Universal Windows Direct was founded in April of 2002 by William Barr and Michael Strmac. It was their mission to create a home improvement company that offers high quality home improvement goods at the best possible value. What began as two guys in a 350 square foot office quickly grew to become one of the nation's leading remodeling companies. Today, Universal Windows Direct represents thousands of customers and has a rapidly growing network of locations nationwide, all of which are actively involved in the communities they serve.
"Their sales team was really polite and respectful. Their installation crew did a great job and cleaned up after themselves really well. I was really pleased with the overall experience."
Welcome to Hemlock Hollow Construction! We've been proudly serving Swanton since 1987. Call us today for fast, quality and reliable service from one of the best in the business! We offer free estimates on all remodeling projects.
"Joshua put the hinge back in place and he changed the back door lock! To ensure the door could open and shut freely, he shaved the threshold! He did a good job of fixing the door hinge and correcting the issue that caused the problem in the first place!"
"Nice job...they had to chisel out some of the concrete to fit the door just right at the bottom..you would never know they were there..mixed cement and built up the area..looks good"
"The installer showed up on time and started work right away. The installer was polite and professional and understood his work very well. After discussing the doors and window that should be linked to the alarm, he provided advice on where the key pad should be located. The installer also set up and explained the system to me as well. I docked quality, slightly, on account of the original placement of the pin pad. The installer put it in a spot that prevented a door in my living room from fully opening. I pointed this out to him, and the installer was kind enough to move it about 6 inches to fix the problem. Moving left some extra drill holes in my living room wall, but that's fine as we're repainting soon. "
"They are really good windows and the cost was great as i have priced them elsewhere. The rep was pleasant and know his product. I have enjoyed the fact that there is no air leaks and that they are easy to change and clean. They gave me a new storm door at no cost also."
"They were very professional and fast. They spackled , caulked, covered a very saturated blue with beige, painted the ceilings, primed and painted doors, and painted trim all in one day. It turned out beautifully. "
"After the initial sales meeting, Castle sent out someone to measure and order the windows. After about four weeks they called for an installation date. Two installers arrived around 9 in the morning and had entire job completed by 4 p.m. They did a neat job and cleaned up after themselves. We were very happy with our new windows. We didn't think when we purchased these windows to question about our alarm system contacts not working on these windows. Upon completion of the job, we had our alarm guy update our system to wireless. We are extremely pleased with all workmanship. "
Wood is by no means the only type of front door material on the market. You can also choose from several other options, including:
Aluminum: Low-maintenance and affordable, but lacks insulation
Fiberglass: Offers excellent insulation and durability for a decent price
Glass: Offers beauty but less security or insulation, and a higher price tag
Steel: One of the most economical options if you’re looking for affordability, low maintenance, high security levels, and a door that will last
Wrought iron: Attractive and secure, but costly and heavy
You will need to cut or break a boomstick so it is wider than the door and long enough to anchor outside the door frame. Extend the broomstick horizontally under the doorknob, ensuring it's snug. Now using long screws and a drill, anchor the broomstick to the wall outside the door frame. Remember that you won't be able to open the door afterward. Do not proceed with this hack if your home has no alternative exit.
Most modern door knobs will all fit in standard, modern doors, so if you know your door was made in the last 50 years or so, you should be fine buying a standard replacement door knob. The only exception would be a thumb latch handleset for an exterior door, as this type of door knob may not fit your door without drilling a mounting hole for the bottom of the handle. Antique or custom doors might also have different sizes and knob mounting holes, so call in a professional if you don’t believe your door is a standard one.
While doggie doors are convenient for pet owners, they do offer a few drawbacks. For instance, they’re small enough that unwanted critters could come into the house, such as raccoons, snakes, rats, and insects.
They’re also large enough that small children can escape through them, which can be a serious concern to parents of young children.
Finally, doggie doors can make it difficult to regulate your home’s temperature because they constantly let in hot or cold outside air.
While not strictly required, it is highly recommended to shim both sides of a door. Shimming both sides allows you to make minor adjustments for wall framing that isn't perfectly plumb, ensuring the door is level and hangs evenly. This practice helps the door swing open and close smoothly, reduces the chances of the frame warping, and can be used to center the door within the wall opening. If you are working alone, you may find it easier to remove the door slab to lighten the weight while supporting the frame and inserting the shims. With two people, the process is generally faster and easier, whether the slab is left in place or not.
The Swanton, MD homeowners’ guide to door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whether you’re installing a new door or replacing an existing one, the cost of door installation varies based on location, door type, framing needs, and other factors.
Are you looking to upgrade an old door in your home? Use this interior door installation cost guide to estimate the project's total cost and learn how to save.
There are many types of interior doors, from swinging to folding and sliding. This article breaks down each to help you find the right door for your needs.