After installing hurricane-impact doors, homeowners and building owners must keep them in top condition to protect their investments. Here are some guidelines to help you accomplish that.
A hurricane-certified door can withstand winds that travel as high as 100 mph and protect your home or commercial building from flying debris and water damage. Insurance companies may even offer discounts if you install impact-rated doors.
Clean the Tracks
Cleaning the tracks frequently is one of the most excellent methods to maintain your hurricane doors for longevity and functionality. Dirt and grime that builds up in the ways will slow down your door and make it hard to open and close.
Using half water and half vinegar is recommended to remove the gunk. It will loosen the dirt, making it easier to clean.
After the track is thoroughly cleaned, lubricate it with a silicone lubricant. It will help prevent the ways from clumping together and sticking to each other, keeping your door operating smoothly.
Before applying any lubricant, it is important to vacuum up any larger pieces of dirt stuck in the tracks. Vacuuming the route will also make it easier to get into those spots that are hard to reach with a cleaning solution.
Clean the Surface
Using a soapy water solution can get rid of most dirt and debris that accumulates over time.
The right cleaners can also protect the surfaces of your hurricane doors from scratches and dents. Avoid harsh detergents, products containing organic solvents, or nail polish remover.
Use a soft rag or sponge and rinse clean. If dirt accumulates, a multi-surface cleaner is best for the job.
Keeping the surface of your hurricane doors clean is a great idea, and it can save you money in the long run. It also helps prevent the small cracks from expanding and breaking your glass windows.
Lubricate Hardware
Most door hardware, including doorknobs, deadbolts, and hinges, require periodic lubrication. It not only helps eliminate squeaking sounds but also reduces wear and tear.
Doorknobs, locks, and deadbolts should be wiped clean with a mild solvent or a solvent-based door lubricant to remove built-up dirt and grime. An excellent dry silicone spray can lubricate moving components and sliding tracks after the surface has been thoroughly cleaned.
Hinges and door closers should be lubricated with white lithium grease, which repels water to help protect against corrosion. Silicone lubricant is also recommended for the track and roller wheels.
Closers lose their dampening power over time, so they should be reoiled or replaced with a new closer every six months. Technicians should also check the screws that hold the more relative to the door frame to see if they are tight enough. If they are not, a hardening filler can be added, and the screw re-drilled.
Check for Defects
Inspecting your hurricane doors regularly is the best way to keep them in good shape. It will allow you to identify any issues affecting their performance and longevity.
Also, you want to inspect your doors for any cracks or other flaws. These can be a sign of structural damage that requires attention from a professional.
Alternatively, a cracked or damaged door might signal high wind speeds that can cause the frame to bend. If this is the case, you should contact a door replacement company to replace the doors as soon as possible.
In addition to checking for damage, you should inspect the glass on your hurricane doors. The glass is typically protected by a layer of polyvinyl butyral that reinforces its strength.
