When it comes to your home there is arguably nothing more important than having functional and secure windows and doors. After all, your entrance door is the first impression your house will make on people, not to mention the security risks that come along with having tired or broken windows and doors.

So, if you’re considering doing a little bit of home renovating, here are some of our top tips for keeping your doors and windows looking great and working perfectly too.

Give your screens a good clean

If it’s been awhile since your security screens on windows and doors have seen a bucket and sponge, they may not even need repairing or replacing to look as good as new.

If you’re guilty of neglecting regular cleans, the best approach is to start by using a soft brush to carefully remove any dust or grime, before filling a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent and giving the screen a wipe down using a damp microfibre cloth.

Be gentle and make sure you rinse the cloth regularly in the bucket to avoid just smearing the dirt around. Once you’re happy with your work, use a second, dry microfibre cloth to gently dry the screen and voilà – your screen will look as good as new!

Replacing a window screen

If your window screen is more than just dirty and is looking a little worse for wear, it may need replacing. Sometimes, as screens get older they can become loose or even tear, which is when you’ll know it’s time for a new one! If you’re going to attempt this task yourself, you will need to have a few tools on hand, including a screwdriver, a screen roller tool, flyscreen repair tape and of course, a new screen door that has been cut to the correct size.

Simply remove the broken screen from the frame, unroll the new screen over the frame before pulling it tight and then tape it over the ends. Then, take your screen roller tool and roll it along the edge to make sure the screen is pushed right into the channel of the frame, ensuring it won’t pop off. There are lots of great videos available to assist too, so be sure to have a look online if you’re unsure about one of these steps.

Replacing door and window hardware

There are many different types of hardware that can needs replacing across doors and windows – from bolts and locks, to seals, springs, awnings and more. If one of your doors or windows are playing up, the first step is to identify which area is causing the issue and then addressing the best way to repair or replace it.

For example, a window awning may be experiencing stiffness when it comes to closing, which could be due to a faulty closing mechanism or chainwinder that needs replacing. A quick trip to your local Bunnings and a quick bit of research into the relevant topics will mean you can repair your issue in no time.

Choosing the right material to replace an entrance door

While fully replacing a door might be a little tricky unless you’re a carpenter, there are elements of the process that you can do yourself, to save you time and money before you enlist professional help: namely, research. If you are at the stage where your door needs fully replacing, the first thing you need to figure out is what type of new door will suit your needs.

Aluminum and timber doors both have their perks, but aluminium can be a bit more durable and have a longer lifespan. Timber doors are beautiful aesthetically, but generally cost a bit more than aluminium and may need more ongoing maintenance if they are exposed to the elements. Figuring out your budget and needs are a must-do!

Call a professional technician

If all of this sounds a little complex, then you’re best off calling in the professionals! Not only will a professional technician from a reputable window & door repair service like Lock & Roll be able to quickly and correctly identify your problem, but they’re more than likely to have appropriate replacement parts on hand.

So, while you may need to factor in paying for a professional service in your renovation budget, you can feel confident that your doors and windows will be the latest designs and provide you with total security. Ultimately, using a top-quality product and making sure that it has been installed correctly will give you a prolonged service-life, which means you will actually save money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Looking to repair or replace your doors and windows? Contact one of Lock & Roll’s experienced technicians today for an initial consultation.