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How to Clean the Glass on Your Doors
Opt for mild cleaning solutions exclusively when tending to the glass on your doors. It's crucial to promptly wipe away any surplus cleaning solution that accumulates on gaskets, sealants, frames, or finishes to prevent potential damage. Additionally, refrain from cleaning glass in direct sunlight. Under no circumstances should you employ scrapers or razor blades for glass cleaning, as they are highly prone to causing scratches.
How to Clean Door Handle Sets
For regular hardware finishes and surfaces, opt for water and a soft cloth for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleansers, household cleaners, or steel wool.
Oil-rubbed brass/bronze should undergo cleaning only if necessary. When cleaning, rinse the handle set with water, but exercise caution as oil-rubbed brass and bronze are designed to develop a patina over time. Vigorous cleaning or using a cloth may alter the surface appearance.
For stainless steel handle sets, clean with water and mild detergent, followed by thorough rinsing. If surface staining occurs, utilize a stainless steel cleaner exclusively to remove the stains.
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How to Clean and Maintain Retractable Screens
Over time, guide channels can accumulate dust and debris. It's essential to keep the screen channels at the head and sill free from pet hair, fur, dust, sand, and other debris to ensure smooth movement of the screen. Regular removal of such buildup is crucial for optimal functionality.
When the screen is retracted, use a soft cloth or a low suction vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clear any debris from the channel, taking care not to disrupt any tensioning cords. Dusty or coastal environments may necessitate more frequent cleaning.
To maintain clear visibility and airflow, lightly dust the screen mesh. When the screen is extended, use a gentle suction vacuum cleaner with an extremely soft brush attachment to remove any buildup, being extra cautious not to tear or damage the mesh or disturb the horizontal tensioning cords.
How to Maintain the Wood Surfaces
Promptly dry any water that comes into contact with wood surfaces, including the top and bottom edges of doors or window sashes, as these areas are particularly prone to water absorption. Wood surfaces are not designed to withstand direct exposure to water.
Every six months, inspect the wood surfaces, paying close attention to the top and bottom edges of doors and window sashes. It's vital to ensure that these critical edges are fully safeguarded with topcoats that exhibit no cracks or scratches in the clear finish.
Any gaps in the topcoats on any surface can allow moisture to penetrate the wood, leading to cracks, splits, and warping. The same applies to painted surfaces. If necessary, lightly sand with 280-grit sandpaper, wipe clean, and apply a new coat of exterior-grade topcoat/paint.
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How to Clean the Door Track
Keeping the track clean and free of dirt, debris, and pet hair is important for smooth operation of your bi-fold door. To clean the track of your door, use a damp cloth with mild detergent, then wipe dry.
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How to Clean the Weep System in Raised Sills
It's crucial to maintain the cleanliness of the drainage holes (weep system) in the elevated sill to facilitate the smooth flow of water out of the channels, preventing water accumulation and potential entry into the house during heavy rain.
For this task, a pipe cleaner or small bottle brush is effective, or alternatively, you can utilize a can of compressed air equipped with a narrow tube attachment to dislodge dirt and debris from the tubes, expelling them through the holes at the front of the sill.
See this video guide “How to Free Debris from Weep Holes.”
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| Don't Neglect the Hardware in Your Door Maintenance Routine
Hardware undergoes wear and tear due to regular use and environmental factors. It's crucial to conduct routine maintenance in all settings, with increased frequency necessary in harsh coastal environments and commercial or industrial settings.
Every six months, inspect all screws for tightness. If needed, use a low torque setting to tighten screws, ensuring not to strip screw heads. Regularly check components for signs of wear and replace excessively worn parts.
To mitigate surface corrosion, we advise regular washing. Despite regular washing, stainless steel finishes in coastal areas may still exhibit signs of surface corrosion. Wash using soap or mild detergent and warm water, followed by rinsing with clean cold water and drying thoroughly.
In general, if windows or doors require washing, then your hardware should be cleaned as well. However, for coastal/saltwater and industrial environments, we recommend washing hardware at least monthly, and in less corrosive environments, washing every three months.
In coastal/saltwater environments (within three miles from the coast), we suggest applying a light coating of corrosion preventative such as Boeshield T-9, CRC Marine 66, or Inox® to all hardware surfaces, wiping off excess with a dry cloth. When using lubricants or corrosion protection compounds, take care to prevent contact with adjacent surfaces and adhere strictly to manufacturer instructions. Avoid allowing Boeshield or other corrosion preventatives to touch wood surfaces or other absorbent surfaces to prevent staining.
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How to Maintain and Adjust Hangers and Pivots
All hangers are fitted with lubricated ball bearings or plain bearings, requiring no greasing. If the doors ‘settle’ and door clearance is reduced causing friction, raise the door by the hanger adjustment nuts.
View our “How to adjust” videos here to learn the steps to properly adjust your door.
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How to Clean Your Door Rollers
All sill guide tracks and header channels must be free from obstruction and excessive dirt and water. Clean visible surfaces using a damp cloth and mild detergent, then wipe dry. All rollers are fitted with sealed precision bearings requiring no maintenance, but clean exterior surfaces and protect as recommended above.
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How to Clean Bi-Fold Hinges
Clean visible surfaces using a damp cloth and mild detergent, then wipe dry.
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Surface Mounted Locking Mechanisms
We recommend applying WD40 to the sliding pin within the drop bolt and to the lock cylinder (if present). Access holes or slots are available on all drop bolts, located at the top and bottom of door panels, facilitating this task without removing the locks from the doors. Any surplus lubricant should be wiped away. Clean visible surfaces using a damp cloth and mild detergent, then dry with a clean cloth.
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At AG Millworks, we specialize in crafting high-quality door and window systems for luxurious outdoor living. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures that our doors are not only easy to maintain but also experience fewer maintenance-related issues.
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