All posts by Eduardo Savin

Elements That Require Maintenance in an Aluminum Door 

Preventive maintenance on a premium aluminum door is not difficult, but it does require understanding which components directly impact performance, airtightness, and long-term durability. 

And of course, if you’ve already invested in a high-performance system, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional for maintenance, whether preventive or corrective. 

In a luxury door such as Sunny Lux, these are the key components that should be inspected regularly: 

Hinges and Anchoring Systems 

The hinges are the mechanical axis that supports the weight of the panel and allows smooth, effortless movement. In premium residential doors: 

• They’re made from stainless steel or solid brass 

• They support heavier panels like laminated glass or IGU‘s 

• They require periodic cleaning and small adjustments to maintain precision 

If a hinge wears down or becomes misaligned, the door may: 

• Rub against the frame 

• Lose its alignment 

• Compromise the perimeter seal 

• Produce noises while opening or closing 

• This is why hinges are the most critical component in ongoing maintenance 

Perimeter Seals and Weatherstripping 

Seals are essential to: 

• Block air infiltration 

• Prevent moisture from entering 

• Maintain thermal efficiency 

• Reduce exterior noise 

Over time, seals may: 

• Harden 

• Peel away 

• Lose elasticity 

• Leave gaps at corners or contact points 

When this happens, the door loses its airtightness, even if the structure itself remains intact. 

Contact Points (Depending on Configuration) 

Although Sunny Lux is a swing door, not a sliding system, it still includes contact areas that must be kept clean and free of debris: 

• Areas where the panel rests on the frame 

• Bottom stops 

• Strike plates 

• Contact points for the multipoint locking system 

If dust, sand, or moisture accumulate, it can reduce the smoothness of the closing action or generate unwanted noise. 

Laminated Glass / IGU and Basic Inspection 

The glass itself doesn’t require major maintenance, but it does need periodic inspection to ensure safety and performance: 

• No cracks, chips, or impact marks 

• No edge separation or delamination 

• No condensation inside the IGU chamber (a sign of gas leakage) 

• Silicone joints intact and fully sealed 

Sunny Lux uses high-performance safety glass, but visual inspection every few months is still recommended. 

• You may also be interested in reading:  How to Choose Aluminum Doors Based on Your Climate: Rain, Wind or Extreme Heat 

How to Perform Preventive Maintenance on Aluminum Door Hinges 

Hinges are the most important mechanical component in a premium aluminum door. They support the weight of the panel, ensure smooth operation, and maintain the exact alignment of the system. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan and helps prevent future issues. 

Below are the recommended steps: 

Proper Cleaning to Prevent Wear 

Hinges accumulate dust, grease, moisture, and environmental residues, which can affect performance if not cleaned regularly. 

How to clean them: 

• Use a soft or microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris 

• Apply a neutral, non-abrasive cleaner 

• Avoid aggressive chemical products that can damage metal finishes 

High-pressure water and strong solvents are not recommended because they can remove internal lubricants or cause corrosion on screws. 

Recommended Lubricants (What to Use and What to Avoid) 

To maintain smooth movement and prevent friction, the right lubricant is essential. 

Recommended: 

• Silicone spray lubricant 

• Dry lubricant (dry lube) 

• Products formulated for stainless-steel or solid-brass hardware 

Avoid: 

• WD-40-type oils (they clean but do not lubricate long-term) 

• Industrial grease (attracts dust and forms residue) 

• Automotive lubricants 

Using the correct product prevents internal wear, squeaking, and loss of precision in the closing mechanism. 

Periodic Adjustments and Signs of Misalignment 

Daily use, weight, and movement can cause small misalignments over time. 

Signs the hinge needs adjustment: 

• The door rubs against the frame or floor 

• Friction is felt when opening or closing 

• The panel is no longer centered within the frame 

• Clicking, cracking, or squeaking noises 

• Increased force needed to close the door 

Small adjustments done regularly prevent major issues, such as: 

• Frame wear 

• Loss of airtight sealing 

• Glass stress or cracking due to uneven tension 

When to Call a Specialized Technician 

While basic cleaning and lubrication can be done at home, certain adjustments should always be performed by a professional: 

• When the door loses visual alignment 

• When the multipoint lock does not engage correctly 

• If the panel shows excessive movement 

• When screws or hinges show noticeable wear 

• If vibrations are felt while opening 

In premium doors like Sunny Lux, any misalignment can affect airtightness and overall performance. A specialized technician should inspect the system at least once a year. 

Professional Maintenance of Perimeter Seals 

Perimeter seals are one of the most important, and often most overlooked, components of a premium residential aluminum door. They are responsible for blocking air, water, noise, and dust, and for maintaining the airtight performance that defines a luxury system like Sunny Lux.  

Over time, however, seals can harden, deform, or detach, directly affecting the door’s performance. 

These are the key aspects to inspect and maintain: 

How to Identify Worn or Damaged Seals 

Although seals may look like simple rubber or silicone strips, their deterioration impacts: 

• Thermal efficiency 

• Acoustic insulation 

• Moisture protection 

• Smooth closing performance 

• The overall premium feel of the system 

Common signs of wear include: 

• Material feels hard, brittle, or cracked 

• Seals are detaching at corners or joints 

• Small gaps appear between the frame and the seal 

• The door no longer closes tightly 

• Increased entry of air, noise, or dust 

• Vibrations or “thuds” when closing 

If you notice any of these signs, the seals should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Recommended Replacement Cycle and Expected Lifespan 

In premium systems like Sunny Lux, high-performance seals typically last 5 to 15 years, depending on climate, usage, and sun exposure. 

They should be replaced when: 

• UV exposure causes hardening 

• Elasticity is lost 

• Humidity causes detachment 

• Mechanical wear becomes visible 

Replacements must always match the original specification, such as: 

• High-density EPDM 

• Premium silicone seals 

• Certified weatherstripping designed for airtight systems 

Avoid generic or low-cost seals, as they compromise both thermal and acoustic performance and may reduce the life span of the door. 

Signs of Filtration (Air, Water, Noise) 

When seals are no longer performing correctly, the system loses its airtightness. This can lead to: 

• Indoor drafts 

• Water infiltration during rain or storms 

• Increased exterior noise 

• Reduced energy efficiency 

• Vibrations or rattling during closure 

On doors with a multipoint lock, these symptoms can indicate that the sealing system is no longer working as intended. 

Why Seal Replacement Should Be Performed by a Professional 

Although replacing seals may seem simple, proper installation requires: 

• Choosing the correct seal material 

• Precision cutting to avoid gaps 

• Uniform adhesion without excess silicone 

• Perfect alignment to avoid interfering with the multipoint lock 

If installed incorrectly, seals can cause: 

• Panel misalignment 

• Unexpected water or air leaks 

• Noisy door operation 

• Loss of thermal and acoustic performance 

For this reason, seal maintenance should always be performed by technicians trained in premium aluminum door systems.