Doors Archives - Silverline Exterior Solutions

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The Effect of Climate & James Hardie Siding

October 15, 2020/0 Comments/in Doors, Siding/by admin

With the climate changing and extreme weather becoming harsher, it is good to know James Hardie has a handle on these things. They examined the relationship between their fiber cement products and the eight climate factors affecting them.

Then they discovered common variables that allowed them to group the effect of climate in ten categories, and create two product varieties. This is why installers use their HZ10 products in the southern United States, to protect them from blistering sun, and hot humid conditions

Whereas we use the HZ5 variety in Vancouver because it resists shrinking, swelling, and cracking better, even after years of wet or freezing conditions. However, that’s just the beginning of a superior siding job. It also needs to go on properly.

The Effect of Climate and Wet Weather Continued

Next time someone tempts you with a cheaper siding job in wet season, choose your contractor carefully. Although James Hardie fibre cement products are weather resistant, they can not be left saturated in the rain for prolonged periods of time. For if they do not:

1… They become heavy when saturated, and more difficult to handle and fit properly.

2… They shrink when they dry, opening up joints between planks needing repair or replacement.

James Hardie recommends countering the effect of climate and wet weather, by covering unopened boxes with a waterproof tarp, and store the material on a pallet for ventilation. For if they become wet they are no use until they have dried out completely. We have standard procedures in place to protect raw materials from weathering.

Fibre Cement Is an Effective Barrier When Correctly Installed

Fibre cement is cement composite with cellulose fibre reinforcement, formed in boards, and cut to sizes and lengths. As a result, it resists termites, impact and rot, and has good fire-resistant properties too.

Fibre cement siding is also moisture resistant when overlapped correctly, and sealed at all open joints. Moreover, it should require very little maintenance assuming professional installation.

More Advantages of Owning a Home with James Hardie Siding

Fibre cement siding has huge advantages compared to wood siding, where the effect of climate can cause timber to warp, crack, split and admit moisture and insects. Hardie Board resists swelling, splitting, warping, cracking and rotting, and cement does not burn.

James Hardie backs it products with a thirty-year warranty that speaks for itself. SilverLine Exterior Solutions are approved Hardie Board installers. Our reputation is your guarantee of superb siding job. Contact 604-942-0488 for a free appraisal and quote, before you upgrade your home.

Hardie Board Colour Schemes – The Fundamentals

History of Doors Transitioning to Your Home

June 9, 2020/0 Comments/in Doors/by admin

Front doors admit visitors to the private world of their owners. In olden times, they kept wild animals at bay so settlers slept safely at night. They still provide a measure of comfort after we check the locks and retire for the evening. But there’s more than that to the history of doors as we shall share.

The Earliest Doors Were Symphonies of Wood

The first wood doors we know of are paintings on Egyptian tombs admitting the departed to the afterlife. The ancient Greek poet Homer writes how theirs were cased in silver and brass. This was the pivot point where front doors transitioned to functional art.

This creative trend continued in medieval Europe when cathedral doors were solid bronze with religious images. The history of doors entered a new period during the Renaissance though, when they became art for art’s sake in palace entrances. They proclaimed the good taste of wealthy owners. Doors had become status symbols!

Insulation Through the History of Doors

Doors played a role in keeping cold air outside from the beginning. However, thermal insulation became increasingly important as living standards improved. The arrival of modern HVAC, and its cost introduced the weather stripping that makes them perfectly airtight when correctly installed.

Would You Like the Front Door of Your Imagination?

The history of doors glows with examples of fine entrances reflecting the homeowner’s tastes and values. Our masonite doors have high insulating performance proven in laboratory tests. The manufacturer warrants their product meets Canadian Energy Star certification.

This wonder material opens windows to a new freedom. This is an opportunity for your creativity to build the door of your imagination. You and your home are unique. Use this opportunity to create the front door to your home that is you!

Discuss Your Ideas with SilverLine Exterior Solutions

The history of doors in Vancouver has had its ups and downs with some shoddy work to show for it. We are licensed and experienced installers with the know how to ensure every door is fitted right, with a five year warranty on the installation.

A new SilverLine door is an investment that should last a long time. Money is tight for many of us during Covid-19. We are authorized partners with Financelt consumer financers. We can assist with the paperwork. Call Vancouver 604-942-0488 now to arrange a free estimate for the front door to your future.

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door Without a Handyman

Are Wooden Front Doors Worth the Trouble?

May 21, 2020/0 Comments/in Doors/by admin

A front door should be a cheery smile that welcomes visitors. If we decide to sell our home someday, we want our front door to announce ‘This is a quality. You want to buy this place because the seller has looked after me’. However that said, are wooden front doors worth the trouble, especially the maintenance? We decided to share the pros and cons with this post.

A Few Reasons Why Your Lifestyle May Answer ‘No’

Wood is an organic material. It grows on trees and each piece is slightly different. A true artisan knows how to work with the wood grain, not fight it. So the door hangs true regardless of the weather.

However being organic, wood’s natural inclination is to decay like all living things eventually do. This means it needs a fresh ‘top dressing’ every few years to keep the weather at bay.

Another potential problem that makes homeowners wonder are wooden front doors worth the trouble is they are quite heavy. Every time they close with a satisfying clunk that puts strain on their hinges and hinge screws. Eventually they need tightening.

Some homeowners say ‘No’ to wooden doors because of the occasional maintenance they require. Others enjoy having a few chores in the job jar, for days when they feel like achieving something special with their hands.

A Few Reasons Why Wooden Doors Are Worth the Trouble

Trouble’s a harsh word to describe keeping one’s hand on things. So we connect with the place we live, and fix little niggles before they become problems. You could refresh your wooden front door with a lick of different colour paint.

Alternatively you could upgrade it by sanding it down, and applying a different tone of stain to bring out the wood grain in exciting new ways. You could go the whole nine yards with a new pair of door handles.

If you were to ask one of our satisfied clients are wooden front doors worth the trouble, they might give you a quizzical look. Then when they figured you out they are most likely to reply ‘No trouble at all, why do you ask? Mine’s a real pleasure.’

Would You Like a Free Quote for a New Wooden Front Door?

We have implemented the best Covid-19 countermeasures and are continuing to trade with confidence. Call us at Vancouver 604-942-0488 if you need any advice. Email us a picture of the entrance to your house, and we’ll mail back suggestions how we could transform the entrance to your home.

More Information:

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door Without a Handyman

The Wind Whistling Through Your Windows

Preview Image: New Front Door Image ©SilverLine Exterior Solutions

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door Without a Handyman

March 9, 2020/0 Comments/in Doors/by admin

Doors and windows on houses age so slowly we usually don’t notice deterioration until it becomes a problem. Siding is another case in point which why you should have an annual inspection.

We may become so accustomed to sticking doors we no longer realize we are slamming them. However, when we struggle to open one the penny comes home. If you have the necessary hand tools, we’ll show you how to fix a sticky front door yourself.

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door with Loose Hinges

A wooden door exerts a surprising amount of leverage on the frame through the upper hinge. If you find the opening edge (where handle is) catching on the floor or carpet, it’s quite likely that hinge has worked loose.

Open the door fully and ask an assistant to gently wedge a screw driver under the bottom of the opening edge. This takes the weight off the upper hinge screws and you should easily be able to tighten them.

If they grip fast, that’s great. However, if they just keep turning remove the lowest screw on the upper hinge as a sample and purchase a set of slightly longer screws. You now know how to fix a sticky wooden door by tightening the hinges. but that may not solve the problem.

Solving a Door that Catches on the Door Frame

There’s always movement in a building as it settles down, and the earth beneath counters the weight. This can cause a door frame to twist slightly, catching the door at the top or bottom of the opening edge.

If it catches at the top of the door this is a sign the top hinge is set to far in, or the bottom one is set too far out. Setting a hinge further out is a simple as loosening the screws, inserting packing, and tightening them again.

If that does not work, then you have to set the other hinge deeper in the frame. Open the door fully, wedge it in place and remove the offending hinge on the frame side after marking its position.

You can now gently chisel a shallow layer of wood away using the marks you made as a guide. Do this gradually with regular testing until the door closes properly. Take your time: you can’t put chiseled wood back and you don’t want an unsightly job.

If These Tips Don’t Work You May Need to Plane the Door Edge

If there’s too much distortion in the frame, you need to remove the door and plane the opening edge down. This is a job best left to an expert, because you can’t put the wood back either and you could damage the door permanently.

Perhaps your door has aged to the point you need a new one. Why not give Silverline Exteriors a call on 604-942-0488 or email them at office@silverlineexteriors.com. They fit some of the finest doors in Vancouver.

How to Clean Vinyl Windows and Doors

October 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Doors, Window/by admin

Polyvinyl Chloride PVC has come a long way since German chemist Eugen Baumann accidentally synthesized it in 1872 after he left a flask of vinyl chloride in sunlight. We find it in many aspects of construction. Today, we turn our attention to how to clean vinyl windows and doors so they look sparkling clean again.

How to Clean Vinyl: in Its Various Forms

There are two basic forms of vinyl PVC. The rigid type features as door and window frames in our homes, and as water pipes. We also purchase non-food items in vinyl packaging and pay for them with vinyl bank cards.

The flexible version appears as electric cable insulation, floor coverings, imitation leather, inflatable products, and old fashioned vinyl records some of us collect. When static electricity builds up on vinyl the material attracts dirt.

Hence we need to know how to clean vinyl products in a wide variety of applications. We focus on PVC windows and doors in this article. However, the same general principles to any product provided the methods we describe won’t harm them.

It’s Easy to Vinyl Windows and Doors

However, do be careful, and think twice about standing on a ladder unless you have a strong adult holding it. In this article, we imagine cleaning the front door standing on your own two feet.

First, vacuum the door using a soft brush attachment to get any dirt out of reveals

Next, wash the door and frame down with a mixture of mild soap and warm water

Now rinse toughly and wipe the surface with a damp cloth (to avoid static building up)

Finally make sure the ‘weep holes’ for drainage are clear by testing them with a tooth pick

NEVER use an abrasive or caustic cleaner because this could permanently spoil the smooth surface of the door or frame.

Now You Know How to Clean Vinyl How About the Locks

Locks and hinges on doors and windows can get sticky owing to dirt attaching to the lubrication. Oil the moving parts lightly with thin oil and wipe them clean with kitchen towel afterwards.

Put a very small amount of oil on the door key and move it in and our several times to loosen the moving parts. Wipe the key thoroughly and avoid putting it in your pocket. Wipe the key next time you use it just in case it has a film of oil.

If you can’t get the vinyl surfaces clean to your satisfaction then something has probably damaged the smooth surface in the past. SilverLine Exterior Solutions at 604-942-0488 is a local vinyl window manufacturer and replacement specialist. Reach out to us for a free assessment on replacement options.

Choosing Your Entrance Door

March 18, 2015/0 Comments/in Doors/by admin

Choosing an Entrance Door

Have you ever thought about your door? Yes, your front door. A new door is an easy, cost-effective way to boost your building’s curb appeal. The right door will pull together your entire front facade and help you make the perfect first impression. Plus, exterior doors aren’t just for aesthetics. A good door will make your building more energy efficient. But how do you choose the right door?

First, Pick a Material

The most important consideration when choosing a door is the material the door is made of, so why not start there? Different mterials have different advantages and disadvantages. Two common contemporary options are steel, and fiberglass.

Steel

Steel doors are usually made from a wooden frame with a steel “skin.” The inside of the door contains insulation. Steel doors are ideal for repelling possible invaders. They can be dented, but repairs are easy to achieve. The right steel door can be energy efficient as well. Steel is a cost-effective option, and a new steel door will generally be less expensive than other options. The downside is that steel is not as hard-wearing as fiberglass. Expect to replace a steel door sooner than the fiberglass alternative.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are most notable for their nearly infinite variation. Choose a door that mimics wood near-perfectly, but without the cumbersome upkeep that wood requires. No material can compete with fiberglass when it comes to ease of care; Doors regularly last for fifteen to twenty years without needing so much as a touch-up. Fiberglass is not heavy, and a door with a foam core provides insulation. In addition, a fiberglass door is almost as effective at preventing unwanted intruders as a steel door is. In terms of price, fiberglass is more expensive than steel, but less expensive than a wooden door — and that doesn’t even include the necessary maintenance a wood door will require.

Be an ENERGY STAR

Did you know that the right door can pay for itself? The key is choosing a door that is energy efficient, having it professionally installed by an expert, and making smart use of weather stripping. You may be familiar with the ENERGY STAR rating from purchasing other appliances, and doors can be ENERGY STAR rated as well. Both steel and fiberglass doors are available in ENERGY STAR varieties.

Colour Me Beautiful

Once you’ve selected the right material, it’s type to start browsing colours and styles. A discreet, classic door sends one message, while an aggressively modern door can make an entirely different impression. Consider using your door as a fun or interesting focal point for your facade: Choose a bright colour or distinctive style to draw interest and make a strong impression.

The best way to select a door you’ll be happy with for the long term is to work with an expert. SilverLine Exteriors carries a wide range of both fiberglass and steel doors, and their professional staff would be happy to help you make the right selection for your home or business. SilverLine is a one-stop exterior renovation company at Port Coquitlam and serves homes and businesses throughout the Greater Vancouver area.

The Effect of Climate & James Hardie Siding

The Effect of Climate and Wet Weather Continued

Fibre Cement Is an Effective Barrier When Correctly Installed

More Advantages of Owning a Home with James Hardie Siding

History of Doors Transitioning to Your Home

The Earliest Doors Were Symphonies of Wood

Insulation Through the History of Doors

Would You Like the Front Door of Your Imagination?

Discuss Your Ideas with SilverLine Exterior Solutions

Are Wooden Front Doors Worth the Trouble?

A Few Reasons Why Your Lifestyle May Answer ‘No’

A Few Reasons Why Wooden Doors Are Worth the Trouble

Would You Like a Free Quote for a New Wooden Front Door?

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door Without a Handyman

How to Fix a Sticky Front Door with Loose Hinges

Solving a Door that Catches on the Door Frame

If These Tips Don’t Work You May Need to Plane the Door Edge

How to Clean Vinyl Windows and Doors

How to Clean Vinyl: in Its Various Forms

It’s Easy to Vinyl Windows and Doors

Now You Know How to Clean Vinyl How About the Locks

Choosing Your Entrance Door

Contact us for a free budget quote today!

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