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Preparing Bifold and Sliding Doors for Winter
Lifestyle
Bifold and sliding doors are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home throughout the year. As the colder months approach, it’s important to give them a little extra care, so they continue to work smoothly and keep your home warm. With a few simple steps, you can keep your bifold and sliding doors running smoothly, protect your home from winter chills, and enjoy their benefits all year round.
Why Prepare Your Bifold and Sliding Doors for Winter?
Cold weather often highlights small issues that go unnoticed in summer. Dirt in the tracks can cause stiffness, older seals may let in draughts, and untreated locks can become difficult to use. Preparing bifold doors and sliding doors in advance helps prevent these problems, protects your investment and keeps your home comfortable. Maintenance also saves time and money in the long term by avoiding repairs caused by wear or neglect.
Bifold and Sliding Door Maintenance
1) Dust Your Doors
Before tackling a deep clean, start with a quick dusting to remove any surface dirt. Dusting first helps make the rest of the cleaning process more effective. Grab a microfibre or soft cloth, and gently wipe down both the glass and frames, working from top to bottom. Start with the interior side to prevent any outside dirt from spreading indoors. This small step goes a long way in keeping your doors looking fresh and dirt-free.
2) Clear the Tracks and Clean the Hinges
Tracks and hinges are common areas where dirt builds up on bifold and sliding doors. Dust, leaves, and even small pebbles can gather here, making it harder for the doors to glide smoothly. Start by checking the tracks and removing any visible debris which may block movement. If you feel resistance when opening or closing the doors, inspect the tracks rather than forcing them. After clearing larger debris, run a vacuum with a narrow attachment along the tracks to remove lingering dust and small particles. For extra detail, use a small brush to clean away any grime or grease from the rollers and hinges, helping your doors stay smooth and easy to operate.
3) Clean the Glass
Keeping the glass pristine is key to maintaining the stunning look of expansive external doors. Use a window cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar to avoid streaks and apply it sparingly to prevent soap residue from building up. Spray the cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and wipe in smooth, circular motions. For a streak-free finish, use a separate, dry cloth to buff the glass to a gleaming shine.
4) Care for the Frames
After cleaning the glass, shift your focus to the frames. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water mix, avoiding any harsh detergents that might damage the finish. Wipe down the frames, hinges, and gaskets to lift away smudges and marks, and for stubborn spots, let a damp cloth sit on the area for a few moments before wiping. Avoid abrasive cloths or scouring pads, as these can damage the finish and dull the appearance of your frames.
5) Lubricate the Mechanism
To keep bifold and sliding doors operating smoothly, apply a silicone-based or specialised door lubricant to all moving parts, including wheels, rollers, hinges, and handles. Before lubricating, wipe away any dirt, dust, or old grease so the new lubricant can work effectively. Regular lubrication not only ensures effortless movement but also helps prevent unnecessary wear on these essential components, extending the life of your doors.
6) Check the Alignment and Inspect the Seals
Periodically check the alignment of your bifold and sliding doors, as even slight misalignment can cause uneven wear and make them harder to operate. Many doors allow for small adjustments by tightening or loosening hinges, rollers, or track fittings. While checking alignment, also inspect the rubber seals around the frames. These seals play an important role in blocking draughts, preventing leaks, and maintaining insulation. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear, replace the seals promptly to keep your doors weatherproof and energy-efficient.
Ventilation and Condensation
Winter often brings higher humidity indoors as we use heating more often. To reduce condensation on bifold doors, sliding doors and aluminium windows, allow some airflow. Trickle vents, if fitted, help manage this, while regular short bursts of ventilation also improve air quality. If you’re considering new windows and doors, opting for thermally broken aluminium frames can significantly reduce condensation but natural airflow and ventilation is required so moisture in the air can escape.
Steve Bromberg, Managing Director at Express, explains:
“Many homeowners only think about their bifold and sliding doors when they want to open them on a warm day, but they work hard for you in winter too. Taking a little time to clean, lubricate and check the parts will make a real difference to performance. It helps keep your home warmer, makes the doors easier to use and avoids minor problems becoming bigger issues down the line.”
When to Call a Professional
While many bifold door and sliding door maintenance tasks can be handled at home, there are situations where professional help is necessary. If the doors are severely misaligned, the glass is cracked, or you’re experiencing persistent issues that can’t be resolved with basic cleaning or lubrication, it’s time to contact a specialist. Professionals can ensure that your doors are properly serviced and help with more complex repairs.
FAQs
Do bifold and sliding doors need maintenance throughout the year?
Yes. Checking and cleaning your bifold and sliding doors throughout the year keeps them in good condition and helps to extend their lifespan.
What is the best product to use on the tracks?
A silicone-based lubricant is recommended, as it prevents sticking without attracting dust and grit.
Can I replace the seals myself?
Yes, many homeowners do, but if you are unsure, a professional installer can advise and fit them correctly.
Will cleaning make a difference to insulation?
Cleaning by itself won’t improve insulation, but it helps you spot damaged seals or gaps which do. Fixing these issues improves comfort in colder months.
With a little preparation, bifold and sliding doors can be just as enjoyable in winter as they are in summer. Simple steps such as cleaning the tracks, applying a silicone-based lubricant, greasing locks, and inspecting seals will keep them operating smoothly while helping your home stay warm. Regular maintenance ensures your doors continue to perform at their best, allowing you to enjoy bright, light-filled spaces all year round. These tips apply to all types of Express aluminium windows and doors. Visit one of our showrooms to explore the full Express range, or contact us for tailored advice on products that will keep your home warm and stylish this winter.
