77095 77095

Helpful Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Doors & Windows

Welcome to the D’signdoors Helpful Tips page! As Chennai’s largest showroom for doors, windows, and hardware, we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions for your home or project.

Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, builder, or interior designer, our expertise in doors and windows will guide you in selecting the right products and ensuring their long-term performance.

1. Choosing the Right Door for Each Space

Entrance Doors

The entrance door is the face of your home, reflecting its character and providing security. When choosing an entrance door, consider the following:

Price Range: ₹20,000 - ₹1,50,000

Material Selection

  • Teak Wood: Known for its natural strength, durability, and resistance to pests. Ideal for traditional or heritage homes.
  • M Wood (Manufactured Wood): An innovative alternative that combines the beauty of wood with superior durability. Resistant to termites, shrinking, and bulging, making it perfect for modern homes.

Design and Aesthetics

  • Choose from a variety of carved, panel, and flush designs that complement the architectural style of your home. Customizable designs and engravings can add a unique touch.
  • Consider incorporating glass panels or wrought iron elements for enhanced visual appeal.

Security Features

  • Ensure the door is equipped with high-quality mortise locks, deadbolts, and security chains. Reinforced frames and multi-point locking systems provide additional security

Weather Resistance

  • For homes exposed to extreme weather, consider doors with weather seals, and UV-resistant finishes to prevent warping and fading.

Bedroom Doors

Bedroom doors require a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and privacy.

Price Range: ₹5,000 - ₹30,000

Material Selection

  • Laminated Doors: Provide a smooth, contemporary finish. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
  • Veneer Doors: Offer a premium look with natural wood grain textures. Ideal for adding warmth to interiors.
  • Engineered Wood Doors: These doors are crafted from a combination of solid wood and engineered core, offering enhanced stability and resistance to warping and moisture. They are available in various finishes, including veneers and laminates.

Sound Insulation

  • Opt for solid core or engineered wood doors to minimize noise transmission between rooms, enhancing privacy and comfort.

Customization

  • Choose designs that reflect your personal style, from minimalist flush doors to intricate panel designs.

Bathroom Doors

Bathrooms require doors that withstand moisture and humidity while maintaining privacy.

Price Range: ₹3,000 - ₹15,000

Material Selection

  • WPC (Wood Polymer Composite): Water-resistant, termite-proof, and available in various finishes.
  • FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic): Highly durable, resistant to water and chemical exposure. Ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and utility spaces.

Ventilation

  • Consider doors with louvered panels or upper ventilation slots to allow air circulation, preventing mold growth.

Steel Doors

Steel doors are an excellent choice for areas requiring additional security and durability, such as storerooms, basements, or utility areas.

Price Range: ₹19,000 - ₹75,000

Material Selection

  • High strength and resistance to impacts, making them ideal for security purposes.
  • Fire-resistant properties add an extra layer of protection to your home.
  • Powder-coated or galvanized finishes prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity even in harsh environments.

Design Options

  • Steel doors can be customized with decorative panels, wood grain finishes, or even glass inserts for aesthetic appeal without compromising strength.

Maintenance

  • Minimal maintenance required. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and lubrication of hinges ensures optimal performance.

2. Selecting the Right Windows for Your Needs

Wooden Windows

Steel doors are an excellent choice for areas requiring additional security and durability, such as storerooms, basements, or utility areas.

Price Range: ₹8,000 - ₹40,000

Advantages

  • Superior thermal insulation, reducing energy costs.
  • Natural soundproofing properties.
  • Aesthetic versatility with the option to stain or paint to match your interiors.

Maintenance

  • Regular polishing and repainting are required to maintain their appearance and prevent damage from moisture.

UPVC Windows

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) windows are a popular choice for modern homes due to their low maintenance and durability.

Price Range: ₹4,000 - ₹25,000

Advantages

  • Energy efficient with multi-chambered frames that reduce heat transfer.
  • Available in various styles, including sliding, casement, and tilt-and-turn.
  • Resistant to corrosion, termite damage, and weathering.

Customization

  • Available in different colors and finishes, including wood grain textures.

Steel Windows

Steel windows are known for their strength and security, making them ideal for both residential and commercial applications.

Price Range: ₹10,000 - ₹40,000

Advantages

  • Strong and secure, capable of supporting larger glass panels for unobstructed views.
  • Low maintenance with a powder-coated finish for enhanced corrosion resistance.
  • Suitable for industrial and modern architectural styles.

3. Understanding Hardware Options

Locks & Handles

Hardware is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Here’s what to consider

Price Range: ₹500 - ₹10,000

Security

  • Choose mortise locks with multiple locking points for enhanced security. Deadbolt locks add an extra layer of protection.
  • Digital locks are a convenient and secure option for entrance doors, offering features like fingerprint recognition and keypad entry.

Aesthetics

  • Match handles, knobs, and locks with the door finish. Brass and stainless steel offer a classic look, while matte black and antique finishes suit contemporary designs.

Durability

  • Opt for hardware made from solid materials like stainless steel or brass to ensure longevity.

Hinges & Fittings

Proper selection of hinges and fittings ensures smooth operation and durability.

Price Range: ₹100 - ₹1,500

Materials

  • Stainless steel or brass hinges are preferred for their resistance to rust and corrosion. Use heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges for heavier doors.

Type

  • Choose concealed hinges for a cleaner look, especially on interior doors. For entrance doors, opt for heavy-duty hinges with additional security pins.

4. Polish & Paint: Enhancing and Protecting Your Doors

PU Polish

PU (Polyurethane) polish provides a rich, glossy finish that highlights the natural grain of the wood while protecting it from environmental damage.

Price Range: ₹100 - ₹300 per Sq. Ft

Applications

  • Best suited for high-end wooden doors and frames, providing a premium look and enhanced durability.

Maintenance

  • Regular cleaning with a soft, dry cloth will maintain the shine. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals.

Laminates & Veneers

Laminates offer a cost-effective way to achieve a polished look, while veneers provide the luxury of natural wood.

Price Range: ₹50 - ₹150 Sq. Ft

Laminates

  • Available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Ideal for high-traffic areas due to their scratch-resistant properties.

Veneers

  • Thin layers of natural wood applied over engineered wood. Requires regular polishing to maintain appearance.

Paints

For WPC or FRP doors, use high-quality acrylic or enamel paints to enhance appearance and protect from moisture.

Price Range: ₹10,000 - ₹40,000

Preparation

  • Ensure the surface is clean and primed before applying paint for better adhesion and finish.

Application

  • Use a roller or spray for an even coat. Apply multiple layers for better coverage and durability.

5. Installation Tips for a Perfect Finish

Proper installation is key to ensuring the functionality and longevity of your doors and windows.

Professional Installation

Opt for professional installers who have experience with the specific types of doors and windows being used. This ensures that the installation is carried out to the highest standards, avoiding common issues like gaps, leaks, and improper operation

Accurate Measurements

Use digital laser measures for precise measurements of door and window openings. Incorrect sizing can lead to operational issues and aesthetic compromises

Frame Preparation

Ensure the frame is properly aligned, level, and secured before installing the door or window. This prevents issues like misalignment, which can cause functional problems over time

6. Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your doors and windows looking and functioning like new

Cleaning

Use a soft, damp cloth with a mild detergent to clean wooden and laminated surfaces. For glass panels, use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks

Lubrication

Apply lubricant to hinges, locks, and handles every 6 months to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. Use silicone-based lubricants for UPVC windows and graphite powder for locks

Inspections

  • Regularly inspect your doors and windows for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the wood, peeling polish or paint, and rust on hardware. Early detection of these issues can prevent further damage and reduce repair costs.
  • For wooden doors, check for signs of termite activity, especially in humid climates. Early treatment can prevent extensive damage.

Weatherproofing

  • Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and water seepage. This is particularly important for entrance and balcony doors exposed to the elements.
  • Use sealants around the edges of window frames to prevent water ingress and improve energy efficiency.

Polishing & Repainting

  • Re-polish wooden doors every 2-3 years to restore their shine and protect the wood from environmental damage. Use a soft cloth and appropriate polish or varnish.
  • Repaint steel and WPC doors as needed to maintain their appearance and protect them from corrosion or UV damage.

7. Understanding the Cost of Quality

Investing in high-quality doors, windows, and hardware can have a higher upfront cost, but it provides significant long-term benefits

01. Durability

High-quality materials last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs. For example, choosing engineered wood over natural wood can reduce warping and splitting over time, particularly in humid environments like Chennai

02. Aesthetics

Premium products retain their look and feel over time, enhancing the overall appeal of your space. Veneer doors, for instance, provide a rich and elegant look that enhances the beauty of interiors

03. Functionality

Better hardware and materials mean smoother operation, improved insulation, and enhanced security. Digital locks, advanced multi-point locking systems, and precision-engineered hinges contribute to better performance and security

04. Value Addition

High-quality, well-maintained doors and windows can significantly add to the resale value of your property. They not only improve aesthetics but also ensure structural integrity and energy efficiency

By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions that provide the best value for your investment, ensuring your doors and windows remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Wishlist
Categories