Tips for Protecting Sliding Doors from Storm Damage Sliding glass doors are a popular choice with Bay Area homeowners for areas leading to the backyard or patio. They add style, bring in natural light, and offer clear views. However, they are susceptible to damage from flying objects during a storm and when breached, can allow debris and water into your home. Here are some tips for protecting your beautiful sliding doors and your home from storm damage. 5 Ways to Protect Your Sliding Patio Doors during California Storms  Choose the right landscaping materials: Strong winds turn small rocks and gravel into deadly objects that can shatter your glass patio door. Use mulch to lower the risk of breakage and any injuries from flying glass. This article in The Hartford’s Extra Mile also recommends flagstone walkways and asphalt or cement driveways to minimize storm damage. Install storm shutters on your doors: They are easy to close and prevent rocks and any unsecured objects from … [Read more...]

Useful Tips for Cleaning Glass and Sliding Doors Sliding glass doors offer a clear view of your landscape and are a great source of natural light. Since they slide rather than swing, they also occupy less space. Available in elegant styles with customization options and easy-to-use, they are a preferred choice of Bay Area homeowners. To keep them looking shiny and new, here are some tips for cleaning glass and sliding doors. How to Maintain Your Glass and Sliding Patio Doors Glass: For a clear view and optimal natural light, always keep the glass clean. Wipe the inside and outside with soft cloth and mild soapy water. Use newspaper to dry the glass. It absorbs the moisture and removes any scum, leaving a glossy, clean finish. Doorframe: Remember to clean the area around the glass. Smudges and smears give the doorframe a grungy appearance. Cleaning procedures depend on the doorframe material. To clean vinyl and wood frames, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in a mild solution of … [Read more...]

Pet Door Security Tips from Bay Area Door Experts Pet doors are convenient. Even when you are away, your dog or cat can access your yard to do their business, or get outside for some fresh air and exercise. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up accidents around your house. The down side is that these doors can also provide easy access to burglars. Here are some valuable pet door security tips that will help keep your Bay Area home safe from intruders and critters. How to Secure Your Pet Door Lock the security tabs at night, and when you are away. Most pet doors have locking tabs to secure the panels. These are only accessed from inside. While your pet cannot go out when the door is locked, unwanted visitors cannot get in. Keep the key out of reach: Don’t make the mistake of leaving it near the pet door for convenience. There are instances where intruders have stolen keys using wire hangers inserted through gaps in pet doors. Consider an electronic lock. If it’s time to … [Read more...]

Trusted Experts for Common Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding glass doors offer beautiful vistas of your garden or the Bay Area seascape. Elegant, convenient, and easy-to-use, they provide easy access to your balcony or backyard, and bring in fresh air. However, with neglect or wear, they may sometimes get stuck and will not open or shut smoothly. Here are 5 common glass sliding door repairs that our technicians perform on a regular basis: Rusted, bent or broken rollers: Daily wear and the salty Bay Area air can take a toll on your sliding door’s rollers. Replacing rusted metal rollers or broken plastic ones is not a DIY job. It involves removing the heavy door, remounting it, and then adjusting it to the correct height. To avoid operational issues and ensure safety, you should call an experienced technician for the job. Bent or broken track: Bent tracks can prevent your door from moving smoothly or cause it to get stuck. Wrestling with your door to make it slide may pull it … [Read more...]

Tips for New Sliding Glass Door Installation Sliding glass doors are a beautiful addition to any living space that opens up to a balcony or backyard. They make the room look bigger by allowing in more natural light and brightening up the interiors. Here are some useful tips for your new sliding glass door installation. Pick a style: Choose from a variety of sliding door options to match your unique requirements. For example, pocket doors slide conveniently into the wall to completely open up your space. Larger openings, on the other hand, may include more than two panels. These doors are also available in many glass types. Choose clear glass to open up the view for your kitchen or family room. To let natural light into your tub and shower area, clear glass is again, a good choice. If privacy is a priority, tinted or frosted glass might be a better option. You may also want to consider glass with UV protection for greater energy efficiency. Consider size: This is an … [Read more...]