How to Replace a Door Jamb

A loose or broken door jamb is one of the easiest problems to fix so you don’t need to hire a window cleaning for it. In fact, we’ve got some simple, step-by-step DIY tips for you on how to replace a door jamb like a professional handyman!

Take Measurements

Obviously, you want the new door jambs to fit in perfectly with the opening you’ll be installing them into. Plus, if your intention is to replace the old door jamb with a new one that looks similar to the elements in the rest of the room, then you have to take accurate measurements of the doorway, plinth blocks, and ornamental molding before you actually remove the old door jambs.

Cut the Pieces to Size

Get yourself a table saw which has a cutting fence so that you can get straight cuts even on the shortest pieces. You should also get a miter saw for the ornamental pieces. Then, make sure you cut everything according to the correct size.

Install the Jambs

First, check the door framing to ensure that it’s straight enough for you to vertically install the side jamb on the doorways side while it’s still on the floor. Place 2-inch nails inside a nail gun which you’ll use to nail the door to the nailing, all while checking to make sure that it’s straight. Do the same with the jamb on the other side. As any window installation will tell you, the most important thing here is to make sure that everything is straight and level.

Secure the Plinth Blocks

The plinth block is an elementary aspect of traditional architecture and is used as the main block that connects the baseboard and upright casing. Trim the plinth and baseboard pieces after cutting them according to the appropriate width. Then, nail the plinth blocks at the lowermost point of the casing trim sections.

Nail Up the Casing Trim Boards

Attach the external part of the casing trim boards, while making sure that the boards are slimmer than the plinth blocks. Attach them to show 1/4th of the side jamb. Put in the casing trim while ensuring that the nails are placed 12 inches apart. Also, nail a flat piece of decorative trim which measures ¼ inches by 1-1/2 inches below the top casing trim and just over the two vertical casing trim pieces. Then, attach the top casing trim as well, but only after you’ve made sure that the thin decorative pieces and side pieces are secure.

Install Decorative Molding

Start by measuring the spaces between the old decorative molding to make sure that you place parts of the right size in this space. If you notice that your decorative molding needs to be taken in, then cut 45-degree pieces on them using a miter saw. Then, nail all of the decorative molding and fill in any exposed nail holes and joint lines with wood filler that has paintable caulk by using a small putty knife.

Sand, Prime and Paint

Once the wood filler is dry, sand it down and then smear on a coat of high-quality primer. In the end, paint the door jamb to finish. If you need help, don’t hesitate to hire a window repair.

How to Clean Windows

Preferably, your windows should be washed twice a year to remain clean and clear, but because of the perception that window repair is very tiring, a lot of people try and put it off for as long as they can because they just don’t look forward to it. The main cause of this problem is the fact that most people are using the wrong tools; from cleaner spray to crumpled up newspaper and elbow grease… no wonder it’s such a labor-intensive activity!

As you’ve probably noticed, all the rubbing you do doesn’t seem to help because as soon as you’re done ‘cleaning’ you find more dirt on the window again, and the reason for this is that the rubbing motion creates a static charge that attracts dust, so while you continue to move it around the window with your crumpled and damp paper towel, you continue to attract even more dirt onto the glass surface.

Here’s a step-by-step method to help you clean your windows more effectively using half of the efforts that you’re currently putting in.

For Large One-Dimensional Windows

Step One: Wash the windows using a strip applicator soaked in a solution of warm water and dishwasher. A strip applicator is the ideal tool for the job because it can easily reach and clean the edges, and will loosen dirt without scratching the glass.

Step Two: Wipe the window from side to side with a squeegee and wipe the end of the squeegee’s blade with a clean cloth after each wipe.

Step Three: Dry the remaining liquid on the window using a clean rag or chamois that you’ve wrung out beforehand.

For Multi-Pane Windows

Step One: Make sure that your squeegee is the right size to clean your windows, especially if you’ve got divided-light windows. You can do this by hacking the excess length away with a hacksaw and file the boundaries until they’re smooth. Do the same for the rubber blade, but use a utility knife this time, to make sure that it’ll be able to fit the length of the window pane.

Step Two: Scrub each pane individually with a bristle brush or sponge using the same mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water. Brush the panes from corner to corner and use your fingers, through the sponge, to loosen any stubborn dirt along the edges and corners. Wipe the windows with your customized squeegee using careful strokes that go from the top to the bottom and back up again.

Persistent Stains

Most windows sustain stubborn stains over time, mostly as a result of dried up hard water or fallen rain, and these stains are often too stubborn to remove when using regular window cleaning methods. You may have considered scrubbing them away with a sturdier tool, but you should be careful about the scratches and damage it would cause. A good median solution would be to use fine 000 steel wool with a bit of oxalic acid to rub away the stain. Clean the stains away with a wet cloth, rinse it and squeegee it again. You can repeat this treatment twice or until the stubborn stains have been removed.

4 Beautiful Sunroom Ideas

A sunroom provides a great way for you to soak in the pleasure of being outdoors without actually being outside. Built as an extension of a house, this room is a great place for you to laze away in the afternoons on slow days. A window repair can be designed in various ways.

In order to make your room look more fun and inviting and to help you feel more comfortable there, here are some inspirational ideas of what you can do with that space to make it more beautiful and relaxing.

The Classic, Collected Mix

Create garden inspired sunrooms by mixing things up and accessorizing the room with stuff that can be found both in the outdoors and indoors.

You can furnish the room by including some outdoor furnishings together with indoor furnishings. You can have plants set up on a metallic side table. Wickers chairs and slipcover sofa can help make the room look more solid.

Adding plants gives the room an extra zing, especially if you put in a variety of plants. Add color to the room by placing chair cushions, hurricanes made out of glass and wall panels.

Rustic-Cabin Cool

For country window installation, go for a simple and more toned down look. You can achieve this by opting for a neutral color scheme, clean furnishings and by creating a cabin atmosphere.

Furnish the room with low lying furniture that’s comfortable to use. The furniture should also be clean-lined.

To add some excitement to the room but not detract from the rustic theme, you can add some throw pillows and metallic stools.

All Prepped Up

You can achieve this look by using different kinds of patterns on the upholstery. You can have as much as five patterns or even more. Match this up with other preppy details and your room will be good to go.

When it comes to furnishings, the key is to pay attention to the upholstery. Just make sure that there’s some kind of theme with the patterns that you are choosing. For instance, they can be of the same color or you can choose patterns or motifs that blend well. Ensure that there’s some kind of cohesiveness to the patterns.

You can go all out by using wallpaper or big fabric curtains to add an extra touch to this room.

Natural and Neutral

You can also build a natural window cleaning. Go for organic colors and textures, as they blend in well with nature.

Furnish the room with teak or wicker, as these create a great indoor-outdoor ambiance. You can pair up these pieces of furniture really well.

Add some accessories that will give the room a natural look like a woven lampshade or a wooden bowl and other natural stuff that may blend in well with teak and wicker. You can add a bit of pop to the room by using colored cushions and throw pillows that are patterned. This adds a bit of elegance to the room without overshadowing the natural look.