Patio doors are an important functional part of your home. For most homes, the patio doors are used more than any other exterior door. Because of the heavy use and the exposure to the elements, it’s important that you practice good maintenance with your doors. According to Angi, patio doors that are well cared for can usually last about 30 years. You want to get as much use out of your doors as you can. Here are a few tips on patio door maintenance that you should be aware of so that when you install your new ones, you can feel confident knowing they’ll last for years.
Clean the Door Track
If you have a sliding patio door on a track or plan on having one installed, it’s imperative that the tracks are properly cleaned. Over time the track can collect debris such as dirt, pet hair, food crumbs, yard debris, and all sorts of things. It’s important to clean this track out regularly so that the door can function properly. If this type of debris is left to stay on the tracks, the door will develop more and more problems and become difficult to open or close over time.
It’s a good idea to vacuum out the patio door tracks at least once a month. You’ll also want to scrub the track thoroughly at least once every other month as well.
Apply Proper Door Lubrication
Not only do you need to keep the tracks clean but you may want to consider pulling out the sliding rails underneath the patio doors and applying a lubricant. A lubricant that’s approved by a patio door retailer will prevent the door from sticking and make for smooth opening and closing. You should discuss which type of lubricant to use with your patio door professionals first.
Don’t Forget the Frames
The frames of your patio doors can get dirty and grimy over time. Once every few months, you’ll want to lather up the exterior and interior frame with mildly soapy water. Give the entire frame a nice wipe-down. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly as well to remove any soapy residue. Don’t use any harsh chemicals, though, because that could damage your door’s finish.
Keep the Glass Sparkling
If you want your patio doors to look their best, then you’ll want to keep that glass nice and shiny. Glass cleaner and paper towels are usually enough to do the trick. The key is to do this often. If you have a lot of traffic through the doors, fingerprints and grime will accumulate quickly.
These are just a few tips on maintaining your patio doors once you have them installed. If you’re looking for patio door installation services, River Valley Window Company has you covered. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with us!