Why is it Important to Regularly Maintain your Sliding Doors?
It may seem obvious to some but taking good care of your sliding doors with a little regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way. Not only will it keep them looking great every day, but it can also significantly extend their lifespan, saving you from costly repairs or even pricier replacements down the line.
But that’s not all! Regular maintenance is also a game-changer for your home’s energy efficiency. By keeping the seals intact, you can wave goodbye to annoying draughts and enjoy improved insulation. This means a cosier home, better energy efficiency, and potentially lower energy bills. It’s a win-win!
Top Tips For Sliding Door Maintenance
Below are our expert maintenance tips to keep your sliding doors in excellent condition for years to come…
1. Keep Things On Track By Ensuring A Smooth Glide
Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as showing off the smooth glide of your sliding doors. So, to keep them opening effortlessly and free from sticking or jamming, regular care is a must.
Keep all moving parts, like hinges, locks, handles, rollers, and guide runners, well-lubricated with a silicone-based spray or grease. Skip the WD-40, as it’s not suitable, and use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe away any excess. Regular lubrication not only keeps your doors gliding quietly but also prevents wear and tear, especially during the colder months.
Don’t forget to fully open your doors at least once a month to ensure all the components stay in tip-top shape. Need the right tools? Grab a silicone spray here or check out our full maintenance pack here. With just a little TLC, your sliding doors will stay smooth and stylish for years to come!
2. Keep Your Tracks Clear
Don’t let dust and debris sneak into those hard-to-reach spots, like the tracks. A little buildup can cause big problems, like blocking drainage and even letting water seep into your home.
To keep everything running smoothly, regularly clear and clean the bottom tracks. Use a small brush to loosen any debris, then grab a vacuum with a narrow attachment to suck it all up. This simple maintenance step helps your doors glide effortlessly while protecting your home from unwanted water damage.
3. Regularly Wipe Down Your Doors
Fingerprints, be gone! Regularly wiping down your sliding doors can make a substantial difference in both their appearance and longevity. After all, large glass sliding doors are a standout feature in your home, and they deserve to be kept in pristine condition; well, as much as possible.
We recommend using a standard window and glass cleaner along with a high-quality microfibre cloth to keep the glass spotless and free of smears. At Express Direct, our premium glass cleaner is perfect for maintaining the large glass surfaces on your doors and windows. Simply spray from 20-30cm away, wipe, and buff to a perfect finish.
4. Tighten Any Metal Fixtures Like Handles, Locks And Screws
Attention to detail is everything. Keep an eye on any metal hardware that could come loose over time, such as door handles, locks or any screws on the frame and tracks. Ensure to regularly check that everything is operating as it should and tighten any screws that come loose with a screwdriver.
5. Keep The Powder Coated Profiles & Gasket Seals Clean
Maintain the fresh look of your aluminium windows and doors coating by using a light, soapy solution and a soft cloth to wipe away dirt. Skip abrasive materials like scouring pads, as they can scratch the surfaces. Also, avoid washing-up liquid, solvent-based cleaners, or white spirit as they’re not the best for the job.
If you’re in a saltwater area, be sure to wash down the external surfaces with fresh water once a week to prevent salt from building up. For the gasket seals, just give them a gentle clean with the same soapy solution and soft cloth. And remember, never use solvent-based products; they can do more harm than good.
6. Regularly Inspect Your Door
Our best advice for tip-top door maintenance is through regular inspections to check everything is working as it should be. By identifying any early signs of wear and tear, you can address minor issues before they become bigger problems (such as expensive repairs, or even door replacements). Try incorporating a maintenance check into your house deep clean or pick a day of the month that suits you, so it becomes a habit and doesn’t feel like a big, daunting task.
The Express Direct Maintenance Pack
To keep your sliding doors in top condition, our Express Direct Maintenance Pack has everything you need. This all-in-one kit includes professional glass cleaner, a silicone-based maintenance spray for lubricating rollers, locks, and other moving parts, plus a non-abrasive microfibre cloth for gentle cleaning. Also included is a pot of touch-up paint in black, white, or grey, along with an applicator to fix any visible scratches that may appear over time. With this pack, maintaining your sliding doors has never been easier!
Key Features Of Our XP Slide LS25 – Sliding Doors
Now that you’ve got the maintenance tips down, check out the standout features of our premium aluminium XP Slide LS25 sliding doors:
- Made from high-quality, durable aluminium—built to last
- A sleek, weather-tested slimline interlock with a 25mm sightline on twin track systems
- Lockable in any open position for added convenience
- Smooth and effortless operation, thanks to the elevating sliding gearing
- Stylish stainless steel handle available for a touch of elegance
- Rigorously tested to meet PAS 024:2016 security standards
- Excellent energy efficiency with U-values as low as 1.3W/m²K
- A surprisingly affordable slimline sliding door system
To view the full product details, please head to the XP Slide LS25 – Sliding Door product page.
Visit Our Showroom Today
Whilst maintaining your sliding doors may be at the bottom of your never-ending to-do list, it doesn’t need to be a big or scary task. By regularly checking that they open and close smoothly and safely, they’re sure to look beautiful for years to come. Trust us; a little TLC now can go a long way.
Thinking about installing some sliding doors? Here at Express Bifolds Direct, we’re ready to help you upgrade and transform your home with our premium aluminium sliding doors. Visit one of our showrooms, chat with our expert team, and explore our range of products in person or online today!