Top 10 tips for maintenance of sliding doors
Sliding doors are some of our top selling doors here at Secure House thanks to their versatility and functionality. If they’re glazed sliding doors, they’re great at helping to bring the outdoors indoors. And if they’re solid sliding doors they’re perfect for saving space in a variety of different situations from room partitions to garage doors.
It’s imperative to keep sliding doors well-maintained to ensure optimum operation so we’ve compiled our top 10 tips for the maintenance of sliding doors in your home. And, if you’re considering purchasing sliding doors, here’s what you need to know!
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1. Keep it clean
Key to the longevity and smooth function of your sliding doors is to keep their tracks clean. Make sure you regularly clean the tracks of your sliding doors to remove any dirt, dust, and debris that might have become lodged. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean the tracks effectively at least once a week.
2. Slide on
As with any moving parts of a door, it’s vital to lubricate the tracks of sliding doors. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to ensure smooth sliding motion. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can often attract more dirt.
3. Don’t forget the rollers!
So you’ve lubricated the tracks on your sliding doors, now don’t forget to clean and lubricate the rollers. It is essential that the rollers of your sliding doors are lubricated too. You can use the same silicone-based lubricant used for the tracks and this will prevent them from getting stuck or becoming noisy during operation.
4. Still weatherproof?
Any external sliding doors are, of course, specifically designed to withstand all types of weather from rain and wind to sunshine and snow. As such, it’s imperative that you inspect the weatherstripping on the doors. By checking the weatherstripping around the sliding door for any signs of wear or damage you can often spot any issues before they arise. This way, you can replace any worn-out weatherstripping and maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts.
5. Sparkle and shine
If your sliding doors are glazed, make cleaning the glass, both internally and externally, part of your regular maintenance routine. Cleaning the glass panels of your sliding door will help to keep them clear and free of smudges so you get the very best view. Select a purpose-glass cleaner and a soft cloth for this task repeat on a fortnightly basis.
6. Tweak it
It’s perfectly normal to have to make ok to make slight tweaks to sliding doors over time. Adjusting the doors’ alignment is common practice in the door industry. If your sliding door begins to drag or becomes misaligned, you can adjust its alignment. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional to make the necessary adjustments.
7. Check it out
External sliding doors are designed to protect your home. If a handle or lock is loose not only could it hamper operation, but it could also provide an intruder with a way in. So, make sure you secure any loose handles or locks on your sliding door to ensure they are as secure as possible. Tighten any loose screws or bolts and replace any damaged hardware too.
8. Keep clear
This might sound like quite an obvious tip but avoid placing any objects or obstacles on the track that could interfere with the sliding motion of the door. Be sure to always keep track area clear to prevent jams and damage. Every time you slide the door open or closed, just take a cursory look to see if anything is in the way, especially if you have young children who might have left their toys laying around!
9. Protect against the elements
Here in the UK, we’re on an island and we all know that means one thing when it comes to the weather: it can be completely unpredictable! So, it’s essential to protect your sliding doors against harsh weather. If you do happen to live in an area with particularly extreme weather conditions, consider installing a storm door or applying window film to protect your sliding door from the elements.
10. Inspection due
It goes without saying, to get the best from your sliding doors, we recommend performing regular inspections. By doing this, you will be able to identify any potential issues early on. Look for signs of damage, wear, or malfunction and address them promptly to prevent any further damage.
If you follow these maintenance tips, you can keep your sliding doors in tip top condition and ensure they operate smoothly and efficiently for many years.
If you’d like to find out more about sliding doors and how to best maintain them, or you’d like to add sliding doors in your home, please contact any of the Secure House team on 0207 859 4207 info@secure-house.co.uk