How to Look After Aluminium Windows and Doors

Aluminium windows and doors are tough and low maintenance, which is a big part of their appeal, but a little care goes a long way to keeping them looking sharp and working smoothly for decades. A short routine now saves the sort of home window repair callout you would rather avoid later. Here is how to look after them properly.

We fit aluminium windows and doors across York and North Yorkshire, so this advice is built from real jobs and real Yorkshire weather.

Why aluminium needs so little upkeep

Aluminium frames are powder-coated, which gives them a hard-wearing coloured finish that resists the weather and does not need painting. The metal itself does not rot, warp or swell like timber can. That said, the finish and the moving parts still benefit from regular attention, and neglect can eventually lead to sticking, corrosion at damaged spots or worn hardware.

Think of it as light housekeeping rather than proper maintenance.

Cleaning the frames

Cleaning is the single most useful thing you can do, and it is simple.

• Use warm water with a little washing-up liquid and a soft cloth or sponge.
• Wipe the frames down, working into the corners and along the bottom rails where grime collects.
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
• Do this two to four times a year, more often if you are near a main road or exposed to salt air.

Avoid abrasive pads, scouring creams and harsh solvents, as they can dull or scratch the powder coating. If the coating is damaged and bare metal is exposed, deal with it promptly to prevent corrosion taking hold at that spot.

Lubricating the moving parts

This is the bit people forget, and it is what keeps windows and doors opening sweetly.

• Hinges and friction stays: a light spray of a proper lubricant once or twice a year keeps them smooth. Wipe off the excess so it does not attract dust.
• Locks and multi-point mechanisms: a small amount of the right lubricant in the keeps and along the locking points stops them stiffening up.
• Sliding and bi-fold door tracks: keep the bottom track clear of grit and dirt, as a clogged track is the most common cause of a sticking slider. Vacuum or brush it out, then wipe clean.

Never force a stiff handle or door. Forcing it usually turns a small adjustment into a broken part.

A simple inspection routine

Once or twice a year, give your windows and doors a quick once-over:

• Check the seals and gaskets for splits or gaps that could let in draughts.
• Look for any chips or scratches in the coating and touch them up before corrosion starts.
• Test the locks and handles work smoothly and lock fully.
• Make sure drainage slots are clear so water runs away rather than pooling.
• On doors, check the alignment. A door that catches or has a growing gap may just need adjusting.

Catching small issues early is the whole point. A misaligned door caught now is a five-minute adjustment; left alone it wears the hardware and becomes a bigger job.

When to call someone in

Most upkeep is a homeowner job, but some things are worth a professional eye. If a lock has failed, a hinge is worn, a sealed glass unit has misted, or a bi-fold no longer runs smoothly after cleaning the track, it is time to call in help. Our window and door repair team handles aluminium as well as uPVC, and if you are weighing up an upgrade, our aluminium windows and sliding and bi-fold doors show what the current range looks like.

Getting the most from your frames

Well looked-after aluminium windows and doors can last 30 years or more, and the finish stays smart with barely any effort. The combination of a wipe down, a bit of lubricant on the moving parts and a quick yearly inspection is genuinely all most homes need. It costs almost nothing and heads off the repairs that come from neglect.

FAQs

Do aluminium windows need much maintenance?

Not much at all. A clean with warm soapy water a few times a year, a light lubricant on the hinges and locks, and a quick yearly check of the seals and hardware is enough. The powder-coated finish does not need painting.

How do I stop aluminium windows corroding?

Keep the powder coating intact and clean off salt, grime and pollution regularly. If the coating gets chipped and bare metal shows, touch it up promptly, as corrosion tends to start where the protective finish is broken.

What lubricant should I use on aluminium windows and doors?

Use a proper dry PTFE or silicone-based lubricant made for window and door hardware, applied lightly to hinges, locks and stays. Avoid heavy oils that attract dust and grit, and always wipe off any excess.

Why is my aluminium sliding or bi-fold door sticking?

The usual cause is grit and dirt in the bottom track stopping the rollers running freely. Vacuum and wipe the track clean first. If it still sticks after that, the rollers or alignment may need attention from a fitter.

Thinking about new aluminium windows or doors rather than repairs? Download our latest brochure to see the range, or request a free quote and we will come and have a look.