Aluminium Door Maintenance Tips By Master Locksmiths

Aluminium doors are the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting front entrance door. Contrary to what you might think about metal doors, aluminium is a lightweight material with an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning doors made from aluminium are robust.

If you currently own aluminium doors, or if you're considering purchasing one, it's important to know what steps to take to maintain their functionality and appearance. Many factors in your environment can weaken doors, which is why we've laid out helpful tips and tricks from an expert Bradford locksmith on taking care of any aluminium doors.

Cleaning

One major benefit of opting for an aluminium door is that it requires less cleaning and maintenance than other materials. Fibreglass and uPVC doors are prone to warping in hotter climates, wooden doors often suffer from sealant issues, and steel doors can scratch easily, requiring repainting. Aluminium, on the other hand, is largely scratch-resistant and offers little chance of warping due to temperature changes.

Still, it's critical to regularly clean your aluminium door to make sure it's functioning properly. When it's time for a cleaning, we recommend using a sponge or cloth along with a simple cleaning solution such as dish soap. Simply wipe down the exterior and wash any detergent away using warm water. This should be done every two or three months, and doing so will keep your aluminium door from accruing dust or blemishes over time!

Scratches

When it comes to your home's exterior, life happens. Scratches on your doors and windows are inevitable, and although aluminium doors tend to be more scratch-proof than other materials, scratches can still appear from storms and other environmental factors.

Luckily, you can take action when these pesky scrapes appear. Some solutions can be applied in the same way that you would use for regular cleaning. Home remedies can be applied, with some homeowners reporting success using baking soda or toothpaste on the affected areas! If this doesn't work, heavy-duty solutions can be used, such as Nu Finish's Scratch Doctor Scratch Remover.

Sometimes, when gashes or lacerations are too deep or large to remove using these solutions, a paint job could be necessary. This is why it's important to perform regular checks on your doors and windows.

Bifold and aluminium sliding doors

Aluminium doors come in tons of stylish designs and types, including bifold and sliding models. Bifold aluminium doors have multiple hinges that fold back like an accordion. There are also sliding models that work just like patio doors, where the door slides along a track with rolling wheels. These types of aluminium doors are extremely popular, but they also require a bit more maintenance than standard doors of the same material.

It's important to keep hinges on bifold doors lubricated since there are more than the normal two sets you'd find on a traditional door. Make sure to wipe down the hinges and apply lubrication as needed, as this will enable the door to fold properly.

For sliding doors, it's similarly a good idea to inspect the door and its parts for debris and obstructions. Small pebbles and other outdoor rubbish can get caught in the tracks of sliding doors. We also recommend greasing the track and wheels with a silicone spray or another lightweight lubricant.

Most bifold and sliding aluminium doors come with latches that can make it easy to open and close the units. Unfortunately, these latches are very easy to force open, leaving your home vulnerable to burglars. Professional locksmiths recommend installing secondary locks or door reinforcements to decrease your chances of a break-in.

Locking Systems

Like any main entrance, it's important to make sure the lock on your front door is secure and working properly. It's recommended that you apply lubrication to your door locks each time you perform a regular cleaning. If you have a standard lock, consider upgrading to a more secure deadbolt or electronic lock to fully protect your home. Thankfully, the aluminium material makes installations easy to accomplish. Drilling holes through the material is easy, and you can quickly install lock plates and mechanisms in just minutes!

If you're unsure of your ability or if you're looking for a foolproof solution for lock installations, it's a good idea to work with a local locksmith agency to complete this step. Agencies like Lock & Key can send qualified locksmiths to your property to assist with lock installations and upgrades.

Cleaning substances to avoid

Remember that some cleaning substances can be abrasive and damaging to aluminium doors. For most aluminium doors, there's a thin coat or protective varnish applied to the exterior. Make sure to avoid any chemicals that can peel or dissolve the finish. This includes solutions like chlorine, ketones, or other cleaners designed specifically for other metals. Even cleaners made for raw aluminium can damage treated aluminium! This can be avoided by checking your cleaning product for any chemicals that conflict with your door's recommended guidelines,

We also recommend avoiding cleaning products like steel wool or other course scrubbing tools as these items can scratch and blemish metal doors. By using the right cleaning tools, you can extend your door's lifespan and keep it in great working order.

Industrial cleans

In some cases, you might opt to have your aluminium doors professionally cleaned. This can be useful in cases where delicate mechanisms are in place. Sophisticated locks and above-market hinges can be sensitive to cleaning products, and using the wrong solutions can damage or even break parts of your door.

Professional cleaning services can be especially helpful for bifold, sliding, or other non-traditional aluminium doors. They know how these doors operate and they can take time to clean each section. It's pretty easy to find a local cleaning company that can effectively clean your doors with care.

Conclusion

Aluminium doors are great choices for your home or business due to their strength, durability, and ease when cleaning. Make sure to use simple cleaning solutions while avoiding corrosive materials like chlorine or steel cleaning products. Lubrication is also your friend, as you should add silicone-based lubricant to your hinges and deadbolts every two or three months. If there are any questions regarding your home's safety, think about ditching the standard locks that come on aluminium doors and upgrading to a more heavy-duty locking system.

If you're interested in upgrading to aluminium doors or windows, consider contracting a local locksmith to perform a professional install. Aluminium doors may come with additional considerations, but their resilience and style can make the extra trouble worth it. When properly taken care of, aluminium doors can provide a sleek and strong defence for your property, all with little effort!