How To Maintain Your Doors And Windows
In today’s contemporary architecture of buildings, aluminium windows and aluminium doors are becoming a popular choice. Both from a residential and commercial point of view, the integration of aluminium windows and doors are increasing significantly. Aluminium is an excellent choice if you want to maximize levels of security, insulation, or aesthetics of your home or building. Aluminium windows and doors have proven to be light but strong, durable and easy to maintain. They are available in standard aluminium window sizes and can be purchased on various sales and discounts.
Due to the strength of aluminium, the frame requires less material to hold the glass. As a result, slimmer frame profiles are possible. The strength of aluminium windows and doors also allows the construction of much bigger windows and doors. These glass doors and windows improve the outside view as there is much more glass area. Use of such architecture almost blurs the lines between the indoor and outdoor view. Hence, this gives us a sensation of being closer to nature.
The Need for Maintenance
There is a wide range of advantages of investing in aluminium doors and windows. Hence, it is equally important to know how to maintain it well. It is true that these type of windows and doors are of low maintenance. However, it would be best if you still did not neglect taking care of them. If not taken care of, it may call for an expensive door or window replacement.
Even though aluminium is a great material to use, its chemical properties are such that it can corrode easily. Once this begins, it can quickly get out of hand. Nobody really wants their front doors to be stained by corrosion. Areas exposed to water such as shower doors must be given extra care to avoid corrosion of aluminium.
You can follow these methods and tips listed below to maintain your aluminium doors and aluminium windows.
11 tips to maintain your doors and windows
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Clean the Glass
Any glassy surface is bound to get dirty soon. It may have several fingerprints or settled dust on its surface. This ruins the look and show of it. Hence, it is a good idea to clean your front doors, entrance doors, and aluminium windows on a regular basis.
For this, it is advised to use detergent and clean water. It is also best to use a sponge or a soft cloth for cleaning. This will protect the surface from scratches. Do not wash the glass when its surface is hot. Also, remember not to let the soap solution dry on the surface.
A high-pressure source of water such as a hose should not be used. This may seep into the wall assembly and cause damage.
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Dry the Awnings
Aluminium awning windows help to conserve heat within the interior of your home while adding to the aesthetics of it. They are a meeting ground between fashion and practicality. Drying of the awnings is essential for proper maintenance. Any form of solvent residue must be removed carefully before they are left to dry. If neglected, heavy oxidation may lead to staining.
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Unclog the Tracks
Aluminium doors and windows consist of tracks. Dirt and debris may often get accumulated in these tracks. This may restrict the motion of aluminium sliding doors and windows and make the operation of closing and opening difficult. Also, due to clogging chances of corrosion also increases. You can try using a vacuum cleaner to remove the set-in dirt. Avoid the use of sharp objects to do this. It may cause damage or may scratch the powder coating.
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Wash the Frame
Just as the glass and tracks need to be kept clean, the frame also requires attention. It would be best if you used soft cloth or sponge and minimal detergent on the frames. Use mild detergents and dilute it properly to inhibit oxidation and pitting. Pour 1 cup of detergent into one liter of water to scrub the frames and keep them intact. It is essential to note that wood frames require paint or stain every five to ten years.
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Use these products
Penetrating Lubricant – You can spray the locks of your aluminium windows with a penetrating lubricant. This will keep the springs flexible and reduce stiffness.
Car Wax – You can apply car wash in the frames of your aluminium windows and doors to protect it from grime. It will also control the amount of dirt on the glasses and make it crystal clear.
Silicone Lubricant – A silicone lubricant profoundly prevents rust and corrosion. Additionally, it makes the sliding of glass a lot smoother. However, make sure that you apply the lubricant only after cleaning your aluminium windows and doors thoroughly.
Glass Cleaner – You can make use of glass cleaning sprays as well. Spray ample amounts of liquid to the glass and clean in a circular motion using soft fabric or old newspaper. This will help you achieve perfectly clean aluminium glass doors and windows.
Steam Cleaner – If your awning windows seem withered, you can use a steam cleaner. Many a time, typically sticky substances like mildew can make your glass dirty and opaque. This machinery is recommended because it helps to remove such contaminants. Aluminium awnings require sprucing with coats of fresh paint from time to time. Using a steam cleaner will negate moisture seepage. This will increase the durability of the awnings and improve their appearance on the whole.
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Lubricate the Hardware Components
Aluminium is used to construct entrance doors, french doors, front doors and many other kinds of glass doors. Therefore, it is vital to lubricate the hardware components. Parts such as locks, handles, and keyholes should be lubricated using a wet silicone spray. Proper attention should be given to the roller assemblies used in aluminium folding doors and aluminium sliding doors too. Use a straw applicator to lubricate these parts. It is also recommended that you apply a generous amount of lubrication to joints and hinges for smooth locomotion. This is highly recommended in coastal areas as sea salt encourages the formation of rust.
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Apply Sealer
Seasonal changes such as in late summer and early fall can cause maximum dirt accumulation and problems. It is the right time for the reapplication of sealant or caulk in your aluminium windows and doors. To reduce the potential of leaks, you must pay heed to areas that are constantly exposed to sunlight. Other extreme weather conditions such are thunderstorms or hailstorms can also cause damage to your windows and doors. This will make you go for replacement windows.
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Maintain functionality of your hardware
Friction – You may find that your aluminium windows and doors are becoming stiff. If that happens, use a light spray lubricant such as WD40 and apply it on the joints. Following this move the glass back and forth several times to remove the stiffness. Spray the lubricant in careful amounts to avoid over sliding.
Hinges – Be regular with the cleaning of hinges for good durability.
Cylinders – As dust and grit accumulate in the cylinders of your glass doors and windows, it will become harder for keys to turn. Hence, apply lubricant or graphite powder when the cylinders feel too tight to move.
Locks – Use spraying lubricants to keep the bolts and latches free and clean.
Rollers and Wheels – To keep the operation of your aluminium sliding doors smooth, focus of the tracks. Keep the tracks clean by using a vacuum. Make sure that the brush piles are also free of debris. Also, keep a check on the drain holes in the lower frame of your doors and windows.
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Install Blinds and Snap-In Shades
To insulate your interiors of the house from cold temperatures in the winter or scorching heat in the summer, you can install blinds. Some aluminium windows come with pre-installed shades between the glass. Blinds and snap-in shades are readily available for most of the various standard aluminium window sizes. Nowadays several options for getting custom sized shades and blinds made are also present. These shades and blinds provide additional privacy. They also increase energy efficiency.
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Replace/Repair the Damage
It is a harsh reality that overtime your shining aluminium windows and doors will lose some of their shine. To however preserve the performance and durability of your doors and windows you must replace and repair the damaged components. Due to water penetration over time wood may get cracked and deteriorate. This will allow cold air and unwanted moisture to leak into your home. You must keep an eye out for these signs and call for replacement windows at the earliest if the damage is done it cannot be controlled any further.
Loose or missing seals and gaskets must also be fixed at the earliest. Glazing seals are responsible for providing weather tight connection between the glass and the frame. Hence, lose, or missing seals can also cause unwanted moisture or other elements to contaminate your house.
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Prevent Condensation
Condensation results when moist air comes in contact with a cold surface and changes into its liquid form. It can lead to a deposit of water in the form of tiny droplets on the interior wall and glass. It must be avoided at all costs to minimize damage. In such a natural phenomenon much is not in our hands to control. However, the usage of wooden frames can help reduce condensation to an extent. As wood is a good insulator from the cold temperatures outside, wooden frames for aluminium windows and doors is a smart choice. On the other hand, metal frames are not so beneficial. Some metals usually used to make window and door frames are not good insulators. They allow the cold conditions to affect the temperature of the entire frame. This causes heavy condensation on the interior of the glass. Hence, in order to control wooden condensation frames are better than metal ones.
How to know when your aluminium windows and doors need maintenance?
Look out for these typical signs that indicate that your windows and doors are calling for help.
- Draughty windows – When your windows are shut, but you can still feel cold air currents, something is not right. It indicates that there is some ill-fitting in your frame. You must add more sealant or weather-stripping to your windows and doors.
- Condensation – As mentioned before, condensation means seal degradation. It occurs in double or triple-pane windows, and doors indicate the replacement of the entire unit.
- Cracks – This visible sign shows clear damage. If your aluminium windows and doors are visibly cracked or broken or difficult to close and open, a full replacement is required.
- Noise – If too much noise is easily entering your house even when windows and doors are closed; things have become outdated. New energy efficient windows keep heat, cold air, and noise out. If you can still hear sounds of heavy traffic, it is a sign that a change is long overdue.
- Smoke test – This showcases the tiny air leaks. To perform this shut all windows and doors and turn off gas appliances. Turn on ventilation systems in the kitchen and bathrooms to create a negative pressure indoors. Light an incense stick and bring it near your sliding doors and aluminium windows to determine which areas are drafty.
How often should you maintain your aluminium windows and doors?
With our busy lives and work schedules, it is impossible to be so particular about doors and windows. So, how often must you do the steps as mentioned above? You can inspect your windows every two to three months and doors every six months for faults and damages. Needless to say, if you stay near the coast, then monthly maintenance and care are required. However, it is suggested you have a professional inspect once a year regardless of your location for optimum results.
With this, we have come to understand that aluminium doors and aluminium windows installation are a great option. It is very easy to find aluminium doors for sale, and aluminium windows prices are also quite economical.
Hence, think no more and alter your house with aluminium windows and doors for all kinds of new benefits.
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