Why You Need a Pro for Sliding Glass Door Replacement

There are so many different DIY handyman projects homeowners can undertake all by themselves. And then there are those home projects that truly require a professional touch. Sliding glass door replacement or repair is one of those projects. When you consider the needs and skills it requires to accurately replace or repair sliding-glass doors, you can better understand why a professional door repair contractor is the only person who can get the job done effectively and in a time-frame that’s convenient for you.

Continue reading to learn why it is so strongly encouraged to hire a professional for sliding glass door replacement and repair.

Indianapolis Door Repair and Replacement
Indianapolis Door Repair and Replacement 317-454-3612

Glass Patio Door Replacement

One of the first areas to consider is transportation. Picking out new doors and buying them are the easiest parts of the process. But many do not think about how they are going to get them home. Standard sliding doors range in size, either measuring around five feet by five feet, or measuring around six feet by six feet. With these kinds of dimensions, they will not fit in most cars or SUV’s.

Homeowners would have to borrow or rent a truck large enough for this size door, as well as, purchase additional supplies and products to protect it and move it in a safe manner. And don’t forget how heavy they are! This is another reason why a professional is best. They retain the proper trucks and transportation tools to safely transport glass products from warehouse to home, without a problem.

The next important aspect to think about when it comes to glass sliding door replacement and installation is the tools and resources needed to get the project done properly and efficiently. This can inflate a homeowner’s budget drastically. Padding, pry bars, levels, putty knives, caulk and gun, and standard handyman tools are just enough to get the door installed. But usually, additional work is required for the trim and the threshold. For this kind of work, you need advanced tools and resources; ones that only a professional door repair contractor would own.

Lastly, glass sliding door installation is not a recommended “do-it-yourself” job because it requires skill and experience to complete the project accurately and in a convenient amount of time. Doing this kind of work on your own can cost you ample amounts of money, time, frustration, and more. Trust a professional to undertake a door replacement or repair project for the best and most cost-effective outcomes.

Indianapolis Residential and Commercial Door Replacement

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable door repair and replacement services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

How to Refinish Laminate Cabinets On Your Own

Many people assume laminate cabinets can’t be refinished, but this is far from the truth! There is no need to replace laminate cabinets because they are old or outdated. Instead, you can simply refinish them! Instantly brighten, modernize, and alter the look of your kitchen’s laminate cabinetry all within your budget. It is important to review the correct process for laminate cabinet refinishing in order to achieve the best possible results. For those uncomfortable with do-it-yourself handy work, there’s no need to worry; you can hire a professional contractor and still remain within budget!

Continue reading for a brief guideline to refinishing laminate kitchen cabinets, and who to call for professional general contractor work for kitchen remodeling in your town!

Indianapolis Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling 317-454-3612

Laminate Kitchen Cabinets

If you are determined to refinish your kitchen laminate cabinets on your own, then good for you! Take a look at the guide below to learn some of the major components and key points for these particular projects. Be sure to prepare by first gathering all the necessary supplies and tools to get the job done right. These include:

⇢ Paint and Paint Primer (Water-Based)
⇢ Foam Rollers
⇢ Rolling Pans
⇢ Painter’s Tape
⇢ Sandpaper (240 & 150 Grit Sheets)
⇢ Old Bed Sheets or Drop Cloths
⇢ Disinfectant Spray
⇢ Clean Rags
⇢ Microfiber Cloth
⇢ Permanent Marker
⇢ Screwdriver

For an even more updated look, you can purchase and install new, more modern-looking cabinet handles. These are available for a variety of designs and prices at any hardware or home store. If any laminate is peeling or cracking, it will need to be replaced entirely. Do not proceed to refinish peeling o or cracked laminate cabinetry.

However, if it is only slightly peeling in one corner or so, you can simply sand the exposed area behind the laminate, and then re-glue it using a water-proof adhesive. Use masking tape to hold it in place while it dries. This works best for small areas and corners. Once you have accumulated all the tools and supplies you need, you are ready to get started.

How to Get Started:

First clean all of the cabinets. Dust them with the microfiber cloth to remove solids, and then follow with a thorough wipe down using the disinfectant spray. This provides stronger primer adhesion and ensures a cleaner smoother finish.

Using the screwdriver, remove each cabinet face and its handle while keeping track of where each one goes. Use the permanent marker to label each one so you will remember where to replace it later.

Place the cabinet faces on the drop cloths, making sure the edges remain exposed and accessible. Be sure the drop cloths cover enough surface area to protect the surrounding environment from paint.

Use the painter’s tape to line the inside edges of the cabinet faces to prevent paint drips. Take your time on this step to ensure accuracy.

Use the 240 grit sandpaper sheets to manually sand the cabinet faces. You may choose to use a handheld portable sander if you are familiar with its operation. Just be sure to not over-sand.

After sanding, use your microfiber cloth to wipe away the residual dust and sanding debris. Do this thoroughly and remove as much dust as possible.

Using your foam roller, apply a coat of water-based paint primer to each cabinet face. Allow this to dry completely, usually 8 to 12 hours depending on the brand.

Once the primer is applied and has dried completely, sand each cabinet face again using the 150 grit sandpaper. Remove excess sanding dust with your microfiber cloth afterwards.

Now repeat the last two steps.

Once both coats of primer are applied and have dried, it is time to apply your water-based paint of choice using your second foam roller. Be sure to use v-strokes during application to promote even paint marks and distribution.

Now repeat the last step.

Allow the cabinets to dry for at least 72 hours before reattaching hardware and reassembling them in their rightful place. This ensures that the paint has dried and hardened completely.

You may choose to hire a professional painting contractor instead of tackling this project on our own. If you are not familiar with handy work, and have never painted before, it may be the wisest choice. And you can still remain within a cost-effective budget when you hire professionals for the job.

✨ For those who are not experienced in construction, it is recommended to hire a local Indianapolis handyman to refinish your cabinets, safely and securely.

Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling You Can Afford

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis kitchen remodeling and handyman services for kitchens, basements, bathrooms, patios, and more. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home renovation services. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Top Reasons Why Roofs Leak This Time of Year

When your roof is leaking, it is not a good feeling. As a proud homeowner, you care about the structural integrity of your home and cringe at the thought of a major repair. Fortunately, a leaky roof is not always a disaster. Sometimes, they are a simple fix. By hiring professional roofing services, you can properly address any and every leaky roof issue you have. But in order to prevent future leaks, it is important to understand what causes them in the first place. This knowledge can help you improve your skills as a hands-on homeowner by giving you information about proper preventative maintenance.

There are many causes for roof leaks, but continue reading to learn the most common for this time of year.

Rubber Roofing and Siding Contractors 317-454-3612
Rubber Roofing and Siding Contractors 317-454-3612

Top Causes for a Leaking Roof

Attic Condensation – So often, a roof leak appears to be a problem with the roof, when in fact, it is a problem with the attic. Improper attic ventilation can cause excess moisture in the air from the bottom floors to buildup in the attic. This leads to an accumulation of moisture that seeps into your ceilings and walls.

Broken Shingles – Broken or cracked shingles is another common cause for roof leaks. This means it is imperative to repair broken or missing shingles right away!

Clogged Gutters – When gutters are clogged, they cannot perform their primary duty of directing rainwater away from the roof. Clogged gutters lead to water accumulation underneath shingles, which causes roof leaks.

Cracked Chimneys – Roof leaks are commonly caused by cracked or broken chimneys. When bricks and mortar around a chimney are in poor condition, they could cause water to seep in from the outside.

Cracked Flashing – Although a home’s chimney and skylights may be in good shape, the flashing around them can cause roof leaks if cracked or broken. In fact, it is one of the most common causes for leaky roofs.

Defective Skylights – When skylights are not properly sealed or installed, they can lead to water penetration through the roof. Whether worn sealant, cracked glass, or improper installation, defective skylights are a vital repair to have done immediately.

Fractured Vent Booting – Any sort of crack or fracture in a roof system can cause roof leaks, and vent booting is no different. Whether your roof has a gas vent or stack line, there is a boot around the base to prevent water penetration. When this fails, leaks may occur.

Ice Dams – In the winter when snow and ice are at their prime, ice dams may form on roofs. When snow melts, runs down a roof, collects at the edge, and then refreezes, it creates an ice dam. Although not an early spring issue, it is still something to consider.

Insufficient Sealing at Roof Valleys – The v-shaped valley that is created when two roof slopes meet is a common place for water to pool. For this reason, proper sealing is vital to prevent water penetration. If this sealing is insufficient or wears down, a leak can occur.

Natural Wear and Tear – Natural wear and tear is every exteriors enemy. Overtime, roofs will incur several types of wear and tear, such as the loss of the protective granules on your shingles. This and more can lead to roof leaks.

Local Indianapolis General Contractors You Can Trust

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional rubber roofing repair and siding work in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition! Request a written estimate, today.

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Everything You Need to Know About Stamped Concrete Care

You’ve mostly likely seen stamped concrete before, whether at the mall, your favorite restaurant, or your friend’s new home.  It is so versatile, easily and affordably mimicking higher end materials like brick, stone, hardwood, and even marble! Stamped concrete is a very popular choice for flooring, patios, and driveways because it is visually appealing, functional, cost-effective, long-lasting, and low maintenance. But just because stamped concrete is low maintenance doesn’t mean it doesn’t require any care at all! It is important to provide a certain degree of care for your stamped concrete floors and foundations in order for them to remain strong and stunning.

Continue reading to learn what it takes to help keep stamped concrete from aging and deteriorating over time.

Stamped Concrete Contractors
Stamped Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Caring for Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete can be imprinted, impressed, engraved, and colored to resemble an infinite array of designs, textures, and styles. This is just one reason why this type of flooring is considered such an important asset to a home or property. In order to maintain quality and performance, you simply need to make the time. Start with daily dirt removal. Use a leaf blower, broom, or vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and other solid particles from your floors. You should also rinse with clean water on a weekly basis to reduce grime and residue accumulation.

Also be sure to stay on top of stain removal. If your flooring or foundation has scuff marks, stains, or oil spots, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Never allow stains, dirt, or debris to sit for long periods of time on stamped concrete. It is important to have stamped concrete seal coated to provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and damage. Routine seal coating also protects against freeze-thaw cycles, expansion, buckling, moisture, and de-icing chemicals.

It is important to hire a professional concrete contractor for stamped concrete installation and sealcoating services. They have the experience, equipment, knowledge, and resources to provide accurate and safe service you can trust. Just be sure to choose a company that is licensed and experienced, and can offer estimates and advice anytime.

Your Leading Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration BY L&B at 317-454-3612 for professional stamped concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our licensed concrete contractors offer a wide range of concrete construction services for residential and commercial, including concrete repair, installation, resurfacing, staining, and much more. Whether you require new concrete installation, or restoration for existing concrete, we retain the proper resources and skill to get the job done right in a time-frame that’s convenient for you!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612