New doors add value to your home by improving your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, and overall functionality. Even so, a brand-new door needs to be properly maintained, or some of that value may be lost.
All doors need regular maintenance, but doors that have windows need extra care in order to look their best because glass can easily become smudged. Cleaning the glass and other parts of the door, and inspecting the door regularly for maintenance problems can help you get the most out of your new door with windows.
CLEAN THE GLASS REGULARLY
Clean the window as often as necessary to get rid of smudges. The frequency with which you need to clean your door’s windows depends on the size of the window, how often the door is used, who is using the door, and how it’s being used.
For example, if you have children in your home, you may need to clean the windows in your doors as often as every week or two. If you live alone or with adults only, you may be able to go for longer before cleaning is necessary.
To clean the windows:
- Rinse the glass with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using a forceful spray, such as a power washer.
- Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth soaked in clean water. Alternatively, you can also clean the glass with commercial glass cleaner. If you choose to use commercial glass cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Rinse the glass with a clean water.
- Dry the glass with a fresh, clean microfiber cloth. Don’t allow your cleaning product or water to dribble down the glass, as it can leave streaks if it isn’t dried off.
CLEAN THE OTHER PARTS OF THE DOOR
Glass isn’t the only part of your door that needs to be maintained. The other parts of the door, including the frames, screens, and hardware, need to be cleaned, inspected, and maintained on a regular basis.
Clean the Frames
Clean the door frame every year, or more often as needed. If you live in a coastal area, clean the frame at least once a month. Dirt on the door frame can scratch the finish and reduce the luster of the door, so it’s important to clean the door even if it doesn’t seem necessary.
- Rinse the frame with clean water. Do not clean the frame with a strong spray of water, as this can do damage to the door.
- Dip a microfiber cloth into a bucket of warm soapy water, then wipe down the door frame with the cloth. Be sure to test an area of the door before cleaning the entire frame. Testing the soap on the frame helps ensure that you’ll clean the frame without doing damage to it.
- Use car wax to the frame annually. Apply the wax after you clean the frame, or the dirt on the door will become stuck in the wax.
Clean the Screens
If your glass door comes with screens, these too need to be cleaned periodically. Clean the screen annually (or monthly in coastal areas) to ensure beautiful views of the world outside your door. Before getting started, remove the screen according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and lay the screen flat.
Next, dip a soft bristle brush in soapy water and then gently remove dirt, salt, and other deposits on the screen with the brush. Finally, allow the screen to dry on its own, then reinstall the screen.
Clean the Hardware
To clean the hardware, use light mineral oil over the moving hardware parts, like hinges, thumb turns, and so on. The wheels on WinDoor sliding glass doors have hidden back bearings that are completely protected and never need to be lubricated.
READ THE WARRANTY, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Your door should come with a warranty that protects you from manufacturer defects. If you can’t find the warranty, contact the manufacturer to get a new copy. Read the warranty thoroughly. Usually, the warranty will describe prohibited maintenance practices, cleaning products, and so on. Familiarize yourself with this part of the warranty to avoid invalidating it.
KNOW WHEN TO CLEAN AND WHEN TO GET REPAIRS
Each part of your door should be cleaned at least once annually. If you live in a coastal area, wash the components of your door at least once per month. Salty coastal air can cause your door’s parts to corrode, so cleaning the parts will slow this process.
FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES WHEN CLEANING, MAINTAINING AND ENJOYING YOUR DOORS
Weatherstripping
Your door’s weatherstripping will need to be inspected and replaced periodically. Inspect your door’s weatherstripping at least annually, if not twice annually. Look for gaps and cracks in the weatherstripping. If needed, clean the weatherstripping with a microfiber cloth dampened with soapy water. Rinse and dry the weatherstrip thoroughly.
If installing new weatherstripping, it should be thick enough to fill the gaps between the door and the frame, but should not be so thick as to interfere with the door’s ability to open and close. You can install new weatherstripping yourself, or have a contractor do it for you.
Weep Holes
If your door has come with weep holes, check the weep holes for clogs and periodically clean the weep holes out. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean out the holes, taking care not to push any debris farther into the hole.
Leaning on the Door
Avoid leaning on the door, screen, glass, or any other components of the door. This can cause damage. Avoid leaning any objects on the door as well.
Cleaning Practices
When washing windows and other parts of your door, use light pressure. Never scrub or spray your windows with a force that could do damage to your door.
When cleaning your door, clean each part individually to ensure the work is done thoroughly and to ensure that each part of the door is allowed to dry before moving to the next part. Cleaning multiple parts of the door at once could lead cleaning products to dry on your door or its parts, leading to streaks.
Avoid cleaning the glass on days when it is hot outside and in direct sunlight conditions. Hot temperatures and direct sunlight can cause streaks.
If your door is made from aluminum, clean it as soon as it is installed. Aluminum can be sensitive to chemicals used on construction sites.
HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL THE DEALER
It’s important to get the answers to your questions when it comes to door maintenance. If you have questions about how to take care of your door with windows, contact the dealer as soon as possible.
