Modern patio doors have an average lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. This number can change depending on a number of factors, such as material, installation and, most importantly, maintenance. You can add a good year or two to the life of your doors by ensuring that it is properly and regularly maintained. Conversely, a neglected door can also be expected to have a shorter than average lifespan.
It’s not incredibly challenging or difficult to take good care of your patio doors. In fact, most doors only require attention, at the most, about two times a year. This is during spring and fall when the seasons transition into more extreme weather conditions. This fall, here are a few quick maintenance checks our experts at Renewal by Andersen® of St. Louis recommend to keep your patio doors in great shape.
Clean Your Doors
Dust can settle and gather on your doors and windows fairly quickly. For sliding patio doors, the dust can often accumulate in the tracks and impact the way it opens and closes. Give your doors a good cleaning before the fall season rolls around. You can use a gentle microfiber cloth and a 50-50 mix of mild dishwashing soap and water to keep the frames and glass panels looking shiny and new.
Apply Lubrication
The oil or grease that keeps the hinges and other hardware moving smoothly is rarely permanent. Over time, they can dry up, and you might notice that the handles or the openings are now harder to push or pull. Make it a habit to apply lubricant to your patio door hardware to keep it from sticking.
Professional Maintenance
Some luxury patio doors like French doors need professional inspection and maintenance at least once every few years. This is important to keep their seals in good condition and to identify any potential problems before they become more serious.
This season, contact our experts at Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis for a thorough maintenance and inspection of your patio doors and windows. You may reach us at (314) 332-2364 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment today. We serve homeowners in St. Louis as well as other surrounding areas.
