Because of their attractive appearance, low window maintenance requirements, and long lifespan, products with aluminum frames are popular for various building types, including residential and commercial structures.
However, just like any other structure component, these doors and windows need to be properly maintained to continue operating well and look fantastic for many years to come.
Here are some of the most crucial things you can do to keep your windows and doors with an aluminum frame in good condition.
Cleaning Windows
Cleaning the window screens on a consistent basis is one of the most essential components of regular window maintenance. The window’s surface is susceptible to collecting dirt, dust, and grime, making it appear lifeless and gloomy.
It is essential to clean your window screens regularly if you want it to continue to have a nice appearance. To clean the door’s surface, use a gentle soap or glass cleaner, water solution, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. When cleaning the door, never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers because doing so can ruin the door’s finish.
Lubrication
Lubricating the window’s moving parts routinely is another essential component of properly maintaining an aluminum frame window. The hinges and locks of old windows might experience unnecessary wear and tear over time, making them difficult to use and stiffer.
It is essential to apply a lubricant that contains silicone to the moving elements in order to avoid this from happening. Simply add a very tiny amount of lubricant to the hinges and locks, and then open and close the door a few times to work the oil into the hinges and locks.
Inspecting for Damage
Performing regular window maintenance on the window screens is essential to identify any signs of wear and tear, such as dents, cracks, or corrosion.
If you find that the window has been damaged in any way, it is imperative that you have it fixed as soon as possible in order to stop the damage from getting worse and to keep the door operating as it should. If the damage is serious, you might be required to replace the window as a whole.
Painting
If the aluminum frame of your door or window is starting to show signs of wear and tear, you should repaint it to make it brand new and give your home a more modern feel.
However, before you start, you must ensure that the surface is properly prepared by washing and sanding it. This will ensure that the new paint will attach in the correct manner. Make sure the paint you use is of a high quality, exterior grade, and was developed expressly for use on metal.
Weatherproofing
In order to protect your aluminum frame from damage caused by moisture and other environmental variables, it is essential to weatherproof it if it is located in an area where it is subjected to the elements.
You are able to accomplish this by installing a weatherstrip made of silicone all the way around the window’s circumference. This will help prevent water from seeping into the door and causing damage to the structure and the hardware.
Anodizing
Another common option that many property owners choose for regular window maintenance is aluminum anodizing. This is an electrochemically applied coating that is applied to aluminum. Aluminum’s durability and corrosion resistance are increased by anodizing because it thickens the oxide layer that covers the metal’s surface.
This is a popular choice for individuals who need the best weather protection. Residents of coastal areas typically prefer Anodizing since it offers the finest protection. The only drawbacks are the significantly fewer color options and the metal’s propensity to scratch over time.
Cleaning Tips from Inside and Outside
Inside Cleaning of Aluminum Window Frames
- Warm water and a mild detergent designed for cleaning metal surfaces should be added to a bucket.
- Warm water and a mild detergent designed for cleaning metal surfaces should be added to a bucket.
- Warm water and a mild detergent designed for cleaning metal surfaces should be added to a bucket.
- Warm water and a mild detergent designed for cleaning metal surfaces should be added to a bucket.
Always be careful not to scrub tough stains over because doing so could remove some of the powder coatings. Small stains may occasionally be best left alone, but future preventative actions should be taken to ensure no new stains develop.
You should discover that when washing aluminum frames, stains are not a problem, unlike with glass. You shouldn’t need to use a squeegee on the aluminum portions of your window, but you can if you want to. Just be delicate and watch out for ridges or creases when using your squeegee.
Exterior Cleaning Of Aluminum Window Frames
You don’t need to worry about getting wet or making a mess when using a hose outside. Before tackling the finer details of the cleaning, spraying down your windows and frames is a smart idea because it helps eliminate surface grime and dust.
- Scrub the frames gently with the same detergent solution that you used indoors.
- To ensure any filthy water isn’t dropping and drying, wipe down the frames of your windows or doors with a moist, non-abrasive cloth.
- Streaks will result from this, and they will be visible! Once the frames are clean, re-hose them because any water drips down will be clean and shouldn’t leave any stains.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Aluminum Windows (Do’s and Don’ts)
Your aluminum windows should be cleaned and maintained per the timetable stated in the aluminum windows cleaning schedule, which can be found below. Make use of these dos and don’ts for caring for aluminum windows so that you may prevent damage, prolong the life of your windows, and ensure their peak performance.
Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Aluminum Windows
Do’s
- While cleaning window glass, make exclusive use of non-abrasive glass cleansers with a sponge or a soft cloth.
- While cleaning the frames, a solution of water and gentle dish soap should be used.
- When cleaning aluminum frames properly, it is best to use a stiff dry brush rather than a wire brush.
- While drying the glass, frames, hinges, and sealant, it is important to use a soft towel so as not to cause undue wear or damage.
- Use a “cleaning lubricant” on your hardware and spring locks to prevent rust and corrosion.
- After giving the hardware a good cleaning, you should next add a silicone lubricant so that it will last longer.
Don’ts
- While cleaning aluminum window frames, abrasive scrubbing pads, brushes, and steel wool should not be used.
- While cleaning aluminum frames, you should never use abrasive cleaners, cleaning solvents, or any other harsh chemicals.
- While washing aluminum windows, you should not use high-pressure spray cleaning tools or nozzles.
- Aluminum windows should not be allowed to come into contact with the spray from irrigation sprinklers.
Schedule for Cleaning Aluminum Windows and Doors
Even brand-new windows will have a dingy appearance and a grubby frame if not properly maintained. They may begin to stick or jam, making it difficult to open and close the windows.
But, if you adhere to this simple maintenance regimen regularly, you should be able to maintain your gorgeous, high-quality aluminum windows looking and operating just like new for many years to come.
Clean the glass and metal frames of your windows once per month
Twice or thrice a year, you should thoroughly clean the inside of the window tracks and inspect the rollers, hardware, and closing and locking mechanisms of the door.
Annually, inspect window tracks and window panes for cracks, damage, or dry, brittle material in the weather stripping and examine the perimeters of the aluminum window frames. Check for any evidence of moisture between the window panes of double-paned glass if your windows use this kind of glass.
What Routine Should You Follow When Cleaning Your Aluminum Windows and Doors?
There are no hard and fast rules for cleaning and maintenance procedures for aluminum windows and doors; a lot depends on personal preference. However, as a general rule, we advise that you clean and take care of the aluminum frames and window tracks every two months and the glass about once a month.
The beautiful thing about aluminum is that it’s innately simple to clean, and even if you forget for a few months, it’s highly unlikely that any lasting damage would have been done – to the integrity of the material as well as its beauty.
Average Life of Windows
Depending on the kind of material that it is constructed from, an aluminum window frame typically has a lifetime of anywhere from 20 to 45 years. The frame’s lifetime may be increased depending on the material it is made of, as well as the care it gets.
Windows made of aluminum do not rot as windows made of wood do. In addition, they do not splinter, fracture, or shatter when broken. Also, aluminum has very little impact on the environment. Metal doesn’t rust or decay as vinyl windows do. Moreover, maintenance requirements are lower than those of other glass types such as storm windows.
It is essential to make sure that the window frames in your old house are appropriate for the windows. The advantages and disadvantages of using each kind of material also need to be considered.
Your choice of windows and doors will also impact the amount of time your home will remain in good condition after you purchase it. There’s a possibility that the longevity of Windows is also affected by the quality of the underlying operating system.
Most conventional window frames are built of wood. However, an aluminum window frame has a far longer lifespan. On the other hand, if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather, you may need to repair your windows more regularly.
Upkeep
If you settle on using metal windows, you will be responsible for keeping them clean. Cleaning the window frames and hardware regularly is one way to accomplish this goal. If the window frames are powder coated, any outside damage may be prevented.
The windows’ lifetime may be extended if thermal breaks are put in older windows. These thermal breaks are designed to stop the frame’s expansion caused by heat. As a result, they are an excellent choice for locations that get a lot of direct sunlight as they help with saving costs on utility bills too.
Choosing a window manufacturer that coats their products with a high-grade powder is essential. Powder coating is a barrier between the elements and the metal frame, preventing corrosion and providing protection.
If you reside in a location that is close to the ocean, you should give some thought to purchasing windows that have a marine-grade coating. Aluminum window frames are available in various shapes, styles, and colors. Choose something modern and streamlined instead.
Final Words
In conclusion, the upkeep and maintenance of your window with an aluminum frame can be pretty uncomplicated with proper guidance. You can maintain your window looking wonderful and running well for many years to come by doing a few simple measures, such as cleaning, lubricating, examining for damage, painting, and weatherproofing it.
If you use these window maintenance tips, your window will remain in a good state. It is essential to maintain the condition, regardless of whether you own a residential or commercial property, in order to guarantee that they continue to offer dependable and efficient protection for your structure.
