Your new doors are a significant investment in your home, enhancing both its appearance and functionality. Whether you’ve chosen composite doors, sliding doors, French doors, or bi-fold doors, proper care and maintenance will ensure they remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Composite Doors
Composite doors are popular for their durability, security, and aesthetic appeal. To maintain these qualities:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the door surface regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the door’s finish. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for composite materials.
- Glass Panels: If your composite door features glass panels, clean them with a mild glass cleaner or a water-vinegar mixture. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the glass.
- Hinges and Locks: Lubricate the hinges and locking mechanisms with a light oil or silicone spray every six months. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent any stiffness or squeaking.
- Weatherstripping and Seals: Regularly inspect the weatherstripping and seals for any signs of wear or damage. Replace them promptly if necessary to maintain energy efficiency and keep out draughts and moisture.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors offer a sleek, modern look and are often used to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Here’s how to care for them:
- Track Maintenance: The track is the most critical component of sliding doors. Regularly clean the track to remove dirt, dust, and debris that could cause the door to stick or jam. Use a vacuum or a small brush to clean the track, followed by wiping it down with a damp cloth.
- Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the track and rollers every few months to ensure smooth and easy operation. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and grime.
- Glass Cleaning: Clean the glass panels with a non-abrasive glass cleaner or a water-vinegar solution. Use a soft cloth or squeegee to prevent streaks.
- Seal Inspection: Regularly check the seals around the sliding door to ensure they are intact and functioning correctly. Damaged seals should be replaced to prevent draughts and moisture ingress.
French Doors
French doors add elegance and charm to any home, and with proper care, they will continue to do so for many years:
- Routine Cleaning: Clean the door frames and glass panels regularly using warm, soapy water for the frames and a mild glass cleaner for the glass. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surfaces.
- Hinge and Lock Maintenance: Ensure the hinges and locks are in good working order by lubricating them with a light oil or silicone spray every six months. Tighten any loose screws to maintain the door’s alignment.
- Checking for Draughts: Inspect the weatherstripping and seals for any signs of wear or damage. French doors can be prone to draughts if the seals are compromised, so replace them as needed to maintain energy efficiency.
- Avoiding Impact Damage: Be cautious when moving furniture or other heavy objects near French doors, as their glass panels can be vulnerable to impact damage.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are a fantastic way to open up space and bring the outdoors in. To keep them functioning smoothly:
- Track and Hinge Care: Just like sliding doors, bi-fold doors rely on tracks for smooth operation. Keep the tracks clean and free of debris by vacuuming or brushing regularly. Lubricate the tracks and hinges with a silicone-based spray to prevent any stiffness or squeaking.
- Glass and Frame Cleaning: Clean the glass panels with a non-abrasive glass cleaner and a soft cloth. For the frames, use warm, soapy water and a sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent watermarks.
- Seal Inspection: Regularly check the seals along the door edges and between the panels to ensure they are intact and providing an effective barrier against draughts and moisture. Replace any damaged seals promptly.
- Proper Operation: Ensure that the doors are opened and closed carefully to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the hinges and track. Avoid forcing the doors if they do not open smoothly—this could indicate that cleaning or adjustment is needed.
By following these care and maintenance guidelines, your newly installed doors—whether composite, sliding, French, or bi-fold—will remain in excellent condition, providing beauty, security, and energy efficiency for many years. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection are key to avoiding potential issues and ensuring that your doors continue to perform at their best.
If you have any concerns or require professional maintenance, our team is here to assist you. Contact us to keep your doors in top shape!
