Your security doors and screens are tough and durable, but they need to be maintained properly in order to continue protecting your home or business in the best possible way. Since they are just about impervious to physical damage, they’ll mostly need protection from environmental challenges. Security door maintenance is not complicated or difficult – there are just a few things to know and be aware of. Let’s take a look.
U Blinds Australia leads the industry in blinds shutters and awnings. Look to us for the protection and enhancement your home and business deserve. Stop in at your nearest showroom to see what we offer and discuss your needs with our welcoming staff. Alternatively, give us a call on 1300 303 391 with your enquiries, or to arrange for our mobile showroom to visit you.
A Guide to Security Door Maintenance
Keep it Clean
This is the one universal need that all security doors have. Doors and screens are tough and weatherproof, but to last and be at their best, they all need regular cleaning to remove dirt and airborne contaminants, on a schedule that will depend on where they’re installed.
Coastal Related Cleaning
The further you are from salt water, the less often you’ll need to clean. Every location is different, but in general if you’re more than 10km from the coast, you can expect to clean every 3 to 6 months. Closer to a saltwater coast, you’ll need to clean your doors and screens at least every 3 months, maybe less depending on wind and humidity. When you get quite near the water, less than 1km from the surf, that is a full marine environment, and you should clean every 1 to 2 weeks.
Wind Related Cleaning
Security doors and screens will be affected by windborne salt, so if you’re in a windy location that gets the sea breezes, you should treat it as being the next step closer to the water as described above. Iron-rich soils and sources of industrial smoke or construction dust will also accelerate wear and should be treated in the same manner.
Keep a Record
Consider keeping a cleaning log, so you’ll always know exactly when each door and screen was cleaned. This will be less work and more accurate than keeping track from memory.
How to Clean & What to Use
You’ll get the best results with products similar to what you would use to wash your car. Nothing too abrasive or harsh. Manufacturers of security doors and screens will give specific advice on what cleaning products they want you to use. Often your warranty will depend on it. Use what the manufacturer recommends, and you can’t go wrong.
Rinsing
Start with a rinse-down with clean low-mineral water, preferably with a regular garden hose. If you use a pressure spray, be sure to step back at least a metre so the powerful water stream doesn’t affect the finish and coating on your doors and screens. Water rinse will remove much of the accumulated salt and particles.
Washing
Wash doors and screens all over with the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product, using a clean, soft cloth. Keep a supply of cloths available so you don’t have to use the same one over and over before laundering or replacing. Your warranty may specify a particular cleaning product so check first before you get started.
Waxing
Some manufacturers also recommend treatment with an automotive-type wax in addition to washing. After the wash and possibly a wax, hose the door or screen down again to get it sparkling clean. You can go over it with another clean cloth to dry, or let the sun and breezes do the job.
Consistency is Important
Security screen door maintenance becomes second nature as you live with and enjoy the beauty and protection of your security doors and screens. If you have many of them, you can alternate cleaning days or weekends. It’s such a small investment of time, and it keeps your investment looking and working great.
Lubrication
Correct lubrication is a key part of security door maintenance. When your doors and screens are dry, touch up hinges and locks with lubricant specified by the manufacturer. If you are off warranty, you can choose products you prefer – the hinges will do well with a general-purpose lubricant that is rated for outdoor service. In a marine environment, use a thicker, more protective lubricant on the hinges.
Locks
Only lubricate locks and latches with products specifically made for that purpose. You don’t want to attract dirt and salt into a lock with the wrong type of lubricant.
Marine Considerations
In a really tough marine environment, consider treating the whole surface of the door or screen with a light lubricant to provide an extra layer of protection. Use a liquid lubricant poured onto a soft, clean cloth and wipe onto the surface to be protected.
Spot Cleaning
Keep an eye out for small areas that may need cleaning at any time. Security screen door maintenance is often about the little things. Always clean off bird droppings as soon as you see them – they’re very corrosive. Don’t use solvents or harsh cleaners – and don’t use a brush or broom, which will scratch the finish and accelerate wear. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner for spot cleaning. Keep it light, and your doors and screens will always be beautiful.
Contact Us to Discuss Our Security Door Selection
Security door maintenance and cleaning is easy. U Blinds Australia is here to bring you the best in security products and enhancements for your windows and doors, from security grilles and security doors to many different styles of awnings and blinds. Visit one of our showrooms and see the variety and selection. Speak with our great staff and get new ideas and all the information you need. Call us with your enquiries on 1300 303 391, and to arrange for our mobile showroom to visit your location.