Pan flashing under doors and windows is an effective way of ensuring that no water is driven under the door or window.
Pan Flashing
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Doors
Sticking Hinge
Treat a sticking hinge by rubbing pencil lead along the spine. Alternatively, smear a little light oil along the hinge with a cloth, working the hinge back and forth until it moves freely.
Penetrating Oil
Just about everyone knows to apply light penetrating oil or silicone spray to the hinges. But to really rid your door of squeaks, use your hammer and pry bar to lift the hinge pins up an inch or so. Apply the oil or spray to the top of the hinge, then wait a minute or two before you tap the pin back in place.
Garage Doors and Hurricanes
In high winds, double garage doors can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure. If garage doors fail, high winds can enter your home and blow out doors, windows, walls, and even the roof. Make sure your garage doors are reinforced at their weakest points; in most cases, this step involves installing horizontal bracing on each panel. If you’re building a new garage or installing a new door, use heavier-than-standard hinges and stronger center supports than standard.
Installing Locks
When installing a new or replacement lock, be sure the keyway is positioned so that the cuts of the key will be inserted upward. This will reduce the chance of dirt, dust, and water (which can turn to ice in cold weather) settling in the lock mechanism creating a lockout or stiff operation of the cylinder.
Reinforce or Replace
Approximately 80% of residential hurricane damage starts with wind entry through garage doors. Ideally, garage doors should be equipped with steel bracing.
Be sure to follow manufacturer’s specifications when using or installing wind resistant and impact resistant products. Improper installation may cause a voided warranty or worse, a product failure that presents a threat to life and property.
Painting Doors
For paneled doors, remove all hardware or cover it with masking tape. (If some paint inadvertently gets on metal parts, wipe it up immediately with a soft cloth.) Paint the panels, working from top to bottom. For each panel, paint the molding first followed by the interior. Finally, paint the rest of the doorl finishing with the outer edges. If the door swings out, paint the hinged edge; if the door swings in, paint the lockside edge.
Vulnerable Garage Door
Garage doors are the most vulnerable to hurricane force winds for two reasons, first the relatively long span of opening that they cover, and second, the weak materials they are built with.
Many garage doors are constructed of lightweight materials to conserve weight and expense. Although their lighter weight makes them easier to raise and lower, it also makes them less resistant to the wind and impact forces of a hurricane.
Spring Screens
Spring is the perfect time to inspect door and window screens for tears. You can often repair small tears using a kit from your local hardware store. This will prevent insects from getting into your home, and keep you comfortable on the screened porch.
Sliding Door Security
Sliding patio doors can often be the weak link in an otherwise secure house. Be sure to use security bars for added protection on sliding doors and keep them locked when not in use. There are two primary types of security bars: one for standard doors and one for sliding patio doors. Look for a security bar with a patented locking device that can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of force. Patio door security bars should also prevent thieves from lifting the door off the track.
