Are you having problems sliding your window sash up and down?
Do you want to install your screen at the top of your storm door?
Do you have water leaking to the inside of your door after a heavy rain?

Problem:  Operating sash won’t close/open all the way.
Solution: Measure the window opening if not square contact customer service @ 800.328.9448

Problem: Operating sash installed on the top.
Solution:: The sash in the self-storing storm door models is designed for screen installation in the lower half of the window opening.  See page 6 of the installation instructions.
Tip: For maximum energy efficiency, it is recommended that the screen be placed in the lower position.

Problem: Mitered corners allowing air/water in.
Solution: Use clear caulk to fill corners. If clear caulk was not used, touch up paint may be purchased by calling customer service @ 800.328.9448

Problem: Leaking water under operating sash draining to the interior.
Solution: A Sash Seal Kit (foam tape) to force rain to drain to the outside of the door. Contact customer service for Sash Seal Kit @ 800.328.9448

For our more information on Storm Door troubleshooting,
download our Storm Door  troubleshooting guide.

Need another rain sweep?
Sweep is twisted?

Problem: Need a second sweep for my green, brown or sand door.
Solution: Contact customer service for another rain sweep @ 800.328.9448

Problem: Need sweep positioned closer to the prime door on my white storm door.
Solution: Contact customer service for an unpunched vinyl white expander with sweep @ 800.328.9448

Problem: Sweep is twisted.
Solution: Warm the vinyl sweep in hot water. Carefully remove the sweep and rub until it is smooth.

For our more information on Storm Door troubleshooting,
download our Storm Door  troubleshooting guide.

If your door surface looks cloudy and yellow and you can’t get it clean?

Problem:  Door surface is cloudy or dirty looking.
Solution: To clean, use a dish washing soap or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or dirt.

Problem:  Yellow material is found around the edge of the window.
Solution: AJ has a cleaning agent that can remove the stain caused by our foaming process.  Please contact customer service @ 800.328.9448

For our more information on Storm Door troubleshooting,
download our Storm Door  troubleshooting guide.

Your stormdoor latch doesn’t stay latched or the thumb button won’t push in?

Problem:  Storm door latch doesn’t remain tight to door.
Solution: You may need some additional shims. Contact AJ customer service @ 800.328.9448

Problem:  Thumb button mechanism doesn’t push in.
Solution: Your inside spring may be out of position. To position it, remove the inside latch mechanishm See parts identification sheet for proper positioning of the spring.

For our more information on Storm Door troubleshooting,
download our Storm Door  troubleshooting guide.

Does your closer slam your storm door shut?
Your door won’t open a full 90 degrees? or opens and closes slowly?

Problem: Storm door closer slams door shut.
Solution: You may have a defective closer, contact customer service @ 800.328.9448

Problem:  Storm door won’t open up a full 90 degrees.
Solution: Jamb bracket or door may not be positioned properly. Review Jamb Bracket reversal instructions.

Problem:  Storm door doesn’t close all the way or very slowly.
Solution: Raise the expander on the bottom of the door or leave window open slightly to relieve air pressure between the prime door and storm door. Turning the closer adjusting screw at the end of the cylinder can produce desired results and may require some seasonal adjustments.

For our more information on Storm Door troubleshooting,
download our Storm Door  troubleshooting guide.

I am honored to admit spending the better part of my youth and young adult life on the “dumb-end” of a tape measure developing my construction and leadership skills. My father was a Journeyman Carpenter, Job-site Superintendent, Project Manager, and ultimately Partner in Successful General Contracting firm. Just as his experience was built on the proper foundation of an apprenticeship and many years of skill development, a quality project is subject to the quality of the foundation. As your vendor/partner, we not only develop the quality of our materials, designs, and processes, we focus on the quality of our Company Culture – the foundation of our business.

What does a solid foundation look like at AJ? First of all it is wide at the base, we include every single employee in the process by communicating, skill building, and providing the proper tools to be successful. Second, we replace or shore-up weak areas with technology, equipment, process improvement and training. As with any foundation, it is subject to wear and tear and must be maintained. Third, as we work on our foundation, we remain focused on the plan, we are consistent in the execution of the steps necessary to meet the expectations of quality and growth we have established. Last but not least, we are open about the process, the dirty details, the issues that are holding us back and we ask for advice and assistance from experts when needed.

The next time you compare our products against a competitive offering, and the basic cost and performance are similar – ask one more specification question – What is the culture of the vendor?

As my father says…..”If you don’t have the time to do it right the first time, where will you find the time to do it over?”

Build your business and reputation on a solid foundation, by focusing on the Culture.

“In everything we do in life and business, we will be Helpful, Humble, and Honest.”  – Mike Soley Sr. (MBR, Inc.)

Todd Carlson

Robert Rourke of L.E.K. Consulting recently quoted statistics from and commented on a recent survey of more than 500 residential contractors across the United States indicating, despite the difficult and highly competitive construction market, quality remains a high priority in product selection for both the contractor and the project owner.  I was not surprised, I cannot imagine a time or circumstance where project owners could be more focused on value and quality for their money.

I know that it is tempting to trim here and cut there when designing a project, we face the same challenges in the design and construction of our products.  The truth is however, sacrificing quality materials, components, employee skill level, service, and or communication ALWAYS results in higher overall costs.  Am I suggesting that the highest cost, most featured option is necessary for every project or product – absolutely not, but discovery of how, where, why, and how a product may deliver the lowest overall cost is the key.

Ask tough questions, detailed questions of your supply chain, clarify the service level or the material specification, ask for evidence of quality and look for a reference to determine if the product representative is honest and consistent in their service.  Today, more than ever, the importance of the non-material content of our doors and window is as important as the material and workmanship.  What is non-material content?  Detailed confirmation of every order,  Manufacturer processing of freight claims on the builders behalf, Rapid processing of Warranty claims, Lean Manufacturing culture, Support of industry groups and Rapid on-site response when required are all examples of cost saving/lowering content that may be standard in the slightly higher cost product, but lower the overall cost of the item.

Focus on contractor affinity, education, product durability and performance are key for A.J., make them a priority for your customer.  Challenge your team to create moments with customers where you can share your story of quality and value, I am confident the customers will respond and you will overcome the majority share of the cost objection.

Todd Carlson – President  A.J. Manufacturing, Inc.

AJ Partner™ & Responder™ Doors
Pass Certification Requirements to meet Florida Building Code

AJ Walk Doors comply with all requirements of the 2007 Florida Building Code with the exception of the HVH Zones.

Series 3100, 3700, 5100, & 7100 to 3/0×6/8:+55.0/-66.7 psf

Series 3100, 3700, 5100, & 7100 to 3/0×7/0:+49.9/-60.5 psf

Responder R41 & R51 to 3/0×6/8: +50.0/-50.0 psf

Partner 21A & 21S to 3/0×6/8: +50.0/-43.3psf

To view the test data and drawings:

1. Go to http://floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx
2. Click on “Product Approval”
3. Click on “Find a Product or Application
4. Enter AJ’s application number — # 7445 for series 3100, 3700, 5100 & 7100 and #7648 for Partner & Responder doors.

We are committed to the industry’s highest standards of ACCESS door and wall panel performance and we recognize our products are part of a larger system of components that must work together for optimum results.  Click here for a trouble shooting guide and checklist.