Proper installation is key to sliding door longevity, but it isn’t the only thing that matters. It’s imperative to think about the threats to the unit’s integrity early on to make it last for as long as possible more easily.
Today, Renewal by Andersen® of St. Louis shares expert tips to extend the service life of your sliding patio doors:
Pay Attention to Glazing Technology
Glass cleaning is at the heart of glazed door maintenance, but some products need less attention than others. Coating the outside surface of the exterior pane with titanium dioxide renders washing a breeze.
When exposed to sufficient ultraviolet (UV) light, it loosens the dirt and allows the water to wash it away more quickly. This invisible coating uses the sun to increase the evaporation rate, allowing the glass to dry faster and leave practically no spots. All of our High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass options feature titanium dioxide coating.
Don’t Forget About the Hardware
Like hinged French doors, sliding units need pieces of hardware that can withstand the test of time. All handles can look enduring superficially, but they’re not always tough to the core. Unless they’re forged from solid brass like our Estate™ hardware, they can break more quickly.
Keep the Track and Rollers Free of Dirt
Ease of operation is the number one selling point of sliding door systems, but any debris buildup could suffice to make active panels work jerkily. Dirty rollers usually wear prematurely because dirt, small rocks and even strands can hair impede their movement.
Put a Premium on Lubrication
All moving parts of patio doors need to be lubricated regularly to function properly over time. However, don’t make the mistake of using wet lubricants or solvent-based greases. These substances collect dirt and many other corrosive particles. Instead, we recommend dry lubricants with corrosion inhibitors to shield the hardware from the harsh elements.
Turn to Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis to have long-lasting sliding doors for your patio. Call us at (314) 310-3636 now to schedule your consultation in St. Louis, MO, or any surrounding community, and you can receive a FREE estimate.
