Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door – Home-Improvement
Removing Your Old Sliding Glass Door
Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding glass door so you can order the vinyl replacement door. This week I am going to go over the steps required to remove the old sliding door before installing the new door.First, you have to remove the sliding panel and the stationary panel. The vast majority of doors out there have the sliding panel on the inside half of the track, and the stationary panel is on the outside. Whatever the case in your particular door, the outside panel has to come out first. To remove the fixed panel, you need to remove the sill cap that snaps into the bottom track and runs from the fixed panel to the side jamb where the sliding panel locks. Force a screwdriver into the crease and pry the cap up. Then, look for screws on the inside side jamb holding the fixed panel in place. These screws prevent someone from prying up the sill cap and pulling out the fixed panel in order to gain entry into the home. In addition to the side jamb, be sure to check across the top header and bottom track for screws there as well. Once all the screws have been removed, you need to pull the fixed panel away from the side jamb. You can start by simply grabbing the side rail of the fixed panel and pulling as hard as you can. If you're lucky, the panel will pop free. Then you can lift the panel up as far as it will go into the top channel and swing the bottom away from the track, and remove the panel.Now, I said "if you're lucky", because in most cases the panel will be stuck in the side jamb, the bottom track, or both. Usually, you're going to have to use a pry bar to loosen the fixed panel before it will slide out of the side jamb. Once the fixed panel is out, removal of the sliding panel is usually easier. Just lift up and swing the bottom away from the track, then remove the panel. Sometimes the bottom rollers will prevent the bottom from swinging out of the track. If that's the case, you will need to find the roller adjustment hole in the bottom corners of the sliding panel. Put a screwdriver into this hole and turn the screw counterclockwise to bring the roller as far up into the bottom of the sliding panel as possible. This should allow the slider to come out.Now, you want to remove all the screws from the side jambs, top header, and bottom track. Then, take a pry bar and get it under the bottom track about in the center. Pry up until the track is separated from the floor. The next step will depend on whether your old frame is nailed to the house frame, or simply screwed in. If it's screwed in, then the frame should now be loose in the opening, since you removed all of the screws. You just need to remove whatever inside trim there might be around the door frame. This type of frame should come out. If your door is nailed to the house frame, you will have to do a bit more work. Use a hacksaw to cut the track in half, approximately in the center. Start with either half and raise the cut piece up towards the side jamb until the the track piece separates from the side jamb. Do the same thing to the other half.So, now you have to remove the side jambs. You want to do this without damaging the exterior material that surrounds the door frame. Take a heavy chisel and pound it into the crack between the frame and exterior material, whether it's stucco, siding, etc. Start at the bottom 6 inches first. What you are trying to do is pull the nail fin away from the nails holding it in place. So, once the chisel is pounded through the metal frame, pry away from the side wall. The heavier and longer the chisel, the more leverage you will have. You will hear the frame "pop" free of the nail. There will be several nails holding each jamb in place, so you want to start at the bottom and work your way to the top corner. Once you get the bottom third loose, many times you can grab the jamb with both hands and pull the rest of the nails free as you go up. When you get to the top corner, work the jamb free. Do both jambs, then do the top. Sometimes the top has no nails, or just one in the center, so it will come down pretty easily. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when doing this job, especially when removing the top header.At this point you are ready to install the new door. The installation procedure is slightly different, depending on whether you're installing a retrofit style frame or a replacement frame. We will discuss both procedures next week.John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories – Home-Improvement
An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom
and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories work to
provide a lovely transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings abutting the
home. In this article we look at the thee main types of materials used for conservatories ? pvcu,
aluminum and hardwood.
PVCu
Through the years, many different types of materials have been utilized in the construction of conservatories. Stone, brick and wood have all been popular materials and widely used in the construction of elegant and functional conservatories down through the past three centuries. In recent years, aluminum has become widely used in the construction of conservatories. Most recently, a substance which has become known as PVCu has been widely used in the construction
of conservatories throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
In considering this article, one might wonder about the composition of PVCu. "PVC" stands for "Poly Vinyl Chloride." Poly Vinyl Chloride is a chemical compound consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The "u" appended at the end of the moniker stands for "unplasticised" or "unmodified." In layman's terms, this means that the material or product has not been injected with additional chemicals called plasticizers. Plasticizers are designed to soften materials. PVCu is derived essentially from petroleum or natural gas and common salt. Most PVCu systems are reinforced with aluminum.
As mentioned in this article, PVCu has become the most popular choice of construction material for conservatories in the U.K. and elsewhere today. One of primary reasons that PVCu
conservatories have become so popular is because of its relatively inexpensive cost. The use of PVCu in the construction of conservatories have made these home additions more affordable and more available to families across the U.K. and the world over.
Additionally, PVCu has proven to be a very good insulator. Through the use of PVCu, a home owner is able to lower the energy costs associated with a conservatory.
PVCu is crafted to look like authentic wood such as mahogany or oak. Additionally, a flat white coloration is popular with conservatory owners.
PVCu conservatories are easy to maintain. Additionally, PVCu is very durable and a long lasting material that will bring the pleasures of the conservatory to future generations.
Aluminum
Practicality has followed the advancement and utilization of conservatories through the years. In recent times, more and more men and women who are considering including
conservatories in their overall home design have become most concerned with quality construction at a reasonable price. As a consequence, aluminum conservatories have come into vogue.
Aluminum conservatories can be constructed at a reasonable -- really, at a low -- cost. The costs associated with creating
the aluminum components are not particularly high in the first instance. Indeed, most people who are interested in including a conservatory as a part of their primary residence have found the expenses associated with crafting and creating an aluminum conservatory to be most reasonable.
For the most part, aluminum conservatories are also completely versatile and durable in the construct. In the 21st century it is remarkable easy to find a person or a company that can readily construct a versatile and durable aluminum conservatory. With little direction, a person or family interested in constructing a beautiful and durable aluminum conservatory can find ready resources not only on the World Wide Web and the Internet but through the local home builders
association.
By working with the most reliable people in the task of designing and ultimately crafting an aluminum conservatory, a person or group of people will end up creating a spectacular addition to the home that will solidly stand the test of time.
Hardwood
Through the years, architects have made many different takes on the form and substance of the conservatory. Indeed, stone and glass was a popular combination for early conservatory construction. During the Georgian period in the United Kingdom, brickwork became a popular alternative for many conservatories attached to the finest manses of the day. All along, however, hardwood conservatories have been fashionable edifices.
There are a number of merits to utilizing hardwood in the construction of conservatories. Of course, the primary aim of a conservatory is to provide a lovely transitional space between the cloister of the residence and the openness and splendor of the out of doors. Nothing contributes quite as well to the overall design concept and beauty of a conservatory than the use of hardwood in its construction.
In recent years, a good deal of conservatory construction has relied upon metals, principally aluminum, in the building process. While there are, of course, many benefits to using such materials in the construction of a conservatory, for the purist, nothing is more appropriate than hardwood. As mentioned, hardwood keeps with the intent behind the creation of a conservatory space in the first instance.
The construction of a conservatory itself utilizing superior hardwood remains a relatively easy process. Perhaps the most complicated method of fashioning a conservatory is with stone and rock. However, through the use of hardwood, a builder or homeowner can achieve the same sense of natural balance without the laborious processes involved in stonework and the like.
Nearly any contractor adept at residential construction will be able to undertake the tasks necessary to create a lovely and lasting hardwood conservatory. Indeed, architects and designers tend to favor hardwood in the construction of a conservatory because it allows them a greater degree of latitude and flexibility in their own creative efforts.
Maintenance of hardwood conservatories is not an awesome task. Provided the owner ensures that the wood itself is properly coated with sealants throughout the year, the general maintenance associated with a hardwood conservatory is virtually nil.
As a final notation, properly constructed, a hardwood conservatory will be treasured space in any residence for generations to come. Indeed, properly constructed and appropriately maintained, a hardwood conservatory's native beauty actually will be enhanced through the years.
Garry John is a regular contributor to uk home improvement websites such as http://www.window-blinds.org.uk and http://www.uk-awnings-online.co.uk
Why You Might Need a Waterproofing Consultant – Home-Improvement
Why You Might Need a Waterproofing Consultant
Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should you hire a waterproofing consultant for your project? Firstly, professional consultants in this field are often very knowledgeable in finding the problem and the best way to fix it. Since they are waterproofing specialists, they have had intensive training or years of experience in the industry. Hiring a waterproof consultant is often less time consuming than your own attempts at locating leaks or other problems. In addition, consultants can often perform the job for you or refer you to a contractor for the project.One service typically available among consultants is a survey and inspection of the area. The survey and inspection can include visual inspections, laboratory testing, investigation and discovery of leaks, moisture measurements and of course, a price estimate. Many waterproofing consultants also provide drawings and specifications. By mapping out your basement, for instance, and highlight trouble spots, the consultant can easily formulate a plan-of-action to repair your home. Some waterproofing consultants also offer quality control management for your project. If you hire an outside contractor for the work, the consultant's on-site quality control can ensure your needs and specifications are being met. In addition, these consultants offer follow-up inspections, when necessary, which can save future damage and costs.As with nearly any service, prices for hiring a waterproofing consultant can vary from area-to-area. Since different specialists study each area, you can be assured that your home's needs are met. Costs can exceed a thousand dollars depending on your needs and whether or not a local specialist is available. If you hire consultant from out of your local area, they often expect to be compensated for travel expenses. Because of the expense of hiring a waterproofing consultant, many people choose to perform the entire project by themselves. Some people have found that their own mistakes are more costly than hiring a consultant from the beginning. If a professional waterproofing consultant is too pricey or not available in your area, a professional waterproofer often has the experience and skills to diagnose and treat your home's ailments.Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.