Category: Door Installation and Repair

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Door Installation and Repair – Tips For Keeping Wood Entry Doors Looking Their Best…

Large front entry doors are an amazing staple to the curb appeal of your home. Unlike steel or fiberglass doors, natural wood entry doors require maintenance to keep that beautiful appeal. If you stay ahead of the natural degradation of the finish, the wood doors will last for a very long time.

  • Before
  • After

Dealing With Minor Damage and Oxidation

Although the overall before photos below may not look terrible, the doors did need some maintenance attention. The close up photos, shown later in this post, provide examples of the minor damage and oxidation. Oxidation will cause the outside of the door to look chalky and dirty. If these minor blemishes are not fixed, the actual wood of the door will become susceptible to moisture deterioration (rot). Once the rot starts, the scope of repair becomes more involved than what we would consider maintenance.

The Door Isn’t Dirty, It’s Varnish Is Breaking Down

The next few pictures are where a trained eye comes in handy. Most homeowners may look at the doors and think its simply dirty. What may appear to be dirt and water stains is actually the varnish of the doors breaking down. Once the outside coating is compromised, the actual wood structure of the door becomes exposed to the many elements of Cincinnati seasons.

Sanding Is a Must Before Applying New Varnish

A key step to restoring the finish of the large wood front doors is sanding. Sanding the doors by hand will provide a solid, straight, and somewhat coarse surface for the first coat of varnish to adhere to. As shown below, this step in the process is where, “it gets worse before it gets better.”

After sanding and the first coat of varnish is applied, another light sanding will take place to smooth out any dust or debris that may have stuck to the first coat of varnish. The second sanding is again vital, as it provides the proper surface for a strong bond between the varnish and the door face. From here, the final coat of varnish is applied. The result is always well worth the work. This door will now weather the elements for years to come.

Business Concepts Installs and Repairs Doors

Entry Doors are one of the first pieces guest will see as they enter your home. An appealing door is important but it must also function well to keep your home safe. Building Concepts has installed and repaired hundreds of doors over the years.
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Building Concepts - Greater Cincinnati RemodelingAbout Business Concepts Remodeling

Building Concepts specializes in custom remodeling projects across the Greater Cincinnati Area. Our comprehensive residential and commercial experience has built a reliable reputation you can trust. Everyday we work to build trust through communication and attention to detail. We strive to enhance the lives of our clients by providing high quality solutions with hands on service. Throughout the remodeling project, minimal disruption to your home or office is our highest priority.
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Why Choose One Variety Of Exterior Door Over Another?…

When choosing a new exterior door, make sure it provides energy efficiency as well as gives your home a new updated look.

Here are some ways to get you started in the process:

Entry Door Options

· Wood– While popular for its beauty, it requires more maintenance and tends to be more expensive than other options.
· Steel– This is known to be the least expensive option, but it doesn’t last very long and is easily damaged.
· Fiberglass– Fiberglass is durable, energy efficient, and basically maintenance free. There many color options available and they look very similar to wood doors.

Sliding Glass Doors

These are a very nice option if you are limited on space, as they slide on tracks. The downside to this choice is that they only open partially and can sometimes create a lot of noise when opening and closing.

French Doors

If you are limited on space, this would likely not be a great option as they provide a sophisticated look but open widely to give maximum air flow.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are easy to install. They are versatile and secure and have multiple locking points.  However, the many frames that go along with this option, may also obstruct views.

Lift And Slide Doors

These may look like sliding doors; however, they operate much differently. When opening, you turn the handle down, then lift the door panel upward from the track. The door will then easily open with little effort as it rolls on heavy duty wheels. These doors are customizable, so you can design any size opening you need.

Contact Us (513) 769-5044 for a Consultation!

About Business Concepts Remodeling

Building Concepts - Greater Cincinnati Remodeling

Building Concepts specializes in custom remodeling projects across the Greater Cincinnati Area. Our comprehensive residential and commercial experience has built a reliable reputation you can trust. Every day, we work to build trust through communication and attention to detail. We strive to enhance the lives of our clients by providing high quality solutions with hands on service. Throughout the remodeling project, minimal disruption to your home or office is our highest priority.
> Learn More

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What You Should Know Before Replacing An Exterior Door…

How great would it be if you could just pop out your old front door and replace it with a new one? In one bold move, you could change the look of your house and make your home safer and more secure — at the same time. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy; replacing an exterior door requires exact measuring, ­medium-to-advanced carpentry skills, and an understanding of terms and materials. Whether you want a simple hardwood entry door or a front door with a transom above and sidelight on the side, you can find it.

Material Choices

There are many options when it comes to front door replacement. You can choose double doors, doors flanked on both sides with sidelights or wooden doors with customized glass design. It is up to you and your personal taste.

To determine what type of material your door should be made of, consider your budget and the level of maintenance you are willing to do.

  • Wood-Wood doors, while beautiful, are more expensive and require maintenance, especially with high exposure to the elements. Wooden doors are strong, secure, and scratches are repaired with ease.
  • Steel– Steel doors are a great entry-level option they’re durable, budget-friendly, and offer a wide range of design choices, including colors and glass options. Steel doors are also a good choice because they resist shrinking, swelling, and warping, require little maintenance and are energy-efficient.
  • Fiberglass– Fiberglass, is a material that requires almost no maintenance because it does not dent, rot, or rust. Fiberglass doors are energy-efficient, affordable, and made to last in all climates and you can paint them any color or stain them to get a wood-like effect.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of An Exterior Door

Many factors go into the cost of the front door, whether you are choosing a decorative front door or a utilitarian one.

  • The door material- The material of the door is typically the most significant deciding factor of the overall cost of the door. You have many options for the material of your front door.
  • Alterations- A door jamb is part of the door frame: it’s the flat surface that runs vertically up either side. If you need to replace a door frame or jamb because you are changing the size of the door, it will increase the amount of labor done and material needed.
  • Energy-Efficient- There are several benefits that come with installing energy-efficient doors. Most people love how new doors update the look of their home, increase their curb appeal, and add to their home’s value. The benefits are much more than just cosmetic, though! Not all doors are created equal and there are a lot of doors that aren’t exactly energy efficient. The door’s material, core, and glass options all determine its energy efficiency.
  • Customization- Upgraded locks custom and hardware such as knows, hinges, and other upgrades will also alter the cost. Think of a custom door like a piece of jewelry for your home, and a gateway to your style. But as with anything personalized, it comes with a higher price tag.

Is The Installation Of A New Front Door A DIY Project?

While front door installation can be done by yourself, it is not recommended. The door jamb and frame often need to be altered to fit a new door and this needs to be done properly to protect the insulation properties. Keep in mind that a professional can make quick work of such a job, and in many cases, it might be the wisest choice to ensure it’s done properly.

Simply put, there’s a world of difference between what an interior bedroom door and your entryway door can do for your home. Thinking about your door’s purpose first, then its personality will help you make the right choice and stay on budget.

Contact Us (513) 769-5044 for a Consultation!

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About Business Concepts Remodeling

Building Concepts - Greater Cincinnati Remodeling

Building Concepts specializes in custom remodeling projects across the Greater Cincinnati Area. Our comprehensive residential and commercial experience has built a reliable reputation you can trust. Every day, we work to build trust through communication and attention to detail. We strive to enhance the lives of our clients by providing high quality solutions with hands on service. Throughout the remodeling project, minimal disruption to your home or office is our highest priority.
> Learn More