Aluminum joinery is becoming more and more popular in residential and commercial construction. It delights with its modern appearance, durability and resistance to weather conditions. Although aluminum is a material with low maintenance requirements, proper care allows you to maintain its aesthetics and functionality for many years. Check how to care for aluminum joinery in a few simple steps.

1. Regular cleaning – longevity key

Aluminum joinery is famous for its high durability and resistance to weather conditions, but even the best material requires basic care. One of the most important operational activities is regular cleaning of aluminum profiles, which not only improves aesthetics, but also prevents the accumulation of contaminants that may affect the operation of fittings, seals or guides.

How often should you clean aluminum?

It is recommended that aluminum surfaces be cleaned on average every 2–3 months. In places with increased – pollution levels, such as city centers, busy roads, industrial plants or – seaside areas, it is worth performing these treatments even more often, e.g. once a month. Thanks to this, you will maintain not only the cleanliness, but also the durability of paint coatings and seals.

What and how to wash aluminum surfaces?

No specialized measures are needed for daily care. However, it is important to choose the right accessories and cleaning agents that will not damage the surface of the profiles and glass.

Recommended methods and means:

• Use a soft microfiber cloth, a delicate sponge or a brush with soft bristles.
• Apply mild cleaning agents such as dishwashing liquid diluted in warm water – effectively remove dust, grease or atmospheric deposits without destroying the varnish.
• In case of more persistent dirt (e.g. insect residues, soot, bird droppings), use a gentle – varnished surface cleaning preparation, best certified for contact with aluminum.

What to avoid?

• Do not use corrosives, bleaches, alcohols or – solvents may permanently damage the protective layer.
• Avoid wires, hard sponges and – abrasive pastes even if the dirt seems difficult to remove, mechanical scrubbing can scratch the profile surface.
• Do not use high-pressure washers at close range –, they may unseal the joints and damage the seals or varnish.

Practical tip:

After washing, it is worth wiping the surface dry with a soft – cloth, which will help you avoid streaks and deposits from the water, especially if the water in your area is hard (rich in minerals).

2. Care of fittings and seals

To ensure that aluminum joinery works seamlessly for many years, it is worth paying attention regularly not only to glass and profiles, but also to less visible but extremely important – elements such as fittings and seals.

Movable elements, such as hinges, handles, locks and sliding wing mechanisms, are exposed to intensive use. Every about 6 months, it is worth lubricating them with an appropriate – technical grease, e.g. a silicone or universal agent such as WD-40. Lubrication should cover both internal and external parts of fittings.

It is equally important to check the condition of the seals. They should be elastic, clean and fit well to the frame. If you notice dirt, wash it with a delicate cloth soaked in soapy water, then use a special preservative for rubber seals that prevents them from cracking and drying out.

The care of fittings should be adapted to the type of their surface. Powder-coated elements are gently cleaned –, preferably with a soft sponge moistened with water with the addition of a mild detergent. Agents with abrasive and chemically aggressive properties should be avoided.

It is also very important to use preparations with a neutral pH –, only they guarantee that the anti-corrosion coating will remain intact. Using the wrong means can speed up surface destruction processes and disrupt the proper functioning of mechanisms.

Systematic maintenance of – fittings and seals performed at least once a year, preferably every six months. – is a simple way to maintain their efficiency, tightness and aesthetics for many years.

3. Protection against weather conditions

Aluminum is resistant to moisture, frost and UV radiation, but it is worth preventing the accumulation of contaminants in gaps, corners and guides (e.g. in sliding systems).

Tip:

After the autumn and winter season, thoroughly clean and dry all nooks and crannies where water, sand or leaves may have been stored. It is particularly important to prevent the accumulation of dirt in hard-to-reach places, such as frame corners, drainage gaps and sliding wing guides.

Failure to clean these areas regularly can lead to water, mud, sand, dust or leaves, which over time may make it difficult to open and close windows or doors freely. In the long term, it can also affect the operation of drainage systems, accelerate the wear of seals and lead to mechanical micro-damage in moving parts.

What is worth doing?

• Regularly check the condition of nooks and crannies where – dirt may accumulate, especially in sliding systems where guides and rollers are exposed to sanding.
• Clean these areas thoroughly at least quarterly with a thin-tipped vacuum cleaner or soft brush.
• If possible, wipe the components with a dry cloth or use compressed air to remove moisture after cleaning.

4. What to avoid?

• Do not use sharp tools (e.g. wires)

Any wires, rough sponges, hard brushes or knives can scratch the painted surface of the profiles, leading to permanent aesthetic damage. Even minor scratches can lead to point corrosion over time –, especially in places exposed to moisture.

• Don’t try to adjust the fittings yourself without proper knowledge

Modern fittings used in aluminum joinery are precise and often require professional knowledge when adjusting. Improper operation may be the result of, among others: wear of seals or play in hinges. Incorrect interference may worsen the situation and even invalidate the warranty. In case of problems with tightness, difficulties in closing or looseness in the mechanisms, it is best to use the services of an authorized service center.

• Don’t postpone „maintenance until later”

Seemingly minor – omissions such as lack of lubrication of fittings, uncleaned seals or ignoring dirt in – guides can lead to more serious faults and expensive repairs over time. Regular, even basic care (e.g. once every 3 months) allows you to significantly extend the life of the joinery and maintain its full functionality for many years.

Remember!

Taking care of aluminum joinery does not require much time or effort. Just a few simple activities performed regularly are enough to enjoy its reliability, aesthetics and functionality for decades. This is an investment that really pays off!