DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Unstick a Heavy Wooden Interior Door

[This week in our series "DIY? Or Call TDC?" we're discussing how to deal with a sticking interior wood door. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business.]

If you have a wooden interior door that is sticking you might be able to fix it quickly and with a minimum of tools and skill. This is a common problem with heavy wooden doors.

Step 1: Tighten The Hinge

If your door is dragging at the top or bottom of the frame or on the floor, chances are a loose hinge may be the problem. Over time hinges will work themselves a bit loose. Only a slight loosening can cause a door to stick or drag. Use the screwdriver to tighten down all screws. Don't use a drill or electric screwdriver for this job as they tend to over tighten and you may strip the threads on the screw.

Step 2: Lubricate Door
Open and close the door to see where it is sticking. You may find that all you need to do is rub the edge of the door with an old candle or wax bar to lubricate it a bit.

Step 3: Sand the Door
If these fixes don't work then you might need to sand the area that is dragging until the door opens and closes smoothly. You can also use a wood plane for this job, however, if you have any reservations about sanding or using a plane, call the experts at The Door Company of Ohio at (614) 338-1414. Too much sanding or using a plane can cause visible damage to an otherwise beautiful wood door.

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Replace Your Door Threshold

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're covering the replacement of a door threshold. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. Don't have time? Need parts or assistance? You can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Here are 4 simple steps that will help you quickly and easily replace a door threshold.

Step 1 – Prepare before Buying Your New Threshold Strip

In purchasing a new door threshold you'll need to know which sizes will best fit the door. Measure each door separately. All doors do not necessarily have the same dimensions. You'll need two measurements for each door: the width of the doorway—not the door, itself, and the gap between the floor and the bottom edge of the door. Examine the space between your door and the floor below it to determine what has created this space. Was the threshold not high enough? Is the threshold the right size, but is now worn down or broken off?  Has the concrete or other flooring been damaged under the threshold? Has the threshold been damaged by snow melt compounds?

Step 2 – Choose from Available Types

You'll find a large variety of thresholds on the market.  Most are made of aluminum and may or may not have lips with some type of gasketing material that helps provide a seal for the door against weather.

Be sure to check the measurement of the threshold you purchase, to ensure that it matches the type you'll need to fill the gap between the door bottom edge and the floor beneath it. If you are unable to find a threshold long enough to match your opening, buy one that is longer, one you will be able to cut and fit to the opening.

Step 3 – Remove the Old Threshold

Locate the screws that attach the strip to the floor. If no screws are visible, and if you see a rubber or plastic strip in the center of the old thresold, use a flathead screwdriver to remove this strip. It's very likely that you'll find your screws in the channel the rubber strip occupied. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the old threshold to the floor.

Step 4 – Attach Your New Threshold  

If you need to shorten your new threshold, carefully measure and mark it. Then, cut it to length. Check to see if holes in the new threshold are aligned with screw holes in the floor. If they're not, use your drill and bit to drill new holes that will line up with the new holes. Then, attach the threshold with new screws.

We can solve any door problem you have. If you need parts for this project, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... What To Do If A Door Doesn't Latch Properly

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're discussing making sure your doors latch properly. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Every door will have a time when it will not latch correctly. There may be different reasons why a door will not latch. Damp weather or heat may be warping the door. Ground that has frozen under the door may also cause the door not to close properly. Also, usual wear and tear can contribute to the door not latching properly. There are several ways to fix a door that will not latch.

Step 1- Check Hinges

If the door is not latching properly, the easiest place to start with is with the door hinges. When the hinges are loose the door will travel up and down while it is being opened and closed. If the door is sagging and will not line up with the latch, check the door hinges. Lift the door up to relieve the pressure on the hinges and tighten the screws. If the screws have been stripped, the screws will not tighten in the holes. In that case, take the hinges from the frame. Drill new holes that are slightly smaller than a wood dowel. Hammer in the dowel and cut off excess. Reinstall the hinges and attach the screws into the dowel.  For an emergency repair, a simple wood pencil can be used in place of a wood dowel.

Step 2- Check the Latch and Strike Plate

When you open the door you will see the latch on the door and the strike plate which is on the door jamb. Check both for loose screws. Tighten any screws that are lose and check the door again. If it latches securely then problem is solved. If not, then there is another problem.

Slide the latch in and out to see if it moves smoothly. If it doesn't, the door knob may be too tight. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. If the latch is still catching in the door, apply WD-40 or silicone lubricant.

Step 3- Align Strike Plate

If the door still does not latch properly, then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch. Close the door and check to see if  the strike plate is too high or too low. Also check to see that it is aligning left and right. You can fix this problem in three different ways. For small adjustments, use a metal file on the strike plate to open it up a little more for the latch to set properly. You can also place a piece of wood in the strike plate and hammer the wood up or down to move the plate until it aligns.

The last plate repair suggestion is one that you can do easily. Simply unscrew the strike plate and reattach it at a different height--either lower or higher--depending upon how unaligned the plate was.

Need parts for this project? Give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... Installing a Door Sweep for your Business

[We're beginning a new series called "DIY? Or call TDC?" this week. These posts will consist of repair and/or maintenance procedures for your business. Many of these tasks, you can do yourself. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

A door sweep is an excellent way to prevent drafts and cold air from seeping in from underneath a door. Door sweeps can be as simple as a piece of rubber that is attached to the bottom of a door or as elaborate as an actual brush that not only prevents air from coming in from under the door, but also sweeps the area in front of the door as the door opens and closes.

Installing the Sweep:

Step 1

Purchase a door sweep that is the appropriate width for your door. Generally, door sweeps are the same width as the door. If you do not know the width of your door, then measure the door across.

Step 2

Using a power drill, attach the sweep to the bottom of the door. If you have a steel door, you will need to use a pre-drill holes with a bit designed for cutting into metal, or self-tapping screws.

Most door sweeps come with screws and holes already drilled into the sweep.

Step 3

Close the door and check to see that the sweep is preventing drafts and air from coming in under the door and that the door easily opens and closes.

If you need parts for this door sweep project, or any of the other projects we discuss in this series, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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Should You Invest in Automatic Doors for Your Business?

If your business is considering a new build or perhaps even an extensive building renovation, this may be the perfect time to consider investing in installing automatic doors. Another consideration is the ability to improve the management of energy efficiency in your organization. There are many substantial benefits that lessen heating and cooling costs from both a pedestrian and industrial standpoint.

Advantages with Pedestrian Applications

Automatic doors provide numerous aesthetic and cost-effective benefits when used in pedestrian applications. The advantages start with the following:

• A measurable increase in convenience, consumer safety, and the prevention of injuries through the reduction of traffic congestion. To cite just two examples, traffic issues are common in situations involving grocery carts, and when people are dealing with young children and baby strollers.

  

  Photo courtesy: Horton Automatics

• “Hands-free” automatic doors are a tremendous help to the elderly, aging Baby Boomers, and the disabled.
• Industry research shows that automatic doors contribute to increased sales in retail environments through the creation of an enhanced and sophisticated upscale image. The doors also provide advantages when space is limited, especially in compact areas.
• During new construction or remodeling, there's a major advantage to providing barrier-free access through the use of automatic doors. It's easier and more cost-effective to install the doors at this point rather than attempting to comply with the government-mandated architectural requirements specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Advantages with Industrial Applications

• Enhanced corporate brand image. You've heard the saying “Perception is Reality,” which is very true with consumers. It's interesting to note that studies show consumers perceive companies with automatic doors as organizations with a commitment to a higher level of customer service than firms without automatic doors.

  

  Photo courtesy: Horton Automatics

• A reduction of traffic and congestion along with increased safety for both employees and/or visitors, by eliminating the need to lift heavy overhead doors.
• “Time and motion” studies demonstrate cost and time savings along with an increase in worker productivity due to eliminating the need for employees to manually open and close overhead doors.
• Increased safety and comfort by minimizing wide-open doors for trucks and other vehicles to enter and exit the premises. With an automatic door the doors remain closed except when someone needs to enter or exit the building.

For more information on Automatic Doors, installation, repair or even inspection of your existing doors, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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Automatic Doors Provide Convenience and Access for Medical Centers

Medical treatment begins and ends with entrance-exit design. From patient and guest entrances to surgical suites that require hermetic integrity, automatic doors provide many benefits for health care facilities and their clients. The most common benefits include convenience, safety, lower energy and operating costs, and efficiency.

Efficiency

Photo Courtesy: Horton Automatics

Delivering emergent care relies on shaving seconds off transport times. Struggling to open and close doors while navigating narrow hallways and openings with oversized gurneys and wheelchairs is inefficient and creates potential for patient discomfort, or worse. Touch-free access to treatment areas is instrumental for all medical care providers working with non-ambulatory individuals.

Architectural Elements

Sliders and telescopic automatic doors maximize available space and control traffic in compact passageways.

In addition to space-saving features, automatic doors work with every architectural genre. Curved glass styles accommodate extra wide, extra tall openings; tinted and frosted glass provide privacy while reducing energy costs and framed models are suited to high-traffic environments, including retrofit buildings and new construction.

Hygiene Considerations

For cleanrooms and other health care areas that require heightened sanitation measures, hermetic sliding doors provide hands-free entrance and exit. Available styles include pocket-installation and framed doorway models to fit building design -- reducing installation expenses and limiting disruption time during construction.

Hospitals have access to bi-fold and single-panel designs with manual and computer controls for precise management. Perimeter seal mechanisms ensure a tight, secure closure to protect the environment from unnecessary contamination in surgical suites, laboratories and testing facilities.

Photo Courtesy: Horton Automatics

Decorating with Doors

The primary function of automatic doors is to provide security and comfort while controlling access; however, a side benefit includes positive visual impact. Incorporating soothing colors on solid panels, semitransparent glass for added privacy and curves to create an elegant impression are only a few of the design options for medical care facilities.

Cost effective designs allow medical care facilities and ancillary service providers to control entrance and egress to individual rooms, hazard containment areas and reception rooms. Maintaining higher levels of security and efficiency with automatic door systems also improves patient comfort and satisfaction.

For more information on Automatic Doors, installation, repair or even inspection of your existing doors, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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PRESS ROOM: The Door Company Announces Statewide Distribution Deal with Boon Edam

The Door Company of Ohio is pleased to announce a partnership with global industry leader Boon Edam, to become the manufacturer’s authorized factory distribution, sales and service center for the state of Ohio.

The deal makes The Door Company a statewide solution for sales, installation and service for Boon Edam’s line of manual and automated door systems and security access technologies. The move expands The Door Company’s reach beyond the Central Ohio market, offering round-the-clock, front-to-back service year round for manual and automatic entrance solutions.
Since developing its first revolving door over 100 years ago, Boon Edam has become the worldwide market leader in revolving door production. However, Boon Edam also offers an unmatched variety of turnstile entrances, including automatic optical turnstiles, high security doors and portals and other sophisticated security entrance solutions. Boon Edam has factories in the U.S., China and The Netherlands; subsidiaries in 17 countries and authorized distributors in 60 other countries.

Founded in 1993 in Columbus, Ohio, The Door Company offers sales, installation, service and code inspection of all commercial door options, including automatic, revolving, overhead and other commercial doors. In addition, the company provides custom hollow metal door fabrication on site, an online parts catalog and a walk-in parts counter, and is a Designated Labeled Shop for the production and labeling of commercial fire doors.

For more information, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414, or visit www.tdoorco.com.

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