency, Georgian or Victorian styles. Consider these things when choosing a door handle or knob and take your time. 

The Replacement Door Company - Front Doors and Internal Doors Supplied & Installed

If you’re looking for a new front door, please take a look around our website at our versatile choice of doors. There’s a door for every taste, and if you have any questions about what we’ve discussed here do contact us, we’re always happy to help.

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Is Buying a New Front Door a Good Investment?

If you’ve had the same doors for quite some time, then a new front door will be a worthwhile investment. Doors suffer wear and tear over the years, especially when exposed to the elements, and this applies as much to back doors as to the front of course, although our focus today is on front doors.

If you’ve had the same doors for quite some time, then a new front door will be a worthwhile investment. Doors suffer wear and tear over the years, especially when exposed to the elements, and this applies as much to back doors as to the front of course, although our focus today is on front doors.

Warping, cracking and replacing.

Front doors can change shape due to warping and cracking, they can start to feel loose or you may have difficulty closing them, this means that they are definitely in need of replacing. In terms of your security and peace of mind then, a new front door is always a good investment.

Increasing the property value on your home.

A new front door will add value to your home, and we’re all familiar with curb appeal and how much it matters when you’re ready to sell your property. We know that first impressions count because the front of your house is the first thing people see, so with this in mind, from the aesthetic perspective, a new front door can do wonders for your property’s value.

Security, insulation and noise.

As well as the beautiful impact a new front door can have, we must also take other factors into consideration when choosing one. There is security to think about, and whether your door can withstand a potential break-in and the power and force of the elements. Then with insulation, a well-made door will be able to withstand both cold and heat, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Then sound insulation - this is especially important if you live on a busy road.

Materials, aesthetic appeal and the illusion of space and light.

Materials to consider are important, wood is naturally going to be a material you find yourself drawn to for numerous reasons, first and foremost its intrinsic beauty - it’s such a classic choice but works well with both classic structures and modern builds.

There are many different kinds of wood and grains to choose from and the designs can be customized with panels and glass inserts to allow light in and give the illusion of space, and to generally make them more interesting to look at. There are limitless possibilities as you can imagine.

Security and avoiding break-ins.

We mentioned security earlier on and we return to it now. We can only hope we do not experience the heartache of a burglary, knowing the heartache it causes. This is devastating enough, and then the weather can bring doors and trees down wreaking havoc in its wake. Therefore, it pays to have a secure front door made from quality materials. Make sure it fits snugly on to the door frame and check that any glass inserts you do have don’t compromise your security, frosted or bevelled glass may be a better option.

Noise reduction and absorbing sound.

This is so important too and an important consideration if you live on a busy road with the background noise of traffic to contend with on a daily basis. A good quality door can shut a lot of this out giving you a little peace and relief from the outside world.

Keeping warm and staying cool and keeping those energy bills down.

Doors with the right amount of insulation secreted within its panels will help keep cold out in winter and keep your home cool during the warmer spells in summer. This could help save on energy bills, something that is on all our minds at the moment.

Locks, space and closing and opening your door.

Some other factors to consider when choosing a new front door are space, making sure there's enough room for it to open and shut. Also think about making sure any locks on your new front doors are the right ones and that they shut securely and smoothly. Finally, as we've seen, choosing a new front door is definitely a worthwhile investment. The choices however, can be daunting in terms of materials, functionality and design.

The Replacement Door Company for an impressive choice of quality doors.

Fortunately, you have us here at The Replacement Door Company. We’re here to help you make the right choices for your personal taste and the needs of your home. Why not take a look at our impressive range of front doors and if you decide you need some help don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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A Guide to Glass For Glazed Doors

A section of glazed glass on a door can be a really attractive addition to a home and add value to your property as part of the fixtures and fittings. It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to carefully choose your glazed doors so you have a good fit. By making an educated choice on what’s right for your home you will have a beautifully constructed door that allows light into your home, creating the illusion of space and making the hallway and foyer brighter.

A section of glazed glass on a door can be a really attractive addition to a home and add value to your property as part of the fixtures and fittings. It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to carefully choose your glazed doors so you have a good fit. By making an educated choice on what’s right for your home you will have a beautifully constructed door that allows light into your home, creating the illusion of space and making the hallway and foyer brighter.

Here at The Replacement Door Company, we have a range of both internal and external glazed doors made from quality materials. So, if you’re looking to light up rooms inside your home as well as the hallway, internal glazed doors are a really great option too. We always offer our customers plenty of choices, so you can find doors that fit both your home and personal taste.

All the advantages of glazed doors

You will see glazed doors going back hundreds of years and their style has evolved over the centuries to a more modern lighter form of double glazing you see today on contemporary doors. Double glazing is where two panes of glass are brought together with air between them. It’s great for insulation which you won’t get with single glass.

There are different types of glazed glass available. Doors will often come with it already installed. Some doors will come without glass, but they’ll be prepared for glazed glass. The advantage of this is that you can choose the glazing you prefer without having it already installed.

There are different types of glazing and we’ve chosen the most popular -

Triple glazed glass

This consists of pieces of bevelled or coloured glass which are then soldered to each other and placed between another two pieces of safety glass. As you can imagine they offer great insulation and are very easy to clean.

Clear toughened glass

This is safe and tough and goes through a specific type of treatment process. It gives maximum strength and thermal protection as opposed to more conventional glass. When broken it simply breaks into smaller chunks which won’t splinter and cause cuts and abrasions. Because it’s tough, it’s harder to break from the outside should you decide to have an exterior door. It’s even tougher and stronger if you have a double-glazed version.

Slender fit glass

This consists of thin panes with small spaces in between, to make them this narrow a special coating is placed on the inside of the glazed parts to reflect heat back into a room and help you to keep the inside of any room warm during the colder weather.

Clear Bevelled Toughened Glass

This comes with an angled surface. This is cut around the edge of the glass so it has a really characteristic look. It gives the impact of a prism but it’s also tough and shatters in a similar way to clear toughened glass, so there’s less chance of serious injury should it be broken.

Toughened sandblasted glazed glass.

This is also referred to as “etched glass” and gives you some privacy because it’s been obscured, which is great if you’re using it on an external door. This dates back to the Victorian period and it's a type of glass steeped in tradition and personality.

Patterned toughened glass

This obviously comes with a pattern. It has a degree of opaqueness so people can't see if it's going in an external door. There are some beautiful designs and they can definitely add something special to any door. If you're looking for something more elaborate or unusual then this type of glass is definitely something worthy of consideration.

The Replacement Door Company - Quality Doors That Last.

If you have any questions about what we’ve talked about here then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at The Replacement Door Company, we’re always happy to help. We have such an impressive and versatile range of glazed doors as well as unglazed doors in a variety of different woods and composite materials that we know you’re always going to find something you like.

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How to Fix a Squeaky or Stiff Door

If you’ve ever had a squeaky door then you’ll know what an absolute pain it can be. There's noise, irritation and the amount of time it takes to work out what’s causing the problem. A week goes by before you realise it's actually the door that’s causing the squeak!

If you’ve ever had a squeaky door then you’ll know what an absolute pain it can be. There's noise, irritation and the amount of time it takes to work out what’s causing the problem. A week goes by before you realise it's actually the door that’s causing the squeak!

Once you know, the question is, how do you stop it? Squeaky doors are usually caused by a few things that can be fixed. It could be an ageing door that’s become stiff and difficult to open and close, or poorly fitted hinges or frames. These things can happen with both external and internal doors.

The good news is that there are solutions out there to stop doors from squeaking, short of replacing them. That’s not always necessary because a squeak can be rendered silent if you know what to do. There are various reasons why your door is starting to squeak and we’re going to be going through some of them below.

Hinges.

Sometimes the hinges may have started to bend with age and use. If the metal hinges are rubbing them you’ll start to hear a noise each time the door is opened or closed. If the door is quite heavy then it may have bent the hinges. Or it could be that someone or something has been placing excessive weight over the door. This can cause the hinges to buckle, which then makes them start rubbing against each other.

 Take the hinges off the door so you can have a good look, it’ll become immediately obvious if the hinges are bent and out of shape. If they are, then it’s likely they’ll need replacing. Keep in mind that here at The Replacement Door Company we have a versatile range of doors that suit all decors and themes. And door hinges can be purchased at any good hardware store.

 Sediments anyone?

Is there sediment in your door hinges? This is largely due to friction, and a build-up occurs from a combination of dirt or dust. It could also be down to a lack of lubrication within the hinges and the door itself. Again, take the hinges off and replace them. You could also add an industrial lubricant like WD40. This is available in all good hardware stores, and it can be applied between the hinge pin and the hinge itself. The friction should be severely reduced - so send that squeak into retirement!

 Friction caused by the door frame. 

Your door could be rubbing against the door frame itself. This can be due to either sagging or movement of the door frame over time. It could be that you’ve recently painted the door, and the gap between frame and door is now smaller, causing a rub.

The solution for this is to look for where you think the rub is occurring. If it’s at the top then the top hinge may need reinstallation with the hinges fixed higher up. What can happen is that the walls themselves can alter and move over the course of many years. So it may be that your current door simply isn't a good fit anymore as a result. Take a look around The Replacement Door Company’s range of doors. It’s likely you’ll need to replace your door with a new one.

Stiff or sticky doors.

If you have doors that are either sticky or stiff then it could be that you forgot to sand them when you installed them. Or it could be that you moved into the house with pre-existing doors, but the previous owner forgot to sand them. It’s important to re-sand a door if you’ve repainted either the door, frame or both. If it’s a new door it may need sanding before it’s a perfect fit.

Simply make sure you sand down all edges before refitting and re-painting as this will remove the previous layer of paint. Layers of old paint will make the door a slightly thicker fit onto the frame.

Is the door poorly installed perhaps?

If this is the case then possible the cause could be that the hinges aren’t fitted correctly. Maybe the wrong screws were used or the frame isn’t as level as it should be. In this case, it may be best to get a professional opinion and get someone to reinstall the frame or door.

Temperature changes possibly?

When the weather changes your doors can expand and shrink and this can cause warping and wedging. This can happen to both external and internal doors.

If this has happened to your door then take the door off the hinges and frame and sand down the edges. Once the weather changes and it starts to expand again, there'll be enough room for the door to stretch.

The Replacement Door Company - for an exciting range of both external and internal doors

So now you have some hints and tips for repairing your stiff or squeaky doors. Are you looking for replacement doors? Then our range of both classic, traditional and minimalist doors might be the answer - take a look around. We have a range of different designs across the board that will suit any home here on our website.

You can browse our doors at your leisure and then visit our showroom. Once you’re happy with your choices, you can book a suitable time and we’ll come and fit the door! That’s all there is to it. Just take a look around.

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A Guide to Installing Interior Doors

Worried about how you’re going to install your interior door? Well, fear no more, because here at The Replacement Door Company we have a simple guide which we think will help you. If you’re already a DIY convert, then this won’t be too hard, but many of us will need that bit extra guidance to help us if we’re not familiar with the task of installing an interior door to the frame. What you won’t want is a door that simply doesn’t fit properly, makes noises when you open and close it, and squeaks and gets stuck whenever you’re closing it.

Worried about how you’re going to install your interior door? Well, fear no more, because here at The Replacement Door Company we have a simple guide which we think will help you. If you’re already a DIY convert, then this won’t be too hard, but many of us will need that bit extra guidance to help us if we’re not familiar with the task of installing an interior door to the frame. What you won’t want is a door that simply doesn’t fit properly, makes noises when you open and close it, and squeaks and gets stuck whenever you’re closing it.

Measurements.

It’s important to get a correct measurement because this will help you choose a door that’s easier to fit and will ultimately look much better. A simple tape measure will suffice but make sure it’s secure while you take down the sizing.

Trimming your internal door.

You may stil have to trim your door to get it the right size even after measuring, it can easily happen and isn’t necessarily your fault for getting the measurements wrong. The best tools for this job are usually as simple as using a wood plane, hand saw, tape to measure and a pencil. That way you can shave off a little of the wood without taking too large a chunk away.

It’s usually best ot have at least 2mm available on either side of the door, and the top of it as well, so you have room to manouevre when it comes to sizing it up. This means that if you do have to get the wood plane out, you have plenty of door still left once you’ve trimmed it! Always sand it down after you’ve finished trimming.

Finish your newly fitted internal door.

Giving your door a nice finish is a great way to complete the door fitting, leaving your door with a glossy look. Before you apply anything make sure your door is bone dry first. Any residual film, grease or wetness is going to need to dry out before you add any gloss or finish. 

There’s a range of finishes out there for different types of doors.

There are several finishes to choose from including stain, paint, varnish, oil, wax, lacquer and natural. You can choose from some really well-known hardwax oils like Treatex or Osmo for internal doors, and for external doors you could try Osmo again or possibly Impranol. 

Hinge to frame.

Installing hinges can be tricky, but as long as you’re careful and don’t resort to impulsive purchases, it shouldnt be too difficult. Always check that any hinges you’re thinking of purchasing are the right fit for the door frame. Mark where the new hinges of the doors will go for a smoother fit. Screw in the hinges where you see the marks. 

Hinge to door.

When you’re fitting the hinge to the door make sure you’ve got your measurements done correctly and then install the hinges to the door. Attach them to the top, bottom and middle part of the door, so they’ll be stable. Open the door at right angles to position the hinges, and use a chisel to cut out where the markings are. 

Different doors for different styles.

The doors you install can be anything from french, glazed to bifold, amongst other types. As you will no doubt know, the process for each of these doors may be slightly different, although in the main it will more or less follow the same process. 

It won’t always be quite the same with differently designed doors, but you can be sure that most of it will be pretty much the same. You’ll find that what we’ve talked about today on a generalist level will apply to most doors and frames. However, you may not feel like you want to install your own doors and you can always get someone else, preferably a paid professional, or someone with prior experience to do it for you. 

Don’t take your internal doors for granted.

It’s definitely worth all the hard work and all the time it took to choose a set of internal doors or just one as a replacement. Doors make such a difference to a home, they’re not just there to open and close a room. They offer insulation, security, noise reduction and draft exclusion. They can give an entire floor a really glossy and sophisticated symmetrical look that can make a dramatic difference. 

The Replacement Door Company - for quality internal and external doors.

If you have any questions about what we’ve spoken about here get in touch with us here at The Replacement Door Company and one of our team will talk you through it. We have a comprehensive range of both internal doors and external doors so you’ll find something to suit your property if you’re looking to buy a new set or even just the one. Your search for a quality door is over!

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