Unique Home Designs :: Always Beautiful - Always Unique™ Laser Cut Screen Doors

Frequently Asked Questions

We have attempted to answer as many Frequently Asked Questions as possible to assist you with information. If your question has not been answered, please call our Customer Service personnel weekdays between the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. We should be able to provide you with an immediate answer to your question.

Questions

Why do you manufacture your products out of Aluminum instead of steel?
Isn’t Steel Stronger and better than Aluminum?
What are the results of static force tests on Unique doors?
Will Unique make a custom door using our provided design?
Why do you offer three types of screens?
Should I order a Double Deadbolt or Single Deadbolt on Classic or Premier Series doors?
Are pet doors available?
What if we want both a metal security screen and an insect or sun/pet screen?
How do we know which direction the art will be on a door?
Are deadbolts and handles available on gates?
Do your gates conform to codes for Pool Gates?
Why is the Threshold plate not included in a Value Series door?
How is the gate width opening determined?
How do we know which door or gate can be made in which series?
Do you do a pre-measure first?
Are there any hidden costs or fees after the purchase of a door?
Why can the door designs change by size of door?
Do you offer glass as a screen replacement for the change of seasons?
Can the threshold plate be powder coated the same color as the door to match?
Can any door be made as a double or patio/arcadia door?
What happens if we have an existing screen door or gate?
What is the difference in weather-stripping?
Do I need or want a door closer or wind chain?
Does it matter which side the locks go on?
How quickly will we be contacted by Unique Home Designs?
Why is wood trim around the entry way important?
Why does it take so long for the door to be ready?
Can I supply my own locks?
Can accessories or options like glass or screens be ordered later, after the original door has been installed?
What is not covered during installation?

Answers

Why do you manufacture your products out of Aluminum instead of steel?

Aluminum was chosen for a number of reasons, but the most important reason was because steel rusts and begins to rust from the moment the product is installed. When we first acquired the company, we quickly realized from the number of rust complaints that the old fashioned steel security door was a big problem. Even the hot dry areas like Phoenix had major problems with rusting doors. The challenge was to design and build a product that was beautiful, stronger and rust free. After many months of research and development and millions of dollars invested in new equipment, we have designed a product that is unparalleled in the marketplace and best of all there is never any rust.

Isn’t Steel Stronger and better than Aluminum?

That is a very common myth. Aluminum can be engineered to almost any strength needed. There are many different aluminum alloys that are engineered for specific applications. Different alloys are used in everything from light weight beverage cans to heavy duty applications like aircraft, automobile engines, skyscrapers and thousands of other different products. 6063-T6 aluminum is the alloy formulated to be primarily used in architectural applications like our doors. It is used worldwide on commercial buildings, schools, banks and skyscrapers because of its strength and durability. We’ve engineered our products to far exceed the strength of the 16 gauge steel used by virtually manufacturer of the old style steel doors so we can offer a far better technologically advanced product without the rust or weakening problems associated with steel.

What are the results of static force tests on Unique doors?

Static force tests are performed with a specific set of parameters established in advance, such as size of door, distance of pull from a door, how quickly force was applied and others. Unless one knows the exact way a test was performed, a direct comparison to other tests is impossible. Unique had our doors, as well as others, tested by an independent testing lab to establish minimum requirements for our doors. Our main objective was to prove that the rust free 6063-T6 alloy that we use is engineered to make our frames at least as strong as the 16 gauge steel frames used by competitors.

Testing to the elastic limits using the same testing equipment at the same time, our 1 1/2” architectural grade Aluminum door frames tested to as much as 80% stronger than those that use the standard 2” wide, 16 gauge steel frame on security doors. Clearly, our doors tested far superior.

Will Unique make a custom door using our provided design?

Yes. We can make custom designs in our Premier Series doors. We need to know what design you want and our graphic artists will design the art and send it for approval before production begins. We can work from a comprehensive description, a photograph, a rough sketch or electronic messaging. Additional costs will be based on artist and programming charges.

Why do you offer three types of screens?

The coated polyester screens are inset mounted into the door and can be removed for cleaning or replacing with glass. Screens are not a security issue; the mount, the one-way bolts, the door frame, and the double cylinder dead bolt provide the security in a standard door. If a single cylinder deadbolt or slimline hardware is used, a metal screen is necessary for maximum security purposes.

There are benefits to each type of screen:

Metal screening – Provides the most security and privacy, but will block more air flow and may get scratches, dings and dents in time. Metal screens are designed to be permanent.
Sun/Pet screening - Similar to trampoline material, this screen is made with coated polyester. The holes are the smallest of any screening, thus helping to keep out bugs better and reduce sun damage. This screen blocks out 80% of the sun’s damaging rays helping protect furniture and carpet. We recommend this screening for maintenance and durability using double deadbolt locks.
Insect/Window screening – We use a premium grade of insect screening on Classic and Premier Series doors and it is more desirable to some individuals because it lets in more air than either metal or sun/pet screening. It also allows a person to see better through the screening. A fiberglass insect screen is used on the Value Series. Again, for security, double deadbolt locks are recommended.

Should I order a Double Deadbolt or Single Deadbolt on Classic or Premier Series doors?

You will get a wide range of opinions on this issue, but you need to make the choice that you feel is best for you’re your application. A double deadbolt is activated by a key only on both sides of the door. Without a key, the lock cannot be unlocked. A single deadbolt is unlocked by a key on the outside, but has a thumb turn on the inside of the door. Many fire departments feel that double deadbolts are unsafe to use because a key is not always available for a rapid exit and someone could get trapped in case of a fire. For this reason, there may even be a law in your community requiring single deadbolts and you should check to see if there is such a requirement in your area. On the other hand, for a security door, a double deadbolt is most desirable because an intruder could cut through a vinyl screen and unlock a single deadbolt to gain access to the home, but without a key, they cannot unlock a double deadbolt. If a single deadbolt is used and you desire a more secure door, we recommend using a perforated metal screen that would be difficult for an intruder to penetrate.

Are pet doors available?

Yes, pet doors are an available option, but only in our Classic and Premier Series doors. Sizes available and prices are shown on our price list/order form. When a pet door is ordered, we must insert a cross bar into the door to mount the pet door against. Solid metal panels are then inserted to the left and right of the pet door to complete the lower portion of the door. The metal plates are painted the same color as the door frame.

Depending on the size of the pet door, the design or art on the door is reduced by the height of the pet door. In laser designs, a pet door could somewhat distort the design pattern and must be considered seriously as the beauty of the door will be altered.

Further, our frame size is a minimum of 5” at the bottom and depending on your application and the distance from the bottom of the door to the ground, the distance can be as much as 9”. If you have a small pet with short legs, you need to consider clearance to the ground.

What if we want both a metal security screen and an insect or sun/pet screen?

You should note that the metal security screen is designed to be permanent, so it is not easily removed. If you still want two screens, there is an additional charge added for the optional metal security screen which when ordered replaces the basic screen included in our price. If you also want insect/sun pet screen, there is an additional $50 charge to add to the order as well.

How do we know which direction the art will be on a door?

The art orientation that is shown on our brochures, in The Home Depot Associate Handbook, or on our web site is exactly the orientation that the door will be shipped in. The swing of the door does not effect the art orientation except on the sunburst designs where the sun art changes with the handle location. If you want a door design modified or reversed, you must advise us when the order is placed. Please make sure the Home Depot Associate enters that information on your order. Also, please verify that information when we call to confirm your order.

Are deadbolts and handles available on gates?

Not any longer. We’ve learned that because the posts or walls that gates are attached to often move with weather conditions or settling, the throw of the latches or deadbolts is often not long enough to work well as the reveal changes. The standard lockable gate latch works very well in most every application.

Do your gates conform to codes for Pool Gates?

Generally yes, however virtually every city state and individual community has different codes for pool gates. We cannot stay current on all of the codes across the U.S.A and the constant changes in them. It is your responsibility to make sure the gates you orders conforms to code requirements in your location.

Why is the Threshold plate not included in a Value Series door?

Value Series doors are recess mounted and in the majority of cases, threshold plates and bottom bars are not needed. Rather than charge more for every door sold to cover the cost, we elected to make the threshold/seal kit an available option to those that need it.

How is the gate width opening determined?

When measuring for a gate, the width dimension needed is the width of the complete opening. For example, if the opening is 48” wide, the gate itself will be approximately 45” wide. The remaining 3” will be filled by the rails that the gate is mounted to and hinge on.

How do we know which door or gate can be made in which series?

Please refer to our item numbers. The letters in the item number indicate which series the door can be produced in.

V = Value Series, C = Classic Series and P = Premier Series. If a number has all 3 letters V,C & P (VCP1003 for example), that pattern is available in all 3 series. If the number has only the C & P (CP2030 for example), that pattern is only available in the Classic or Premier Series. If the number has only the P (P3032 for example) that pattern is only available in the Premier Series. It is important to note which series is wanted with the prefix letter because that dictates the cost of the door.

For example, if you want a #VCP1003 style door in a Classic Series, you would order it as #C1003, Ivy (C = Classic, 1003 = pattern and you should also specify the pattern name, 1003 = Ivy). Gates that carry a design similar to the doors carry the same number as the door, but the prefix letter changes to a G for gate. So a gate that would match up with the C1003 door would carry the number G1003.

Do you do a pre-measure first?

No. This is a Point of Sale procedure and a Furnish and Install (F & I) program. The Home Depot wants to go forward with many F & I programs and book the sale without a pre-measure wherever possible. Unique Home Design’s installer will measure after the order is received. To assist The Home Depot Associate, let them know if door is a tall or extra-wide door to determine pricing. If you are not sure, use the 36”x80” size for pricing. Any adjustment will be made in the field or in coordination with the Install Coordinator. Measures are usually completed within a few days and take just a few minutes. Generally, appointments are not made and you need not be present for the measure. If you want to be there for the measure, just let us know when we call to confirm your order and the installer will be advised to call you for a measure appointment.

Are there any hidden costs or fees after the purchase of a door?

No. Classic and Premier Series prices include the door, on-site inspection, screen, threshold, bug sweep, lockset (handle and lock), door closer, wind chain, weather-stripping, delivery and installation. A few select upgrades like glass, perforated metal screens, optional hardware and pet doors are also available. An optional threshold plate/bug sweep kit is available on the Value Series.

Why can the door designs change by size of door?

Most doors are a standard size that is 34” to 36” wide X 80” high, therefore, our designs are based on those dimensions. When a door is thinner or wider than usual, or taller like the 96” high oversized doors, the design has to be stretched or altered to make up for the different dimensions. In barred doors, we may take away some bars in thinner doors or add them to wider doors to keep the integrity of the door and design. In laser doors, the design must be changed to fit the height or width and will look different than shown in our catalog due to the size variations. We strive to keep the design as close as possible to the original pattern, but the look may change by door size.

Do you offer glass as a screen replacement for the change of seasons?

Yes, we offer tempered safety glass as an optional upgrade.

Can the threshold plate be powder coated the same color as the door to match?

Answer. No. Anodized Aluminum was selected by design for increased durability. On a threshold plate, powder coat paint would wear off too quickly from foot traffic. Threshold plates are available in black, gold, or silver Aluminum on the Classic and Premier Series. Value Series optional threshold kits have silver Aluminum only.

Can any door be made as a double or patio/arcadia door?

Answer. Yes and no. Double doors are not available in the Value Series, but Values Series patterns can be upgraded to the Classic or Premier Series to get a double door. Virtually any single door in the Classic or Premier series can be made into double doors by repeating the pattern on the second door or reversing it. Some double doors have panoramic views that make the design different on each door. Double doors have an astragal (center post) that is attached to one of the doors so that when both doors are opened, there is no obstruction. Patio/arcadia doors are hinged in the middle, with a set of locks on each end so you have easy access to clean the stationary glass.

What if there is a problem with a door?

Unique is a full-service company. We will resolve any problem with our door to the customer’s full satisfaction within the parameters of the warranty.

What happens if we have an existing screen door or gate?

We will take down the door at no charge. Haul away of the door is your responsibility. It would also be your responsibility to re-hang the removed door on another location on the house.

What is the difference in weather-stripping?

There are many different kinds of weather-stripping and all weather-stripping wears out and needs to be replaced eventually. We use 2 different types of weather-stripping on our doors.

The lower cost Value Series doors use Low Density foam. It offers a better seal than the brush type weather-stripping, is easily replaced by the consumer and is readily available as a replacement through The Home Depot stores. The Classic and Premier Series doors come with foam weather-stripping that is easily replaced by the consumer and is also readily available as a replacement through The Home Depot stores.

Do I need or want a door closer or wind chain?

Door closers are included on all door series if you choose to have one for convenience. A door closer will somewhat limit the swing of the door so that the door will not hit possible obstructions such as outside walls, lights or bushes. In addition, the door closer will help the door close smoothly and prevent slamming. While door closers are included with all doors, they cannot be installed in certain applications. Door closers are not made to fight strong winds and can be damaged if the door is caught by a strong wind, so if needed, wind chains are also included with every door. A wind chain is used to limit the swing of the door to avoid obstructions and will fight windy conditions better than a door closer.

Does it matter which side the locks go on?

Yes. In general, the security door’s lock should go on the same side as the lock of the primary door. We will verify the location at time of measure, unless you specifically indicate the locks should not be back-to-back with the entry door locks. Any door with a landscape design or with figures on it is not reversible, thus making the location of the lock a critical piece of information for our custom production. An order should always indicate which side the locks go on.

How quickly will we be contacted by Unique Home Designs?

After receipt of the Purchase Order from The Home Depot, Unique Home Designs personnel will generally make first contact with you within 24 hours, usually the same day we receive the PO. The entire order, process, and expected install date is then reviewed.

Why is wood trim around the entry way important?

On a surface mount, the 4” or 6” lag bolts go through the wood trim into the house framing to assure security. If, for example, the house has stucco roll, we need to do an inside mount and sometimes a special sub-frame which is more difficult, but we still need at least 1” of wood surface to mount to.

Why does it take so long for the door to be ready?

Unique does not stock doors because each door is custom manufactured to your home’s needed specifications when an order is received. Seasonality could also extend the lead time. Generally doors will be installed within 35 days of order confirmation.

Can I supply my own locks?

No. Unique Home Designs will only install our approved hardware. If you choose to replace the hardware after installation, the Home Protection Guarantee is voided. Replacing hardware may also void any product warranties.

Can accessories or options like glass or screens be ordered later, after the original door has been installed?

Yes, but additional costs are incurred after the fact. For example, if glass were ordered after the initial installation, you would of course have to pay for the optional glass, but also we now have to process and ship an additional order and pay an installer to deliver and install the glass. So you would have to pay an approximate $50 for order processing, packing plus shipping costs to your area and $75 for the installer to deliver and install, on top of the $160 cost for the glass. Every effort should be made to be sure you are ordering everything you would want on the initial order so you do not incur these additional charges later.

What is not covered during installation?

We do not paint when wood is needed or when stucco has to be shaved away. That is a customer responsibility. We cannot guarantee a good fit or hardware warranty if you supplies your own locks.

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