Bi-fold glass doors are an excellent addition to any home. They provide an abundance of natural light and spectacular aesthetics. All the while, these doors boast great energy efficiency and durability. To preserve the lifespan of your bi-fold doors, it’s a good idea to undertake a routine of regular maintenance. This will ensure that your folding sliding doors last the test of time, and function optimally. In this guide, we’ll review some tips and tricks for keeping your bi-fold doors in tip-top condition!
Follow along below to learn more.
How Can I Maintain Bi-Fold Glass Doors?
As you might have noticed, bi-fold doors rest on a track that allows them to slide from left to right. When these doors are left open to the outside, debris can blow in and get caught inside of the tracks. This is fairly common, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get debris—like leaves—stuck in there on occasion. However, you must take the time to remove any build-up. This can be done by using a small paint brush to sweep out the track and a vacuum cleaner. In doing so, you’ll keep your doors sliding smoothly and prevent the panels from getting caught in their tracks.
For best security and easy operation, it is a good idea to clean bifold door locks regularly. You’ll also want to check for and remove any obstructions that you find. Using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment can be useful for removing dust and built-up grime. Our folding sliding doors are designed with a multipoint lock system, so make sure they’re in good working order. If any of the moving components feel rigid, it can be helpful to add some WD40 to improve the movement. By cleaning and lubricating your locking mechanisms your doors should remain operational.
Additionally, on the topic of lubrication, you may find that using a solution like WD40 can be helpful in the tracks of the doors. This way they don’t stick as you pull them to open and close. Talk with one of our bi-fold door experts about lubrication and maintenance for your hinges, locks, and tracks if you’d like more information!
All About the Glass!
NOTE: Before cleaning door frames and glass, it is advisable to remove jewelry from your hands or wear gloves as the glass used in double-glazed units can scratch!
The glass in your bi-fold doors is one of the most important components from an aesthetic perspective. Without clean glass, you are prohibiting yourself from experiencing one of the best features that our doors offer! To make sure that you get the clearest view of the outdoors, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your glass regularly. You can do so with a soft microfibre cloth (to avoid scratching the windows) and a glass cleaning product like Windex.
To clean the frame and other parts of your doors, we don’t recommend using any sort of scouring pad or harsh chemicals! Instead, use a soft cloth like you did for the glass and a warm, soap solution to remove any dirt and grime. We recommend cleaning your panels every three months in high-traffic areas. However, if you live in a rural area you can do with cleaning every six months.
Finally, you will want to make sure that you clean and check the seals of your doors now and then. The seals are only able to operate best when they are clean and the doors are aligned properly. When you clean your panels, it is a good time to check the seals to make sure they aren’t damaged or brittle. You can use an appropriate rubber treatment during the winter to ensure that seals remain supple and don’t damage in the extreme cold.
Contact us Today!
Bi-fold glass doors and windows are an excellent and durable addition to any home. However, it is good practice to regularly maintain them so that they remain in working condition. Reach out to one of our team members for more maintenance tips and information. If you’re interested in having folding sliding glass doors and/or windows installed in your home, contact us today! We would be happy to help you discover the world of custom folding sliding doors. Be sure to check out our social media for pictures of past projects we’ve been a part of.
Also, don’t forget to check back next month for more window and door-related content. We look forward to working with you soon!