Tips for Maintaining Patio Doors

Patio doors can provide a beautiful view of your outdoor space while allowing natural light to brighten up your home. But like any other feature of your home, patio doors require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they remain functional and attractive. Whether you have sliding, French, or bi-fold patio doors, there are certain tips you can follow to keep them in good condition. In this blog article, we’ll provide some helpful tips for maintaining and cleaning your patio doors.

1. Check and Clean Tracks Regularly

The tracks of your patio doors are the areas where the doors slide back and forth. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can build up in the tracks, which can cause the doors to stick or become difficult to slide. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check and clean the tracks regularly.

To clean the tracks, use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any debris that may have accumulated. Once you’ve removed all visible debris, use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove them. Be sure to rinse the tracks thoroughly with water and dry them completely before closing the doors.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

The moving parts of your patio doors, such as hinges and rollers, can also become dirty and worn over time. To keep them in good working condition, it’s important to lubricate them regularly. Use a silicone-based lubricant to lubricate the hinges and rollers, as this type of lubricant won’t attract dirt or dust like oil-based lubricants.

To lubricate the hinges, apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinge pin and work it in by opening and closing the door several times. For the rollers, apply the lubricant to the roller and track, and then slide the door back and forth a few times to distribute the lubricant.

3. Clean Glass and Frames

The glass and frames of your patio doors can accumulate dirt, dust, and fingerprints over time. To keep them looking clean and clear, it’s important to clean them regularly.

To clean the glass, start by using a soft cloth or sponge to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, apply a glass cleaner to a clean, dry cloth and wipe the glass in a circular motion. Be sure to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for glass, as other cleaners can leave streaks or damage the glass.

To clean the frames, use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner to remove any dirt or stains. Be sure to rinse the frames thoroughly with water and dry them completely before closing the doors.

4. Maintain Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the material that seals the gap between the door and the frame, preventing drafts and moisture from entering your home. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, which can reduce its effectiveness. To maintain your weatherstripping, check it regularly for signs of wear or damage.

If you notice any cracks or gaps in the weatherstripping, replace it as soon as possible. You can purchase replacement weatherstripping from your local hardware store, or you can contact a professional to replace it for you.

5. Keep the Area Around Your Doors Clean

The area around your patio doors can also affect their condition. If dirt and debris are allowed to accumulate around the doors, they can become stuck or difficult to slide. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep the area around your doors clean.

Sweep or vacuum the area regularly to remove any loose dirt or debris. If there are any stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove them. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry it completely before closing the doors.

Contact a patio door pro today at Window and Door Specialties with locations in Hendersonville, NC, Charlotte, NC, Fayetteville, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC.